What is the difference between bravery and courage? And why is courage better?

First, what’s the difference?

We’re living in a time when words have lost their meaning.

So don’t feel too bad.

If you don’t know the difference between bravery and courage, you’re not alone.

But there is an important difference between these two words

And they represent two different ways of being.

And one way of being is vastly better than the other way.

Because bravery is often fake.

While courage is real.

So what is courage?

You may recall that this word originally meant “open-hearted.”

In fact, the word comes from coeur —

The French word for heart.

But we’ve lost this old meaning.

In fact, if you were to ask most men on the street today what this word means —

They would most likely say it means to be brave.

So —

What is bravery?

You might be surprised to find that the word bravery comes from a different origin altogether.

Because bravery originally meant what you put on to look good.

As in —

Wearing your Sunday bravery, or

A showy display.

So bravery is more like a showy display —

Something on the outside of you.

Whereas courage is something inside of you — something deeper.

And if an outward display of bravery emerges from an inward state of courage — awesome.

But it’s often just a showy display.

As in —

“When you feel afraid, dear — be brave.”

Which often just makes things worse.

Because you know when you’re faking it.

So why is courage better?

It’s better because it comes from a deeper, more genuine place.

A deep place of honesty and clarity.

It’s not something you put on.

Because there usually isn’t time to step into that phone booth to put on your cape when you need it.

You need to respond to a situation in the moment.

But where do I find courage?

Because I’m tired of faking it.

But open-hearted?

Get real, man.

How am I going to tell my partner what I really need?

And how am I going to deal with that difficult person at work?

Before you go outside — look inside.

Because most men look outside of themselves for the strength they need —

So they look for it in books and programs.

Because this guy’s program promises a sure-fire 30 day result.

Or that guy’s book is a best-seller.

The problem is —

When you look outside yourself for the strength you need —

You’re missing the point.

You’re looking for bravery when what you need is courage.

Strength is best found inside your own heart.

In fact, real strength comes from finding a way to express what is inside of you.

In other words, being open-hearted —

Being courageous.

Ready?

So if you want courage, do this.

Start listening to the words that come out of your mouth.

Are your words coming from a deep place?

Or are you faking it?

Are you placating your partner or co-workers or boss?

Or are you coming from a place of integrity?

And sure — it’s scary to be real.

But try it.

It’s better.

And as always —

If you want to talk with an experienced men’s life coach who can help you get real, get in touch with me.

Just drop me a line at mark@marknewtonpdx.com.

I won’t give you a program —

Instead, I’ll help you find your own strong voice so you can speak from a deep place of courage.