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My First Million

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The Coward-Hero Equivalence Model

Cowards and heroes feel identical emotions in dangerous situations - the only difference is their behavioral response to those feelings

Decision Rule

Judge people (including yourself) by actions under pressure, not by absence of fear

How It Works

Fear is a universal human response to threat. Courage isn't the absence of fear but acting appropriately despite fear.

Failure Modes

Assuming fearless people are braver than fearful people who act

Using fear as an excuse for inaction

Believing you need to eliminate fear before taking action

Example Decision

Before giving an important presentation, you feel nauseous and want to flee. Instead of interpreting this as a sign you shouldn't speak, you recognize this as normal and proceed with the presentation anyway.