CharacterLeads® Presents: Building Courage and Lesson Plans on Courage

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."  --Nelson Mandela

People are prone to worry and fear vs. having courage. We often worry over circumstances that are out of our control. Courage starts with knowing what you stand for, so when you are scared or worried, you can handle the situation calmly.  

• So  where  does  your  courage  come  from? 
• In  what or who do you place your trust? 

Often people draw courage from their own  abilities, the money they have in the bank, their  connections, or their popularity. But courage really comes from conviction in what you believe.  

Courage is standing up for what you believe in. When you know what you believe and what you stand for, you can face challenges in a calm way. Leaders need courage to do the right thing.

Courage starts with knowing what you stand for. When you have to decide whether or not you should do something, you have to ask yourself...

1. Does it line up with my values or beliefs?

2. Does it break any rules that leaders I respect have put in place?

3. Is it safe?

You are in the bathroom at school, and you overhear someone talking negatively about your best friend. You know what they are saying is not true. What do you do?

The kids in the neighborhood are making fun of you because you follow the rules. They said you have to go steal a candy bar from a store to prove yourself worthy of being part of their group. What do you do?  

You really want to try diving into deep water at the lake. You have on a life jacket and your parents are in the water waiting for you. You are still  very scared. What would you do?  

Courage is an essential quality for individuals of all ages. It is a quality that can be developed and strengthened over time and can benefit us in countless ways throughout our lives. The ability to face our fears and challenges with bravery and determination is a valuable tool for overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals.

Having courage means taking risks, trying new things, and stepping outside our comfort zones. It can help us to speak up for what we believe in, stand up for others, and make a positive difference in the world. Courage can also help us to navigate difficult situations, such as dealing with bullies or standing up to peer pressure.

One of the most important aspects of developing courage is knowing what we believe in and standing firm in our convictions. When we have a strong sense of our values and beliefs, we are better able to make decisions that align with those values and take action when necessary. It is also important to have a support system of people who encourage and inspire us to be courageous.

In order to be courageous, we must also learn to manage our fears and anxiety. This means developing coping strategies that can help us to stay calm and focused in stressful situations, such as deep breathing, visualization, or positive self-talk.

Ultimately, having courage is about being willing to take action, even when it is scary or uncomfortable. By practicing courage, we can become more confident and resilient, better equipped to handle challenges, and more empowered to create positive change in our lives and the world.

Encourage your child to take on new challenges and experiences, even if they feel scared or unsure. This will help them develop the confidence and courage to tackle future challenges.

Recognize and praise your child's efforts rather than just their successes. This will help them build a growth mindset, where they see mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. 

Kids learn by example, so make sure to model courage in your own actions and decisions. Show them what it looks like to take risks, speak up for what is right, and face fears with determination. 

Create a safe and open space for your child to talk about their fears and concerns. Encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts and offer support and guidance. 

Teach your child deep breathing exercises to calm their nerves and manage stress. This can be especially helpful in anxiety-provoking situations. 

Help your child build a network of supportive and encouraging people, such as family members, friends, teachers, and coaches. Having people who believe in them can make a big difference. 

Reading books that feature brave characters and stories of overcoming obstacles can inspire and motivate kids to be courageous in their own lives. 

Encourage your child to think about their values and beliefs and stand up for their beliefs. This will help them develop a strong sense of self and the courage to speak their truth. 

Let your child make mistakes and experience failure. This will help them build resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. 

Recognize and celebrate your child's small victories and achievements. This will help build their confidence and reinforce their belief in themselves.