The Power of Being Bold

A little while back I was asked to come up with one word to describe what my practice is about (i.e. my speaking, writing, coaching), and to a certain extent, what I am about.

It’s an interesting, but challenging task – to find that one word. I considered ‘risk’, then ‘explore’, but these didn’t quite sit right. Then thesaurus got a workout. Eventually, it came to me – BOLD. I sat with it, tried it on for size. Did it suit me, did it suit my business? Yes. That was it. BOLD.

When I look at the things that have had the biggest positive impact and when I feel I am at my best, there is an element of boldness. Saying that, as a child, I was anything but that. Over time I learned to take small steps and gradually fill the bold version of me, at least sometimes. A work in progress.

So bold is my word.

It's the undercurrent of the messages I share and how I want to help people. To help others embrace being bold, both personally and professionally.

What it means to be bold

The first known use of the Old English ‘bald’ to mean boldness or audacity dates back to before the 12th century. By the 13th century, the modern ‘bold’ spelling was established in English. The word taps into the old linguistic idea of courage and standing out, transitioning to our modern conception of boldness as confident risk-taking behaviour. High German ‘bald’ can be found in names like Archibald, which literally means ‘genuine-bold’. 

bold

/bəʊld/

adjective

1. (of a person, action, or idea) showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous.

2. (of a colour, design, or shape) having a strong, vivid, or clear appearance.

Being bold is about thinking bigger and calculated risk-taking. It's about finding the courage to face fears, confronting challenges head-on, and creating and seizing opportunities. It’s about being or developing the ability to be antifragile. It also holds a space for humility and respect.

Being bold is not about being reckless. It’s not about being fearless. It’s not about being overconfident or brash. It’s not about a fixed knowing, shouting or demanding.

It’s the bigger version of who we are, not about being something we're not. And this is why I love this concept.

Why is it important?

Whether in personal pursuits or professional endeavours, cultivating a bold mindset can lead to transformative outcomes and personal growth.

Bold leaders are more likely to challenge the status quo, drive change and inspire their teams. Studies have linked boldness to positive outcomes such as increased creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial success.

When we embrace being bold and take bold actions we don’t just grab opportunities, we create them. We build our courage and confidence. We don’t let fears or self-doubts hold us back. We don’t let setbacks defeat us. We become more adaptable. Our lives get bigger. Our businesses grow. Our careers advance. We maximise potential and explore possibilities.

When we embody courage and conviction, we inspire those around us to do the same. By leading by example, we create a ripple effect of empowerment and positive change.

How to cultivate it

Create the vision. Consider what a bold version of you and your life would look like. Allow yourself to think bigger. What are the daily actions you can take to be a larger version of yourself?

Get outside of your comfort zone. Make a conscious effort to stretch yourself by taking on new challenges and embracing unfamiliar experiences.

Make courage a practice. Courage is like a muscle—it grows stronger with use. Challenge yourself to act courageously in small ways each day.

Surround yourself with inspiration. Seek out role models and individuals who exemplify boldness and courage and the characteristics you aspire to learn from and be inspired by.

Embrace failure. Benjamin Zander, conductor, music director and co-author of The Art of Possibility says when things don’t go to plan, his deliberate response is to say, ‘How fascinating!’ That sets the stage for it to be a learning opportunity and view setbacks as stepping stones to success.

Celebrate the wins. Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating your wins builds momentum and reinforces your belief in your ability to succeed.

In summary

Boldness is not only a path to personal growth and self-discovery but also a key ingredient for creating a life filled with adventure, purpose, and fulfilment. By embracing boldness, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities.

It’s deciding not to play small. It’s thinking bigger, having courage and taking action.

So let’s dare to live and lead boldly!

#ThinkBigActBold #LiveBoldly #LeadBoldly #Bold