Recently, I passed along a word of advice to a friend about taking BOLD steps and actions.
I wanted to take a moment and share this same recommendation with each of you, simply because I believe that in life, it is sometimes, absolutely necessary that we take smart, calculated, serious risk in order to create and shape our destiny, rather than passively sitting back and letting others shape our future for us.
Often, I see quotes that reference moving out of your comfort zone, but how many of us really have taken the advice to heart?
Here are some of my personal favorites:
“If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” ~Brian Tracy
“The sooner you step away from your comfort zone, the sooner you’ll realize it wasn’t all that comfortable.” ~ Eddie Harris Jr.
“I want to challenge you today to get out of your comfort zone. You have so much incredible potential on the inside. God has put gifts and talents in you that you probably don’t know anything about.” ~Joel Osteen
Taking BOLD steps and actions requires a few key things for successful outcomes.
First, you must truly realize, that we as individuals, create our own destiny and we write our own story.
No one can tell you, what’s right for you, but you!
Second, every experience is worthwhile.
Difficulties in life will come and go, none of us can avoid them, but it’s how those experiences shape us as individuals that matter most.
Are we using our learned experiences to help others and to drive positive change?
This is a critical element, if you’re just hoarding your learned experiences, you’re not doing your due diligence in leveraging positive outcomes for others.
Third, risk taking is no different than doing anything else that you normally do, except it’s outside of your normal.
Our mind has an exceptional pattern of recognition that can lead us down a path of the familiar, before we even realize we have ventured that way. Find ways to minimally and intentionally change its course.
I once read that something as simple as taking an alternate route home, changing the type of book you read or ordering something totally different on the menu, are subtle ways to change these embedded patterns.
Fourth, know that there shouldn’t be any regrets for decisions that you truly believe in your heart are the right ones for you.
You only have one life and it’s not promised to any of us for any specific length of time. We must make the most of every day and every decision.
Don’t sit around and wait for the perfect circumstance, outcome or opportunity because it may never come!
Finally, learn to follow your peace.
Think about the last time you felt you made a mistake in a decision, did you really follow your peace, or did you have ulterior motives behind your decision?
Learning to follow your peace will ultimately guide you in the direction of your true self, as well as your goals and dreams. You will also find that your impulsive need to apologize will minimize.
When you decide to step out of your comfort zone and are BOLD in your decisions, you will find a place of fresh opportunity awaiting you on the other side. Make the decision today to BE BOLD!
