Boldness

With Gusto

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now. – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

There are many ways to approach Openings. Boldness means approaching an Opening courageously and fearlessly. Even if fear is present as we consider the Opening, it is dealt with and we do not allow it to control us. We minimize fear and then move forward.  We relish the opportunity to make a choice regarding the Opening. We are optimistic and know we have what it takes to enter or not enter the Opening.

To act boldly is not to act impulsively or recklessly. It is approaching the Opening confidently. We may have to examine the Opening and prepare ourselves. It may take preliminary action and some time. The key to acting boldly is how we handle ourselves and our level of momentum. It is the gathering of increasing force and speed through our own movement and determination.

Boldness gives you an advantage. The Goethe quote above is part of a longer quote that explains this advantage. Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

Strength and Optimism

Strength and optimism allow us to approach Openings boldly.

Here are some ways we can develop our strength:

• Identify and maximize our innate strengths. Many times, our innate strengths are energizing and come easily for us. We do them naturally.
• Analyze and get feedback on what others see as our innate strengths.
• Identify skills that we need that are not innately ours and may need our attention to develop.
• Take on challenging situations that require our strength. Step out of our comfort zone so that new skills and strengths are developed.
• Leverage our personal strengths as we approach an Opening. What gives us an advantage? How can our approach to the Opening maximize the strengths we already have?
• If strengths are called for that we do not feel we have, get to work on developing them and getting the support we need to supplement our own strengths.

Here are some ways to maintain our optimism:

• Maintain a positive point of view and cultivate it.
• Expect a good outcome, cultivating hope and focusing on the good parts of a situation.
• Look at setbacks as temporary and bounce back to a positive attitude as soon as we can.
• Visualize success in our choices and actions related to an Opening.
• View challenges as opportunities to learn.
• Practice mindfulness to not let anxiety or fear get the better of us.

Through Any Fear

To approach Openings boldly, fear must be kept at bay. Fear is an emotional, and sometimes physical, response to a perceived danger or threat. It provokes anxiety and stress that can destabilize us. It is a natural human response but must be controlled or it will take us on a destructive ride.

Fear can trip us up in regards to Openings. Fear shrinks us. Boldness enhances us. Boldness and fear are not compatible. We must find ways to minimize fear, so we can boldly face an Opening.

Fear can be used to our advantage. It heightens our awareness and may alert us to challenges we need to address. It can be a catalyst for growth. Some even recommend embracing fear as a way to get through it.