How Big is Your Brave?

When was the last time you did something brave?

Sometimes when you set big goals, BOLD goals, there comes a moment when you feel fear. You see, stepping into your BOLD goal can feel a little scary. Fear is natural when you go after something significant that you want to achieve. It can even make you freeze momentarily. Often, making your dream a reality requires that you face your fear. Maybe it’s fear of failure, fear of what others will think or say, fear of disappointing others....or a combination of these. 

But leaning into that BOLD goal, getting a little uncomfortable and being brave is where the magic happens!  

When I think about the times in my life that I have set BOLD goals and been scared, those have been the times that I have had the greatest reward, and certainly had the most growth.

One of those scary, BOLD goals was going to Nepal and trekking the Himalayas. Getting on that plane to Kathmandu to live out my little girl dream of seeing the Himalayas, both excited AND terrified me. When I think back to boarding that flight in Dallas, I remember just how terrified yet determined I was.    

Here’s the thing-when you face your fears and pursue your dreams....the reward is SO GREAT. I have ZERO regrets about getting on that plane by myself to Kathmandu. But had I caved and allowed myself to give into the fear, I would have always regretted not taking that trip of a lifetime, an experience that forever changed me.

So, what’s the antidote for fear when you are stepping into a BOLD goal? 

TAKING ACTION!  

When I set the BOLD goal of going to Nepal, I didn’t let myself get stuck in the fear. I took daily action towards realizing that dream. I scheduled the trip. I booked the flight. I hired a personal trainer. I kept moving toward the goal despite my fear. You see, being brave isn’t the absence of fear. It’s leaning in, having faith and acting despite your fear.

One thing I know for sure is that once you get “comfortable” with being uncomfortable, face your fears and go after your big goals & dreams, it gives you confidence to go after even BOLDER goals. You become more conditioned to facing the fear and taking action anyway!

Success Tips:

1. Set your BOLD goal. You know you’re on the right track when your goal both excites AND scares you.
2. Tell a trusted friend about your BOLD goal.
3. Create BOLD daily action toward your goal. Ask yourself - what’s the most valuable action I can take right now to get me closer to my goal?
4. Focus on the action rather than the end result or your fear.

“One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted.  Do it now.” - Paolo Coelho