About this quote

Courage is the simple act that lets you follow through on your values when it's uncomfortable. Without that steady willingness to act, honesty and kindness get shelved as soon as fear or convenience arrives. Try one small test: say the truth in a short conversation, own a mistake, or keep a boundary for one extra minute. Do that a few times and being honest and generous becomes easier, not just something you mean to do.

When to use it

• Job review: I’m nervous to tell my manager the project missed its target, but I remind myself of Maya Angelou so I can be honest and suggest a fix.
• Family talk: When my daughter admitted she lied, I thought of Angelou and chose to speak calmly and tell the truth about our expectations.
• Health check-in: After I slipped on my recovery plan, I told my counselor straight away instead of hiding it — I wanted to be honest so I could get help.
• Marathon training: At mile 18 I remembered Angelou and kept putting one foot in front of the other instead of quitting, because finishing honestly mattered to me.