Courage Scale

When to use it

Use after asking for help, speaking honestly, trying an appropriate challenge, or returning to a task with a revised plan.

How to use it

1. Describe the challenge and the action taken. Establish first that the action was appropriate and safe; risk-taking is not automatically courage.

2. Choose a few aspects to reflect on, such as willingness to ask for help, trying despite uncertainty, applying earlier lessons, and responding respectfully to the result.

3. Use words such as not tried yet, tried with help, or tried independently. If numbers feel useful, define their meaning yourself and keep the meaning consistent across entries.

4. For every rating, add one observed behavior. This prevents the scale from becoming a mood score or a judgment about personal worth.

5. Identify a small next opportunity to practice. It may involve support, a safer boundary, or a smaller version of the task rather than a harder challenge.

6. Compare your own entries over time without ranking other people. Choosing not to proceed with an unsafe or inappropriate request can itself be the responsible action.

A worked example

A practical illustration of the method.

Invented example: A child asks a teacher to repeat directions despite feeling embarrassed. The record says “asked with a prepared sentence” rather than “low courage because I was nervous.” The next goal is to ask one clarifying question when needed, not to stop feeling fear.

Use it thoughtfully

Measuring only whether the task was won.

Comparing different children’s private ratings.

Calling unnecessary danger proof of bravery.

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