This quote, “Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts” is attributed to Danny Mack “Dan” Gable, an American Olympic wrestler and coach; who won a gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
People and sports fans, who feel proud in looking at a gold medal, do not see the pain, sweat, discipline and work that go behind getting these medals. It means to compete with the best and winning over them. This winning over the competition can be a very fierce battle, as every participant had been preparing for years and does his best. The winner, who beats all, must have the “guts” to do it. To have the guts is what makes difference between the winners and those who ran away.
The word, guts, is often used by people to challenge others, as in “Do you have the guts?” There are several more usages of guts like in ‘gut feeling’ or ‘gut instincts’. What guts actually mean is the courage that comes of conviction. Guts are what you must have when you realize how much farther you still have to go, and this is a lonely journey. A true champion is someone who overcomes great odds to reach the top of his discipline or field.
Guts also mean being free of fears. A gutsy person does not fear failure or setbacks. Guts provide the indomitable courage to do exceptional things. Just as the heart is considered the fountain of love; guts are the source of courage. Courage is the characteristics of the brave. It is not that courageous men do not know fear.
Courage means knowing fear and accepting its existence; yet choosing to go ahead despite the threat of consequences. That is what courage is. This is something only a few possess. Most will surrender or run away the moment they face something that makes them feel incapable of handling it. Indomitable courage is a rare quality, and whenever it is displayed, it makes worthwhile stories. Look at the blockbuster movies; you will understand that these are portrayal of great courage by one man or a group of few.
Everyone is inspired by the courage that few display in times of crisis, overcoming the odds in life, or making great achievements. Every coward thinks of acquiring courage. Is it possible to cultivate guts? Yes, it definitely is. There are many incidents where ordinary individual, otherwise known as not very courageous have shown exemplary courage. A cow is generally scared of the big carnivores like lions and tigers. Yet when her young calves are attacked, they turn around and face the beast. They know that they might get grievously injured and die; yet this thought does not prevent them from showing their guts in fighting off a more dangerous animal.
Extra-ordinary situations can make ordinary people have courage. Courage is a choice. Sometimes it is made voluntarily and sometimes one is forced to become courageous. When bridges of retreat are burned, even the most ordinary armies have fought valiantly and won battles. Here the choice has been made for them.
You can make your choice consciously, rather than being forced to make choices. That is how you “choose” courage and become a man of guts. Guts are like muscles; the more you work on them, the stronger they become. Practice courage on small decisions, like getting up early, doing exercises, keeping an appointment and reaching on time. Consistent practice will strengthen your guts to stand up for your ethics and principles. Some day you will be able to stand up for a great cause, and become a source of inspiration to others.
Guts lead to glory. Without it, no human achievement is possible. Indomitable courage by individuals and groups of men has changed and made history. Courage also makes wonderful inspiring stories that influence people and change their lives. When you have the guts to add courage in your life, your world changes and you began tapping the source of your inner power.