Integrity is choosing courage over comfort is more than just a quote. It’s a practical framework for making tough decisions. It forces you to align your actions with your stated values, especially when it’s difficult. This is where real character is built.
Share Image Quote:At its core, this quote redefines integrity not as a passive state of being “good,” but as an active, often difficult, series of choices. It’s about what you do when no one is watching and the easy path is right there in front of you.
Let’s break this down. You see, most people think of integrity as just telling the truth. But Brene pushes it way further. She’s saying the first test is choosing courage over comfort. That’s the initial hurdle. It’s the moment you decide to have the awkward conversation instead of avoiding it.
Then, she hits us with the second layer: right over fun, fast, or easy. This is the daily grind of integrity. It’s doing the deep work instead of scrolling, it’s honoring a commitment when you’re tired, it’s admitting a mistake even if it’s embarrassing.
And the final, killer point? Practice over profess. This is the one that separates the talkers from the walkers. Anyone can post their values on social media. But living them? When it costs you something? That’s the real work. It’s a continuous, imperfect practice, not a trophy you win.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Wisdom (385) |
| Topics | integrity (42), values (51) |
| Literary Style | structured (37) |
| Emotion / Mood | inspiring (392), serious (155) |
| Overall Quote Score | 85 (305) |
This is straight from Brené Brown’s 2015 book, Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice. You’ll sometimes see it floating around unattributed or mistakenly credited to other leadership or self-help figures, but its home is firmly in her research on vulnerability and wholehearted living.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice (39) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Dr Brene Brown is the author of books such as Daring Greatly and The Power of Vulnerability. The TED talk and Netflix production based on her research reached out to millions of audience. She researches effects of courage and vulnerability in shaping people's work and relationships. She leads the Brené Brown Education and Research Group and provides evidence-based insights into practical tools to help people train themselves
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |
| Quotation | Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2017; ISBN: Unknown (based on her talk and workbook materials); Length: ~60 pages (lecture adaptation, Sounds True audio transcript). |
| Where is it? | Section: Integrity, Approximate Page 24 |
In the book, this isn’t just a nice saying. It’s part of her “Rising Strong” process—that messy, painful, but essential work we do after we fall flat on our faces. She positions integrity as the non-negotiable bedrock for getting back up. It’s the compass you use to navigate the aftermath of a failure or a conflict.
I use this as a litmus test all the time. Seriously.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Theme | Principle (838) |
| Audiences | educators (295), leaders (2619), professionals (751), students (3111) |
| Usage Context/Scenario | ethics discussions (10), leadership training (259), motivational talks (410), organizational workshops (1), personal reflection (34) |
Question: Does this mean I can never have fun or take the easy way out?
Answer: Not at all. It’s about the critical choices where your core values are on the line. It’s not about burning yourself out; it’s about knowing when comfort is self-care and when it’s cowardice.
Question: How is this different from just having strong morals?
Answer: Morals are your internal belief system. Integrity is the action that proves you believe it. It’s the bridge between what you think and what you do.
Question: What if I fail at this?
Answer: You will. Everyone does. The point isn’t perfection. The “practice” in “practice our values” is key. It means you get up and try again tomorrow. The attempt itself is a win.
Integrity is when our words and deeds… it’s that powerful alignment between what you believe inside and how you show up. It’s the secret sauce for building real trust, both…
You know, I’ve seen this Brian Tracy idea in action for years. Self-confidence grows from self-discipline… it’s not just a feel-good phrase. It’s the real, hard-won process of building trust…
You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about that Simon Sinek quote on leadership. “Leadership is about integrity, honesty, and accountability.” It’s one of those simple but profound truths that…
You know, that idea that “Self-deception is a silent thief of integrity” hits differently when you’ve seen it in action. It’s not a loud failure, but a quiet erosion of…
You know, I’ve seen it time and again: People flourish in an environment of trust… it’s the absolute bedrock of any high-performing team. It’s not just a nice idea; it’s…
You know, when Kiyosaki said, “In the Information Age, the most valuable asset you can…
You know, "The richest people in the world look for and build networks" isn't just…
Your days are your life in miniature is one of those simple but profound truths…
Discipline is built by consistently doing small things well is one of those simple but…
You know, the more you take care of yourself isn't about being selfish. It's the…
You know, that idea that "There are no mistakes, only lessons" completely reframes how we…
This website uses cookies.
Read More