Bravery is the capacity to take action to aid others in spite of significant risk or dangers. This strength allows people to avoid shrinking from the threats, challenges, or pain associated with attempting to do good works. Brave acts are undertaken voluntarily with full knowledge of the potential adversity involved.  Brave individuals place the highest importance on higher purpose and morality, no matter what the consequences might be.

How to demonstrate this Character Strength:

Movies: A Few Good Men (1992), Erin Brockovich (2000)Movies; Schindler’s List (1993), Life as a House (2001)Movies: A Few Good Men (1992), Erin Brockovich (2000)

Suggested strategies that correlate with this strength:

  1. Resist social or peer pressure for noble values and causes in meaningful ways (write, speak out, participant in a protest, join an activist organisation).
  2. Speak up for or write about an unpopular idea in a group.
  3. Take small, practical steps for a constructive social change.
  4. Report an injustice, abuse, blatant unethical practice, or abuse of power or resources to appropriate authorities, even if the perpetrator is someone close to you.
  5. Protect or stand up for someone (such as a younger sibling or a battered woman) who will not otherwise stand up for themselves
  6. Ask difficult questions that help you and others face reality
  7. Clarify your values by thinking about how best they have served you in challenging situations.
  8. Cultivate a reputation for recognising and appreciating brave acts which are accomplished despite challenges.
  9. Identify an area in which you generally shy away from confrontations. Practice the phrases, the tones, and the mannerisms that will enable you to effectively confront the situation next time.
  10. Collect contemporary stories of bravery in everyday life situations.
  11. Don’t be afraid to be different but positive.
  12. Don’t be afraid to befriend someone who is different but positive.

By monitoring the above, you will be able to catch when there is an incongruence in this personal strength. An incongruence will compromise you and cause inner conflict, so the above will help you keep on the right track.

 

References:

Niemiec, R. M, 2017, Character Strengths Interventions, Hogrefe, Boston

Tayyab, R., Anjum, A., 2005, 340 Ways to Use VIA Character Strengths, University of Pennsylvania