Develop Courage

Statesmen have the courage to venture, endure, and withstand dangers, fears, and difficulties that stand as roadblocks to their missions.

Mentors play a pivotal role in developing this attribute. Imagine a young student who possesses a strong work ethic and sense of mission, yet is afraid to speak in public.

The mentor discusses great ideas as well as stories of men and women who sacrificed and endured fear to fulfill their missions. He then helps the student overcome fear by giving him the opportunity to share his ideas in front of a small group of peers. The mentor will then have the student speak in front of larger groups.

Once the student feels capable of speaking in front of groups, the mentor will increase the challenge. He will design simulations where the student is placed in situations where he may have to fight for what he believes.

One of the most challenging situations for many students is the oral examination, wherein the mentor designs the setting and questions to maximize the growth of each student. While every student has his own specific fears, overcoming them in one area usually gives the student confidence to overcome them in others.

Accordingly, field experiences and outdoor activities under controlled circumstances can be used to foster courage. Overcoming physical challenges can be used as a faith-building catalyst to overcome mental, spiritual, emotional or social fears.

Finally, the mentor will maintain an educational environment where increasing difficulties can be met sequentially, allowing the student to grow by overcoming increasingly difficult challenges.

Churchill rightly said that courage is the most important of all virtues because it guarantees the others.

Inspire Greatness