Want to increase and strengthen your courage? These top 10 courage building exercises can help.
#1: Listen to music.
"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." - Henry David Thoreau
Music helps balance your inner rhythm with your outward actions. Listen to music specifically designed to uplift and strengthen the spirit.
#2: Speak your mind gracefully
"Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character." - Margaret Chase Smith
"Grace under pressure." - Hemingway's response when asked to define having guts.
When a wrong exists, someone must speak up against it. This may be difficult, but by overcoming the difficulty you build up your courage. The most effective speech is when you are considerate of others while clearly stating your case.
#3: Be Hopeful.
"If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream." - Martin Luther King Jr.
#4: Develop Good Habits
"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny". - Anonymous
#5: Meditation
Meditation clarifies our thoughts and strengthens our resolve. It increases our resolve and focus. Regular meditation also helps the physical body repair and regulate itself. Most people meditate through prayer although there are many, many different ways to meditate. One good way is by practicing the relaxation response as explained in detail by Herbert Benson and Miriam Klipper.
#6: Take bold action
Overcome fear by doing those things you know to be just and right. Courage is action over fear. Stand up for your beliefs and take action.
#7: Exercise
In Toughness Training for Life, James E. Loehr recommends regular situps to build up a core of toughness. Everyone can do some form of exercise. Give it your all and watch your courage grow.
#8: Eat right
Maximize your physical potential by eating right. This means for many people a diet full of vegetables, fruits, and grains while light on the red meat. When great courage is needed, you will be ready.
#9: Study
Courageous action is smart action. Adopt a respect for education, including math and science. Become as well educated in your line of work as you can be. This will make you more effective, and when your courage is called upon, you will act in an efficient and effective manner.
#10: Be generous
Give of yourself in a cheerful and uplifting way. Consistently think of nice and thoughtful things you can do for others. Make a difference in people's lives through your generosity.
