Two events from the last two weeks have reminded me that Courageous Optimism has no limitations, and these two incidents did not rely on a badge. This is a young man who was not just driven by courageous optimism, but is also humble. Salinas’s ethos is Courageous Optimism compressed into 11 words, and it names what self-determination theory would predict of someone who has internalized both competence and autonomy as governing values. They responded intentionally by drawing on ordinary courage, disciplined by deliberate preparation, aimed at a moment neither of them chose. Courageous Optimism does not ask whether you will be brave enough when that moment comes.