1) Being true to yourself and acting according to your principles shows your character better than speeches.

2) To be merciful when a punishment is due teaches a first offence individual better than simply punishing them out of hand because they have done something foolish; you have only to make them understand you could have been much, much worse than you were and it will give them pause to think before making that mistake again.

3) Be mindful of your actions; what you do will always have consequences for you and for others - be aware you will have to live with the consequences of your actions. With that in mind you will be armed with a short term view of your future.

4) Courage is not fearlessness; courage is the decision not to let fear govern your actions. A person without fear is either lying or not truly living any more in the sense that you and I are.

Lastly;
The most courageous individuals are often found hidden in our own hearts, trapped behind a wall of fears; face your fears, study them in the most detached manner you can as though they were not your fears and when you've finished looking at them then stop and ask yourself, is it truly a fearsome thing this great barrier of yours? Is the fear based on a lack of understanding or knowledge on your part?
If so, you must learn to not fear it; you are always in control of your own life. No one other than yourself moves your body or your mouth and you know you have a choice.

When you feel alone, look to your past. To the parents of your parents, and their parents before them. Each one had to face their fears - you are living proof that they overcame their fears by ensuring their children had the courage to go on when they were no longer there.