“I choose to run towards my problems and not away from them. Because that is what heroes do.” Thor Odinson
The difference between a hero and a coward is not their abilities, nor their level of fear. It is rather how they face that fear.
The coward turns and runs from their fear. They run from their problems, be it a difficult discussion at work or public speaking or talking to their crush. They avoid the pain of improvement, and as such are weak and unable to stand up against the darkness because they have given in to their fear over and over.
The hero runs towards the scream that can harm them, because that is what must be done. They embrace the Stockdale Paradox (accept the gravity of the situation but do not give up hope) and do what they must. The single parent, the firefighter or paramedic, the whistleblower. All face their fear and do what they must, not for Glory but for Good.
Because that is what heroes do.