Character and Courage

For centuries, the idea of courage has been regarded as the basis of character for all great men (and women). For this reason courage has been pondered by philosophers, researchers, psychologists and coaches since the beginning of recorded history. From Aristotle to former NFL coach Bill Parcells and the thousands in between, they have regarded this character trait to be superior to all others in defining a great player and person. They have tried to devise techniques to recognize courage and understand that it is a fleeting concept that comes out only when pushed to the extreme of our physical and mental tolerance.

Today, sport psychologists have defined Courage as the willingness to act despite the presence of fear in the pursuit of a worthy goal. It is important to recognize the “mean” or middle ground necessary for courageousness. An excess of courage would simply manifest itself through reckless actions and decisions. On the other hand, a lack of courage would manifest through cowardice actions. A courageous athlete would find him/herself somewhere in the middle of these 2 extremes.

Many would say that athletics is a great place for courage to be developed. While others would say that either you have it or you don’t. Lastly, some would explain athletics as a place for this virtuous character trait to be revealed. I believe the ladder to be the most appropriate description of courageousness within athletics. Athletics will allow the opportunity for an athlete to display both physical as well as psychological courage:

Physical courage- This is the type that we see every day when we turn on ESPN. It is the image of an athlete playing after sustaining a painful injury. It is the athlete that leaves every ounce of physical energy out on the field for the sake of something bigger than him/herself.

Psychological Courage- This type is much more subtle. This courage is what happens behind the cameras. It is waking up early before the competition day after day. It’s telling your friend and teammate that he/she is not pulling their weight or recognizing that you might be outmatched but continuing to compete and fight. It is pushing on in the face of insurmountable odds when everyone would understand if you gave up.

In both examples of courage what is expressed is a quality of selflessness that cannot be denied and that defines an athlete’s character on and off the field. Not only does it make a good athlete great, but it also makes a great friend, teammate, husband, wife, mother or father. Like many of the qualities explained in these weekly installments, courage, although very easily recognized on the field of play is just as necessary in the Field of life.

Be courageous & Stay believing.

Pete is a strength and conditioning coach at West Point Military Academy and the director for Athletics programs for iBELIEVE. He received his masters degree in Sports Psychology from Boston University.