How do you define courage?

"Standing up for what you believe, regardless of the consequences," is how the fellow baseball fan described courage.

During a lull in the game, and I asked a guy a couple of seats down the row, how he would define courage. It took a few minutes to get warmed up and he delivered the home run definition.

His description hit close to home for two reasons; 1) this explanation captured a common version of what tests our courage in our hyper-sensitive world, and 2) I am more aware of my failings to make a stand than my successes.

The cost of violating the ambiguous line of political correctness is high. The risk is an extreme backlash against saying anything that carries a hint of offensiveness to anyone within earshot. The Internet and social media have redefined the range of earshot from a few feet, to worldwide.

A benefit of our brave new world includes holding the extremist accountable, but the cost is measured in the untold number of silenced voices that may otherwise speak. A healthy society requires standing for our beliefs, regardless of the cultural popularity.

Demonstrated courage is through stepping forward and adding our voice to the discussion.

Sadly, I have chosen silence more often than courage. There are friends, co-workers, and causes that have suffered because I resisted the call of courage and gave in to the perceived risks. I am aware of this temptation and expending effort to develop the muscle of courage.

What does it look like for you? When have you stepped up and weathered the storms that come with being courageous?

What aspects of courage most resonate with you? How does this aspect influence society? When did you demonstrate courage in this area and when did you stumble, why?

How do you develop courage?

Courage is a skill. Courage is built. Courage takes practice.

You watch what you eat To build a healthy body. You hit the gym To build muscle and run To develop your cardio capacity. You answer the crossword puzzles To keep your mind sharp. You meditate To develop inner peace.

What comes before the "To" as you develop courage?

Strewn across social media are quotes about facing your fears, but are you methodical and track this development like any other growth area? Do you intentionally step a bit closer to the edge of the cliff with the intention of weakening the fear and developing courage? 

Former Arena football player and entrepreneur, Lewis Howes (@lewishowes), often recounts his fear of girls in school. He committed to talking to a girl every day and try to get her phone number. Regardless if he gained the contact information, he won. Courage was under construction and strengthened daily.

Situations arise that require spontaneous courage; stopping a burglary, averting a nuclear attack, or the need to fend off a Martian invasion. Statistically, these events are rare. Those that dedicate their lives every day to our safety and security submit themselves to rigorous training to prepare for such circumstances. Building courage is through one real encounter or simulation at a time.

You will face one of your fears in the next month; fear of heights, public speaking, asking for a raise, catch a spider, fire an employee, hold your ground in a conflict, or a host of other day-to-day concerns. Better to reinforce your courage in one of these areas in preparation for the future. Sure as the sun will rise and gravity will keep your feet on the floor, courage will be in demand.

What is a particular courage building task you can add to your weekly plan? Join the community and get committed; add your task to the comments.

Going Further: What area of your life do you want greater courage? How has this fear impacted your life? How can you intentionally work to strengthen this area? Do you have confidence that submitting yourself to micro doses, will increase your courage? What would it look like to have healthy courage in this area? What question was missed?

Who are the courageous among you?

The Marine rushes toward the enemy; the firefighter sprints into the building, and the bald boy stares down another round of chemotherapy. Courage is humble in nature and doesn't draw attention to itself.

The courageous walk among us and don't desire parades. They alone peer out of their eyes and are confronted with a choice; freeze or act. This choice may be an act to survive, save another, or stand firm for a cause.

I had always heard that being a grandparent was fantastic, all the fun without the responsibility. Therefore, I hacked the system and became a grandfather through marriage.

This hack provided a view of my granddaughter's courageous battle with Stage 3 thyroid cancer. This cancer diagnosis is rare for a 20-year-old. Her dream of an Air Force career was dashed as she sat in the doctor's office, listening to the news.

Ashley has been the epitome of one who refuses to be beaten down by the disease. She has poured her passion for the military and uniformed public servants into her art. This cancer fighter is on her way to building quite the artist portfolio (@ash_militaryartist) and more importantly, character refined in the fires of courage exercised.

I have encountered courage in survivors of the 9/11 Pentagon, 2013 Navy Yard shooting, domestic abuse, floods, Nazi concentration camps, veterans, those that have faced their private demons, raised a hand to ask a question and risk embarrassment, or held the hand of a dying spouse or parent.

Nobody leaves this life unscathed, and it requires courage to make it through.

Conversations are a gateway to hearing these stories. Everyone has a story and can teach remarkable things. If we walk away from a conversation bored, we have failed to ask the right questions; It's not their fault. We must learn to appreciate those standing before us and be listening for a story of courage.

Your list is different than mine; who is on your list?

Be encouraged, the odds are good your name is on someone's list.

Going Further: Are there common themes in the stories around you? What long-time friends story do you have yet to hear? When did you last encourage these stories of courage?

Photo: The Protea flower symbolizes courage.

How were you courageous as a youth?

Troy had curly black hair, was a couple of years older, towered at least two feet over me, and muscles that would have caused the Terminator to think twice.

Well, maybe he was only a few inches taller and had the average 8th grade build. Perhaps, time has calibrated my memory. Troy terrorized my early days of Middle School through daily intimidation. I was not beaten up, but his presence caused me to change direction or backtrack for avoiding a confrontation.

Everything changed in a moment, with a flash of courage. I was wearing a stylish black fake motorcycle jacket with silver zippers on the chest. The kind of cool jacket that only the early 80's could produce. The day of reckoning occurred one afternoon outside the gym. Troy ran up to me and said he could spit in one of my open zipper pockets. With knees trembling, I stood my ground, replied "yes you could" and pushed my way past him.

I don't remember much of what I learned in school over those years, but I do know that Troy was never a problem again. This display of courage may have been one of my greatest lessons I remember; thanks, Troy.

In The Gifts Of Imperfection, writer and research professor, Brene Brown references an earlier version that is closer to the Latin root; "To speak one's mind by telling all one's heart." This definition supports the courage you and I can exhibit each day as challenges come our way. Most are not running from lions for survival or running into burning buildings to save lives.

Our courage challenge is to remain faithful to who we are as individuals. To stand up for who we are, the causes we believe, speaking for the voiceless and changing at least our corner of the world becomes our mission. Pushing back on the internal resistance that demands cowering to fears and temptations, is when courage is on full display.

Youthful moments of courage can prove to be defining moments and the seeds for today's courage. The courage of vulnerable living, creating your art and shipping it to the world, and choosing gratitude in the face of a trial are a few of the daily demonstrations. The world is awaiting your courage and will be less without it.

Going Further: What is your story of youthful courage? Did your circumstances dictate a consistent type of courage? How did this early exposure to courage influence your life today?