HOW TO BE BOLD AND SUCCEED

Learning something new or starting something afresh can be a daunting task. I have done it several times and it requires a lot of boldness. 

Taking giant strides and challenging status quos, smashing records and setting new ones, daring the impossible and starting small; even being committed to a course that is unpopular. Each and every one of us needs boldness to overcome setbacks, take risks and achieve success.

In this article, I have twelve simple steps to help you be bold or improve your boldness. I am certain: these steps will boost your self-confidence as well as increase your ability to face challenges and solve problems. They will birth you into a new mindset that is creatively optimistic. Take your time to learn and practice them. Let’s have them all.

1. Stop hesitating and do something. 

Is there something you've been waiting to be inspired to do, but can't seem to get the courage? Is it asking someone for mentorship, apologizing to a loved one, or simply being friendly to a neighbour? Stop thinking and begin to take steps: boldness is the opposite of hesitation. Whenever you're feeling hesitant to make the right move, learn to swallow your pride and make the move anyway. Read The Story of Anyway.

2. Do the unexpected. 

Bold people aren't afraid of trying new things, and one of the reasons they're so exciting to be around, is that they keep you guessing. This could be something new for you, like dancing azonto or learning skating. Whatever you do, be sure to do it for yourself and not for other people. Doing something new and unexpected might make you vulnerable or afraid but, don't give in to those feelings. Instead, accept the newness of the skill and be yourself.

3. Rediscover who you are. 

Ultimately, boldness has to do with understanding your strengths and weaknesses, then moving beyond them. Don't try to hide your problems or failures, but accept them as part of you. This will allow you to confidently move forward, appreciating your uniqueness. Realize that you don't have to do random, uncharacteristic things to discover who you are. Be honest with yourself and believe in yourself.

4. Pretend you're already bold. 

If you were to switch places with somebody you admire for their assertiveness and boldness, what would they do in your shoes? If you already know someone who's bold, imagine how they'd act. Your bold inspiration doesn't have to be real. You could even think of a character from a movie or book who is daring and brave. Then, imagine their boldness in your life. Faking it makes you become it faster

5. Be willing to say no. 

If someone asks you to do something you don't want to do, refuse. Saying "No" will reinvigorate your individuality and help you to feel bold, ensuring that you're ready and willing to go out and get what you want. Don't feel like you have to make up an excuse or explanation. People will have to learn to respect your honesty and boldness, and you'll be getting what you want. Realize that if you do commit to doing something, you should follow through.

6. Follow through on your words. 

It's not enough to simply say you're going to do something, you have to do it. When your word is good and you follow through with actions, people will trust you and regard you as bold and reliable. Don’t procrastinate to act: be a person of your words. Don’t give your word if you really don't wish to do something. A simple “No” won’t bite you. Always assert yourself.

7.  Learn to ask with tact. 

Rather than waiting to be recognized for your efforts, or expecting someone to consider your needs, step up and ask. This doesn't mean you should demand what you want or be aggressive. Instead, confidently and tactfully choose your words. Boldness has nothing to do with the people around you. It's about overcoming your fears and taking action. Don't confuse being bold with being aggressive. Aggressiveness often involves imposing your viewpoints or actions on others.

8.  Learn to negotiate. 

Even if the initial answer is "no," keep the window of opportunity open as long as possible to give them an opportunity to change their mind. Such pressure portrays boldness and commitment that you are positive about a thing, idea or business. Plan ahead before you go into negotiating. Think of possible setbacks and how to manage and overcome them or a Plan C.

9.  Limit your options. 

One of the best ways to be bold is to simplify the number of solutions to a given problem. This will help you make good progress taking steps. Limiting your options will reduce the amount of hassle and time that will go into any solution.

10. Take risks and don’t be reckless. 

There's a difference between being reckless and accepting risks. Reckless people don't accept risks because they don't even think about them. A bold person, on the other hand, learns about the risks and decides to go through with the decision anyway, ready and willing to accept the consequences if things don't work out. Learn to avoid hesitation. Once you have made the choice to act, do it without fear and create your best chance of success.

11. Ask questions. 

Boldness is not ignorance, neither is it ego. Learn to ask questions and listen to advice. Irrespective of your situation, boldness is willingness to admit that you're confused and need clarification. If you're unclear about an assignment, a task or business, ask questions and seek help. Don't be afraid to take the bold step to get help. If someone is unhelpful, find another person. Persistence to find desired answers shows boldness on your part.

12. Accept any outcome. 

Taking bold steps is a risk: you will either succeed or fail. This works all the time while you are trying something new. So, accept the outcome and move on. Failure is an outcome and not the end. It's not the opposite of success; it's a necessary component for success. Without the risk of failure, you don't have the opportunity for success. Don't worry about rejection: so it won’t affect your self-confidence and ability to be bold.

In all, don't let people knock you down when trying new things. They are usually the kind of people that wish they were bold enough but, don't have the courage to do what you are doing. Also, you don't need to be perceived as fearless to be bold; let people know that you're afraid but move forward, keep going and don't look back. Boldness is like a muscle or skill, the more you use/practice it, the better you get from it. Keep working on your boldness and it will take you to the place of your dreams.

Also read: Make Two Choices, Plan Ahead, Rugged Gigs for Success, Success is Simple, Results & Excuses and Lessons from Tennis