The Six Types of Courage

Courage isn't just about grand heroic moments—it's about the small, intentional choices we make daily. In this video, Alex Budak, Faculty Director of the Berkeley Changemaker program, breaks down six powerful types of courage that can elevate your leadership and personal growth.

Video Transcript

Alex Budak:  Real courage isn't quite what you think. Courage isn't reserved for big heroic moments. Courage is built through small, intentional choices every single day. And in moments of uncertainty and challenge, it matters that much more. That's why I like thinking about courage not as singular heroic acts, but instead as everyday courage. And there are six ways to practice everyday courage.

The first is practicing social courage. Being willing to stand out and stand apart from the group, even when there's risks.

The second is moral courage standing on your values even when it's risky.

The third is emotional courage. Showing up fully as yourself, not running away from your feelings, but using them as a key for values aligned action.

Next is intellectual courage. Being willing to admit when you don't have all the answers, or when your old ideas might no longer be true.

Next is creative courage. It's putting ideas and yourself out into the world. 

And lastly is physical courage. Putting your own body on the line, especially in service of others.

Practicing those six types of everyday courage, make courage accessible to all of us and not something for a rare heroic moment, but something that leaders can do every single day.