Character is the Compass for Courage

Why is character the compass for courage, and how does it help achieve confidence? A Confident Mindset™ is built upon the 3C’s: Courage, Character, and Commitment Courage is the foundation of building confidence. It means a child understands the risks but is still willing to face their fears and embrace new experiences. Character values teach children how to treat themselves and others and guide them in making the right choices, even in challenging situations. At ACM, we use the character as a compass, guiding our pursuit of new skills with the ultimate goal of developing true confidence in those abilities. Simply put: Courage without Character is directionless. 

With years of experience in coaching teachers and mentors to instill confidence in kids, A Confident Mindset™ believes that these traits are actually learned with practice.

These qualities aren’t simply innate; they take intentional effort to cultivate. And ACM has your back! Let’s focus on how character is the compass for courage. 

What is Confidence? A Redefined Concept

A Confident Mindset™ redefines confidence as a feeling of optimism and trust in one's abilities. Confidence is not something you are born with; it is something that can be acquired through actions of practice.  ACM is built upon 3 pillars:  Courage, Character, and Commitment–and there 6 Steps to developing A Confident Mindset™:  

• Step 1: Believe in yourself
• Step 2: Face your fears
• Step 3: Be good to yourself
• Step 4: Be good to others 
• Step 5: Regular practice
• Step 6: Better practice

How is Character the Compass for Courage?

Character defines who you are, what your values are, and where you want to be. It is a compass that focuses on your beliefs to build courage to initiate a step. Without a firm, self-believing character you can never decide where to invest your energy. It guides you to strengthen yourself and do what you want. No matter easy or tough, your character helps your courage find a way out of it. 

Developing Character

A Confident Mindset™ divides developing character into two steps: Be Good to Yourself and Be Good to Others, which make up steps three and four respectively. Both of which empower you on your confidence journey.

•  Step 3: Be Good to Yourself 

 Making choices that make us feel good and bring us joy is a way in which we can be good to ourselves. Making good choices for ourselves also reinforces our belief in ourselves, which, as we know, is Step 1 of ACM. This belief can drive a child to stay more motivated to complete the challenges they face and pursue the goals they set. We’re more likely to commit to goals and passions that come from intrinsic motivation and align with our character values.

•  Step 4: Be Good to Others

 Being good to others is about making a difference in the world. As children grow, they don’t just learn skills—they learn how to be part of a team, how they fit into their communities, and how their actions can contribute to society. The act of helping others beyond family and friends can instill a sense of purpose. A community that comes together and works as one can lead to true, impactful change, truly making a difference!

Conclusion

Children are more likely to embrace new activities when they align with their values and character traits. Character acts as a fuel for action and practice, keeping efforts consistent with core beliefs. Together, character and courage transform challenges into opportunities while going through this journey of becoming confident!