What Is Courage?

What is courage? People across time, including philosophers, writers, and leaders, have offered their own answers. While definitions vary, one thing is clear: courage sits at the root of all other virtues. NextArrow believes courage drives meaningful progress. Without it, candor falls flat, confidence loses impact, and compassion never fully lands.

What Is Courage?

Aristotle described courage as a balance between recklessness and fear. Hemingway called it grace under pressure. JFK tied it to standing for values greater than party or popularity.

We see it a little differently. At NextArrow, we’ve developed a simple equation that brings courage into focus—and into action.

The Courage Equation

Power 

Power is the ability to take meaningful action, driven by skill, experience, and knowledge—not just title or authority. Courage alone isn’t enough. Jumping into the water to save someone isn’t brave if you can’t swim. Without clear communication, your message won’t land. True courage requires the power to back it up.

Purpose

Purpose gives courage meaning. Not every daring act is courageous—some are mere spectacle. True bravery serves a higher goal. Rescuing someone in danger has a purpose, while risking safety for a thrill does not. The purpose is what turns bravery into something truly valuable.

Dragon

This is what gets in the way. Doubt. Fear. Anxiety. The voice that whispers, “Don’t bother.” We call these voices dragons. Everyone has them. Some roar, some whisper. The stronger they are, the harder it is to act with courage. However, you can manage these voices. When you face them directly, you start to take back control.  

Your Turn: Use the Courage Equation

Courage isn’t just for big moments. It’s something you can build. Start here:

• Power: What skills or tools do you need? On a scale of 1–10, how much control do you have now? What would move that up one point?

• Purpose: Why does this matter to you? How clear are you on your reason on a scale of 1–10? What would add more clarity?

• Dragon: What fear is getting in the way? Give it a number—how loud is it? What would turn the volume down?

Courage doesn’t require the fear to go away. Fear is part of the process. But you can learn to move forward anyway.

Where Courage Starts at Work

At work, courage can appear in a difficult conversation, a risky idea, or a new leadership role. It always needs the same elements–power, purpose, and a willingness to face the dragon. You can build each one.

That’s what we do at NextArrow. Our workshops help people grow the skills they need to take courageous action. From confidently presenting to leading with clarity, we create learning experiences designed to build your power, connect to your purpose, and quiet the dragon.

We offer one-on-one coaching, group coaching, and team programs—all interactive, tailored, and built to support up to 30 participants. We'd love to connect if you’re ready to strengthen your courage at work and help others do the same.

Let’s build it together—one skill, one insight, one dragon at a time. Contact us today.