Bravery
"I act on my convictions, and I face threats, challenges, difficulties, and pains, despite my doubts and fears."
Become Aware Of Your Strength
Understand what bravery is all about so you can begin recognizing it in yourself and others.
What is Bravery?
To be brave is to face your challenges, threats, or difficulties. It involves valuing a goal or conviction and acting upon it, whether popular or not. A central element involves facing – rather than avoiding – fears.
There are three types of bravery (an individual may possess one of these or a combination):
- Physical bravery (e.g., firefighters, police officers, soldiers)
- Psychological bravery (e.g., facing painful aspects of oneself)
- Moral bravery (e.g., speaking up for what's right, even if it's an unfavorable opinion to a group)
Which virtue is this strength?
Bravery is a strength within the virtue category of courage, one of six virtues that subcategorize the 24 strengths. Courage describes strengths that help you exercise your will and face adversity. The other strengths in Courage are
bravery
,
honesty
,
perseverance
,
and
zest
.
Explore and Apply Your Strength
Research findings on the benefits of the strength of bravery found that Bravery helps people tolerate the vulnerability that is part of growing close to others, thereby helping in the formation and maintenance of close relationships. Bravery involves taking both action and risks, two critical ingredients for personal growth and achievement. This Strength is speaking up when things are wrong or unfair. Ultimately, such actions can lead to significant long-term benefits, often for the greater good of others. These actions also engender trust.
