Fortitude
(Determination, resilience, perseverance)
(Lesson 3)
No matter what, you already possess a measure of fortitude. You’ve overcome obstacles, trials, and setbacks of one kind or another to reach where you are today—and you should feel good about that.
Hopefully, you’ve taken some time to reflect on whether you might benefit from consciously strengthening your fortitude—by examining how you face, react to, and are affected by the difficulties in your life.
To wrap up this lesson, we’ll explore a few more habits of mentally strong individuals and take a brief look at moral fortitude.
Ethincs and Fortitude: What’s the connection?
In both the workplace and in life, there is constant pressure to make more money, get ahead, and be seen as successful.
With that pressure often comes the temptation to take shortcuts—or worse, to pursue a path that is selfish or unethical. As we discuss in our Integrity video on Youtube, some people do achieve a form of “success” through unethical means.
However, if you choose to act ethically and with integrity—in life and in the workplace—you’ll definitely need fortitude. More specifically, moral fortitude.
Fortitude: Moral Courage
Award-winning author and professor Rushworth Kidder who wrote the book How Good People Make Tough Choices: Resolving the Dilemmas of Ethical Living, suggested five key qualities of moral courage: integrity, honor, responsibility, decency, and compassion.
To simplify, and in MindSage terms, moral courage means knowing the difference between right and wrong—while fortitude is choosing to do what’s right, even when it’s unpopular, uncomfortable, or may lead to personal consequences.
The Pressure Is Real
Stanford Prison Experiment
In 1971, psychologist Philip Zimbardo exposed how ordinary people can quickly abandon their moral compass under the influence of power and environment. College students were randomly assigned to play the roles of guards or prisoners in a simulated prison. Within days, the guards became increasingly abusive—humiliating, dehumanizing, and even brutalizing the prisoners—while the prisoners grew passive, fearful, and emotionally distressed. The experiment revealed how easily situational forces can overpower individual values, blurring the line between good and evil.
If given power over others, or if you could get away with doing something to get ahead without anyone knowing, how would you react? Why, or why not?
Deeply troubled by these results, Zimbardo later developed the Berkeley Civic Courage and Heroism Experiment as an ethical alternative. Instead of studying how people succumb to authority, this work explored how they can be empowered to act with moral courage—to resist injustice, uphold empathy, and show fortitude even when pressured to conform or remain silent.
Is your default response to do what’s fair, kind, and honest—to think of others before yourself? In what situations, if any, might that change?
In The Workplace: Practical applications
Key Advantages of Fortitude in the Workplace
1. Building Trust and Relationships
Fortitude builds trust. People who stay steady under pressure and communicate with honesty and respect are viewed as reliable and dependable. They strengthen teams by creating stability and fostering authentic, supportive relationships.
2. Reputation and Value
Fortitude shapes how others see you. Those who stay calm, focused, and ethical under stress earn lasting respect. In any workplace, reputation and reliability often matter as much as skill—and employers value people who can be counted on when things get tough. The same is true for business relationships: many clients choose and stay with vendors they trust to act ethically and follow through, even under pressure.
3. Adapting to Change and Setbacks
Fortitude allows you to adjust, recover, and keep moving when plans fall apart or challenges arise. Instead of being thrown off course, you find new ways forward, staying focused on what can be done rather than what went wrong.
4. Sustained Productivity
People with fortitude don’t let stress or fatigue dictate their performance. They persevere through difficult moments without losing energy or drive, maintaining steady results and helping their teams stay productive through demanding times.
5. Leadership and Influence
True leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about how you respond when things get hard. Fortitude builds credibility and quiet influence, even if you’re not a manager or team lead. When you stay composed under pressure, keep your word, and follow through, people notice. Over time, others begin to trust you, look to you for guidance, and model your behavior—seeing you as a leader worth following.
More habits of Mentally Tough People
They Seek Feedback and Continuous Growth
Resilient individuals crave feedback. They understand that growth depends on reflection and honest input. Rather than getting defensive, they ask trusted peers and mentors for perspective. Their goal isn’t to prove they’re right, but to become better every day.
They Don’t Let Negativity Define Them
Mentally tough people don’t waste time on criticism or toxic influences. They recognize that negative voices—whether internal or external—drain energy and confidence. Instead, they choose environments and relationships that support growth, positivity, and purpose.
You can find 12 Habits of the Mentally Strong here in Forbes Magazine.
Review
Fortitude isn’t just about staying strong—it’s about learning, growing, and doing what’s right even when it’s difficult. You’ve explored how challenges build strength, how moral courage guides your choices, and how fortitude helps you adapt and lead in life and work.
Remember, you already have fortitude—you’ve proven it by overcoming obstacles and getting to where you are today. The goal now is to recognize that strength, keep building it, and use it to face challenges with confidence and integrity in both the workplace and life.
Reflection Questions
What part of these lessons meant the most to you?
What did you learn about how you respond to pressure or setbacks?
How can you continue to build and show fortitude in your life?