Be Bold

A quick guide to boldly pursuing your passions + an easy art project

Be bold. Be brave. It sounds simple enough right? So why is it so hard to step up, stand out, and be bold about our wants and needs?

Fear. That’s really all it is. We’re afraid of standing out. Afraid that people might not like us if we show that side of ourselves. Afraid that we won’t be able to achieve our goals.

But what if you didn’t have to stress so much about making the right decision and felt confident about your passions? What if saying how you felt instead of what others want to hear came without hesitation? What if you weren’t self-conscious wearing that polka-dot dress that is not quite the going style but you still love SO much?

Wouldn’t that be nice?

Boldness and stand-apart-from-the-crowd-ness are not just actions we take or moods we have. It’s a lifestyle. And choosing to overcome conformity and a fear of failure is the most freeing lifestyle choice you’ll ever make. And it’s not just me saying that, take it from others who know.

It’s Scriptural

The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are bold as a lion. – Proverbs 28:1

On the day I called, you answered me; you made me bold with strength in my soul. – Psalm 138:3

“Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and Courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16

It’s Scientific

An essay posted on the Wall Street Journal states, “fear can be disabling too, in a variety of situations, and overcoming it often allows people to live fuller lives.” (Source)

The Telegraph talks about studies on how bravery can play a role in treating phobia disorders. “Scans show up different patterns of brain activities when volunteers succumbed to fear and displayed courage by deliberately over coming it.” (source)

One study on an education philosophy called Brave Hearts, Bold Minds, defines part of their mission as, “to inspire students to ‘seek out adventure in the world’.” (source)

And others have said it before

The most interesting things in life happen just on the other side of your comfort zone – Michael Hyatt

Freedom lies in being bold – Robert Frost

Originality implies being bold enough to go beyond accepted norms. – Anthony Storr

Be original; don’t be scared of being bold! – Ed Sheeran

Write down and ask yourself these questions

• What’s keeping you from being bold about your goals and passions?
• How can being bolder improve specfic areas of your life? (Think home life, work settings, school settings, or your relationships with family and friends.)
• What steps can you take to break your comfort zone and reach towards a bolder attitude? (Baby steps!)

And finally I’ll give you just a few tips and a quick art project to remind you daily.

Accept and learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others

Don’t let your mistakes scare you away from reaching for your goals. But don’t forget the mistakes you’ve made either, they can help guide you along as you try other things. You can also learn from others by watching both their successes and their mistakes.

Don’t worry so much about pleasing others

Yes, sometimes pleasing others can help you in your career or education. But when pleasing others is keeping you from achieving your own goals then there is a problem. Do you find that you do things against your gut just to make those around you more comfortable? Take a minute to think that through and start working towards making the appropriate changes. Your passions are priority.

RELAX

Don’t let yourself get stressed about the little things. Sometimes things or people just aren’t worth the worry and you need to let it go. And let go of the pesky things that you can’t change, sometimes it just “is what it is” as annoying as that can be.

Don’t compare yourself to others

Compare yourself to you. Compare yourself to where you were six months ago. Then compare yourself to where you want to be six months from now. How about a year ago? and where you want to be next year?

Make yourself a daily reminder

Now, we’re finally on to the fun part. Follow these quick instructions to make your own a sign. Put it in your house or on your desk. Put it somewhere you’ll see if often and be reminded to step up and stop being afraid to stand out.

Step 1: You’re going to need the backing piece from a picture frame. I used a teeny one but you can use whatever size you’d like. This will act as a canvas for you to paint on as well as the stand to hold it up.

(Here’s a cool project you can make with the rest of the frame!)

Step 2: Paint the background whatever color, set of colors, or pattern you’d like. Keep it light if you want your words to be black like mine or use dark colors and paint your words white.

Step 3: Write your words out lightly with pencil to make sure you’re happy with the style and spacing then BOLDLY paint your letters onto it. Use a real small brash to make this easier. And don’t be worried if your letters don’t look “perfect.” Just go with it if they’re a little uneven or wobbly. Call it part of the style!

Step 4: Place your artwork somewhere you’ll see it all the time.

Let me know in the comments what’s keeping you from being boldly YOU and what you can do to change it.