The Differences between Lending Aid & Courageous Action | The Courage Quotient

Five Mental Steps to Lending Aid

1. Notice an event.
2. Understand that the event is urgent.
3. Assume responsibility.
4. Know what type of aid to deliver.
5. Decide to act.

Four Mental Steps to Courageous Action

1. Experience fear or discomfort (accept the fear).
2. Understand that action is a choice despite the negative feelings (do not let the fear dictate your fate).
3. Feel confident enough in the outcome (even if uncertain) or in the necessity of the action (focus on positive possible outcomes).
4. Decide to act (engage your courage).

Biswas-Diener, R. (2012). The courage quotient: How science can make you braver. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.