"شجاعت ترسی است که یک لحظه بیشتر دوام می‌آورد"

Courage is about holding out just a little longer when you’re scared out of your mind. It’s not about the absence of fear but rather what you do in the face of it. That extra minute can make all the difference between success and failure, or between giving up and pushing through.

This idea was famously expressed by General George S. Patton, a prominent figure during World War II. Patton was known for his bold strategies and fearless leadership. His words reflect the intense situations faced in battle where soldiers had to dig deep and find that extra bit of strength to keep going, especially when fear was overwhelming.

Imagine you’re a firefighter, standing in front of a burning building. You can feel the heat, see the flames, and hear the crackling of the fire consuming everything in its path. Your heart is pounding, and every instinct is screaming at you to turn and run. But then you hear a faint cry for help from inside. This is the moment where courage kicks in. Despite the fear, you take a deep breath, hold on to that fear for just a minute longer, and rush inside to save someone. That’s the practical application of Patton’s idea. It’s that critical moment where you choose to act despite being terrified.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Think about those situations where fear is paralyzing you. Maybe it's speaking up in a meeting, asking for a raise, or even something as simple as starting a conversation with someone new. When you feel that fear, acknowledge it. Then tell yourself to hold on just a bit longer. Take that deep breath and push forward. That’s courage in action.

Here’s a relatable story to bring this home. Picture a young woman, let’s call her Sarah. She’s been working at her company for a few years and has been eyeing a promotion. But every time she thinks about approaching her boss, she’s overwhelmed by fear—what if she gets rejected? What if it affects her current job?

One day, she’s in a meeting where her boss praises a project she’s worked hard on. Her heart races, and she feels that familiar fear creeping in. She’s about to let the moment pass, but then she remembers Patton’s words. She takes a deep breath, holds on to her fear just a little longer, and speaks up. “Actually, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about my role here and the possibility of taking on more responsibility.”

To her surprise, her boss is open to the conversation. They discuss her accomplishments and future opportunities. Holding on to her fear for that extra minute made all the difference. She walked out of that meeting with a new sense of confidence and a clear plan for her career progression.

Remember, courage isn’t about not feeling fear. It’s about feeling it and choosing to act anyway. So next time you’re faced with a scary situation, think of Patton’s words. Hold on just a bit longer, and see what happens. You might just surprise yourself.