Courage is the Catalyst
June 5, 2012 – 1:39 pm
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” ~Maya Angelou
Although many virtues live above courage in my value hierarchy, courage is the catalyst for all change. To modify any behavior or situation, it demands that you courageously adopt and repeat an uncomfortable shift in a pattern. To be more compassionate, more patient, more righteous, more tenacious, more loyal, more calm, more trusting, more meticulous, they all demand greater courage.
I’ve crumbled under the weight of many changes in my life, but only bravery helped me crawl out of the bottom of the rubble, back to the light of day. When a problem or circumstance feels threatening, overwhelming, or even just frustratingly unmoving, be courageous, and you’ll catalyze the change you need.
I was asked how does one develop courage to face uncomfortable situations. Life comforts the disciplined and disciplines the uncomfortable, so make yourself uncomfortable every day with small, consistent discipline.
Practice courage in your exercise and nutrition: small, consistent acts of courage to perform another repetition with good form, and the bravery to make the next choice in healthier nutrition, and the next with greater discipline.
Then, you have built the strength to make the choice in thoughts: the courage to remain positive, to resist negative, and ultimately the courage to switch from negative to positive thoughts.
Facing uncomfortable situations will be empowered by that daily practice.
V/R,
Scott Sonnon
