Heart Flashcards
(29 cards)
The Word Courage
Comes from the French word Coeur, meaning “heart.”
Courage
The “heart” of our psychological virtue system.
Without it, all the values “wither away into mere facsimiles of virtue.”
What is Courage?
Courage is the capacity to move ahead in spite of despair.
It is not the absence of despair.
Courage is to move forward…. no matter what!
Tiger Woods quote
“The day I’m not nervous stepping onto the first tee - that’s the day I quit.”
Georgia O’Keefe quote
“I’ve been afraid every single day of my life, but I’ve gone ahead and done it anyway.”
Aristotle’s Virtuous Mean
There are “vices of excess” and “vices of deficiency,” and right between those vices is the “virtuous mean.”
Vices of Deficiency
Too little courage. When faced with fear, the despair you feel causes you to run the other direction. When you feel despair, use this feeling as a sparkplug to think of new ways to boost your courage.
Vices of Excess
Too much fearlessness. Being rash.
Learned Optimism
Make a setback or feeling of despair temporary and specific. Embrace an optimistic explanatory style that will leave you empowered.
It’s all about how you perceive the challenge.
Think: I can handle this, no matter what!
Creative Courage
The discovery of new forms, new symbols, new patterns on which a new society can be built.
Commitment and Doubt
Commitment is healthiest when it is not without doubt but in spite of doubt.
Fully Human
A man or a woman becomes fully human only by his or her choices and his or her commitment to them.
People attain worth and dignity by the multitude of decisions they make from day by day.
These decisions require courage, lack of shame, boosted courage, self-esteem.
Your Central Need
Every organism has one and only one central need in life, to fulfill its own potential.
Self-actualization
To become everything one is capable of becoming.
Betraying Yourself
If you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being, you will have betrayed yourself.
Greatness
Have the courage of your own greatness.
To lack the courage of your own greatness is to betray yourself.
Joy
Joy is the goal of life, for joy is the emotion which accompanies fulfilling our natures as human beings.
Presence
The state of being attuned to and able to comfortably express your true thoughts, feelings, values and potential.
We are no longer fighting ourselves, we are being ourselves.
The Search for Presence
Finding the honest, powerful connection we create internally, with ourselves.
It is not about finding charisma or extraversion or carefully managing the impression we are making on other people.
Self-affirmation Theory
Remind yourself what matters most to you and, by extension, who you really are.
Ground yourself in the truth of your own life story.
Self-affirmation makes you feel less dependent on the approval of others and even more comfortable with their disapproval.
Name three macros of happiness
- Enjoyment
- Satisfaction
- Purpose
Enjoyment
Communion with others
Consciousness
Say no to
Cravings
Temptations
Build strength to say no to cravings and temptations, moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day.
Satisfaction is ____ ____ ____
How you feel when you do something difficult that meets your life’s purpose. Adding satisfaction to your life usually comes down to aligning your actions with your values, meeting core emotional needs, and being present in the moment. Here are some concrete ways to cultivate more satisfaction:
- Clarify What Matters
- Identify your values (e.g., growth, family, honesty, creativity).
- Align your daily choices with those values. Be congruent.
- Ask regularly: “Does this support the life I want to live?”
- Simplify and Prioritize
- Reduce clutter—physically, digitally, mentally.
- Focus on what you control.
- Say no to things that don’t serve you.
- Practice Gratitude
- Daily: Write down 3 things you’re thankful for.
- Reflect on what went right instead of only what went wrong.
- This rewires the brain toward contentment.
- Be Present
Mindfulness isn’t just meditation. Try:
- Eating without distractions
- Going for walks and noticing nature
- Listening fully during conversations
- Do Meaningful Work
- Doesn’t have to be your job—volunteering, creating, helping others all count.
- Satisfaction comes from feeling useful and connected.
- Strengthen Relationships
- Spend more intentional time with people who energize you.
- Express appreciation often.
- Let go of resentment where possible.
- Pursue Growth, Not Perfection
- Learn something new, even if small.
- Take on manageable challenges.
- Celebrate small wins—they accumulate.
- Take Care of Your Body
- Sleep, nutrition, and movement aren’t just for health—they directly affect mood and satisfaction.
- Daily physical activity—even walking—boosts well-being.
- Create Moments of Joy
- Schedule little pleasures: music, art, hobbies, nature.
- Don’t wait for big events to feel good.
- You’re allowed to enjoy life even during hard times.
- Reflect Often
- Journal or check in with yourself weekly: “What gave me energy this week? What drained me?”
- Adjust accordingly.
