The Hidden Power of Infinitesimal Courage: Small Acts That Change Everything

“The greatest challenge in my life and greatest setbacks have been when I have compromised myself in an infinitesimal way.” — Curt Cronin

In the Navy SEALs, courage is often associated with acts of extreme heroism—charging into danger, making split-second life-or-death decisions, and standing firm in the face of overwhelming odds. But in my experience, the courage that truly shapes our lives isn’t always about grand gestures. It’s about the small, nearly invisible moments where we choose to stand in our truth or let fear dictate our actions.

This is what I call infinitesimal courage—the daily, seemingly minor choices that either keep us aligned with who we truly are or slowly erode our integrity over time. Unlike heroic courage, which is often externally validated and celebrated, infinitesimal courage operates in the shadows, shaping our character and our future with each small decision.

So, how do we cultivate this kind of courage? And why does it matter more than we think?

The Subtle Ways We Lose Ourselves

“Did I fully express it all the way, or did I leave gaps that would allow for misinterpretation?” — Curt Cronin

One of the most insidious things about infinitesimal courage is that its absence is often imperceptible—until it’s not.

Think about the last time you avoided a difficult conversation. Maybe you held back a critical piece of truth because you didn’t want to cause discomfort. Perhaps you let someone’s disrespectful remark slide because it was easier than addressing it. Or maybe you nodded in agreement when, deep down, you knew you didn’t align with what was being said.

At the moment, these decisions feel small. Harmless, even. But they accumulate. Over time, they create a version of ourselves that is a few degrees off from who we truly want to be. And just like a ship sailing one degree off course, a slight misalignment—sustained over time—leads us miles away from our intended destination.

The Cost of Avoiding Small Acts of Courage

“If I'm afraid that I won’t be loved if I speak who I am, then I pretend to be someone I’m not. And in the end, I’ve just delayed and made more catastrophic the inevitable collapse.” — Curt Cronin

The problem with avoiding infinitesimal courage isn’t just that it changes us—it also affects our relationships, our leadership, and our ability to create meaningful impact.

Leaders who fail to practice infinitesimal courage cultivate environments where silence is mistaken for agreement, where mediocrity is tolerated, and where people hesitate to speak up for fear of disrupting the status quo. Teams become less innovative, less connected, and less capable of handling real adversity.

On a personal level, avoiding small acts of courage leads to resentment, dissatisfaction, and an ever-widening gap between the life we live and the life we wish we were living. The discomfort of facing the truth in the moment is nothing compared to the weight of years spent betraying our own convictions.

How to Build the Muscle of Infinitesimal Courage

Fortunately, infinitesimal courage—like any muscle—can be strengthened through consistent practice. Here are a few ways to start:

1. Notice the Micro-Moments

Most of us don’t even recognize when we’re making these small, fear-based decisions. Start paying attention. The next time you hesitate before sharing an idea, catch yourself backing away from an honest conversation, or feel the impulse to smooth things over instead of standing firm—pause. Awareness is the first step.

2. Lean Into the Discomfort

“This is the spiritual bootcamp. And it’s no joke.” — Jordan Hall

Most of what holds us back from infinitesimal courage is discomfort. We don’t want to be judged. We don’t want to create conflict. We don’t want to feel exposed. But discomfort is the price of integrity.

Practice sitting with discomfort instead of avoiding it. When you feel the impulse to shrink back, take one small step forward instead. Even something as simple as saying, “I actually see that differently,” can be a game-changer.

3. Commit to One Act of Infinitesimal Courage Daily

Set an intention to practice infinitesimal courage in one small way each day. This could mean:

• Speaking up when you’d normally stay silent
• Correcting a misalignment in a relationship
• Admitting a mistake openly instead of deflecting
• Asking for help when you need it
• Setting a boundary, even if it feels uncomfortable

The goal isn’t to become fearless—it’s to become someone who acts despite fear.

4. Create a Culture That Rewards Small Acts of Courage

If you’re in a leadership position, recognize and encourage infinitesimal courage in others. Make it safe for people to take risks, speak up, and challenge the status quo. The more you normalize these behaviors, the more they become ingrained in the culture around you.

Final Thought: The One Question That Changes Everything

The easiest way to determine if you’re acting with infinitesimal courage is to ask yourself:

“Am I about to do or say something that slightly compromises who I want to be?”

If the answer is yes, stop. Choose differently. Choose the path of infinitesimal courage.

Because in the end, it’s not the grand gestures that define us—it’s the small, everyday choices that shape who we become. And those choices, when made consistently, change everything.

The full episode with Curt Cronin and Jordan Hall:

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