How can you be bold in the face of change & uncertainty? How can you still take risks, be courageous and confident in all that you do when nothing is certain? Is it even possible to move forward with your head held high?
What does "being bold" mean to you? Do you consider yourself "bold" on a day-to-day basis or is it something that doesn't cross your mind much? I know I'm not the only one who wants to take risks, be confident, and standout as the individual I am. Let's be real. It isn't always the easiest thing to do. To "be bold". When our lives are full of change and uncertainty, we don't always know how to keep our confidence and unflanged bravery in the front of our minds.
Even though it's scary, the only way we grow and keep progressing is when we stay bold and fearless in our lives. As a new school year is about to begin in a few weeks, year 3 of college for me, changes and uncertainty are not going to be lacking. Changing schools and changing majors, not really sure how anything will play out this year, I really need to remind myself to stay bold and courageous no matter what is thrown my way. I think we all could use reminders to keeping our bold selves alive and well. We can forget and just fall into a routine of "safety", doing only what we know, not branching out, not taking risks, letting any fears we have, win or at least keep a cover over our bold spirit inside.
- Take one action every day. Even when life seems so uncertain and anything could happen each day you wake-up, just continue to take one action, no matter how small. Whether it be a task on your to-do list or a small step toward on of your goals, if you just do one forward-moving action, you will have made at least one bold accomplishment that day.
- Say yes (when you can). It's important to learn and say "no", to not over burden yourself, but by saying "yes" when we can, we open ourselves up to new experiences we may never have had otherwise. We may come away so happy, feeling so confident, proud, and glad we have now learned or done something new.
- Stand up for your values and beliefs. I feel so passionately about this. I am not one to let my values be degraded or undermined. This is an area where I am always "bold". I will never do something I don't believe is right, I won't do something just to appease another. I stay bold in my convictions and that makes me, me.
- Let fear be your motivator. This one may be the hardest. When we're scared, when we don't know what will happen, when we just want to do what feels comfortable, all our boldness is stripped away and stolen by that fear. Instead, when we feel fear creeping into our bodies and minds, let that be the driving force telling you that NOW is the time to do the exact thing or experience the exact thing that is causing us fear. Let that anxiety and fear be the adrenaline that propels you forward to crush that fear. I bet that once you do, you'll end up laughing (or at least being in awe) at how much easier it was than you thought!
- Start your day in a BOLD way. If you've been a Strength and Sunshine reader for a while now, you know how much I love and cherish my mornings. My favorite time of day is the morning and the routine I've crafted over the years. Your morning routine can make or break your day by either giving you the bold energy to concur the world, or suffocate all that boldness before you even step out the door. If you're rushing, sleep past your alarm, allow no time to savour a few moments to yourself before the daily grind, you may not make it past noon. Plus, when you find a morning routine that works for you, it creates certainty in your day so you can save that boldness for the uncertainty to come. One way I make sure I keep my bold attitude ready to concur any change is my morning coffee.
The rich, smooth, and BOLD taste of Dunkin’ Dark® is exactly what I need to boost my bold up a few notches. Depending on how much I need I can either brew a large pot or simply pop in a Rainforest Alliance Certified™ K-Cup®. I always choose dark roasts and drink my coffee black with a hint of stevia. It's a part of my morning routine that I look forward to the most and always sets my day up to be a success no matter what uncertainties or changes are bound to happen that day. My bold switch gets turned on and I have the confidence and courage to go through the day with my head held high.
While I remind myself of these 5 steps going into the new school year, I hope you'll try them too and not let any scary changes or uncertainties in your life tamp down your boldness. You can pick up some Dunkin’ Dark® at any grocery store nationwide or dunkinathome.com, to give yourself that guaranteed extra bold boost! Now, will you be bold with me?
So tell me:
+ What does bring bold mean to you?
+ How do you stay bold when faced with change and uncertainty?
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Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine Google+: Rebecca Pytell*This post is sponsored by the J.M. Smucker company. All these honest opinions, ideas, thoughts, and photos are my own.*
Beth
I love the ideas of starting your day with a bold intention. It's been so much harder for me to have a morning routine since I've had kids, but it's so important.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's one of the most important things I feel!
Deborah Davis
Your tips are right on the money! I think living boldly and fearlessly is the most exciting and fulfilling way to approach each day!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Shirley Wood
The quiet stillness of the morning is my favorite time of the day too. I can't bear the thought of not accomplishing something, anything every day. I learned a long time ago that change is evident and usually good.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes!! And those are wise words!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton
Good for you. There are times in life when it's nice to have a routine, and to recharge during this time. I'm not a huge fan of change, but when it comes I need to recognize that it's time and that I need to stretch and grow. Sometimes it's scary, but you need to stand and be bold. Good luck to you this year, I know you are accomplishing much! Keep at it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks, Nikki!
Marla
HI Rebecca,
What wonderful tips to live by ! I wish I could say I live by them all but truthfully I don't everyday - I try but there are times I fail to do the right thing. Pinned & tweeted!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No one is perfect!
Angela Bethea
Thank you for sharing your lovely tips. Living life in a bold way to face uncertainty is the best to go about on things. I'm also a big fan of Dunkin Donuts coffee and can't go a day without. xx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally, thanks Angela!
themotherhub.ie
im trying to make some changes at the moment, and when i feel scared or overwhelmed I try to break it down into small steps, so it doesnt seem like such a big deal. love the idea of fear being your motivator.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Small steps are the way to go, one at a time!
Jennifer
I am learning to trust the Lord during those times in my life where uncertainity seems to take over. It has truly helped and of course coffee is always a plus!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Great to hear you found something for you!
April Mims
Love this list! Change can sometimes be so scary but boldly facing and embracing it can make such a huge difference. Best of luck with your new school and adventures!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Bring bold is even more important during those times!
Thanks April!
Lucie
This is such an empowering post Rebecca! I've been learning how to find with the right amount of boldness all my life and I still feel like I'm in the beginning. In fact, I'm currently learning to say "no" a lot more. Saying yes is great for new opportunities but I seems to have the tendency to be a people pleaser and take on way too much
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's a hard one! Certain things we should say yes to, but there are a many we need to say no to...so we can say yes to the good 😛 Haha!
Meredith @ Life Along the Way
So much truth in this post. I love your outlook and your advice! Thanks for sharing : )
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, Meredith!
Kathy Hester
Great advice! Even when you're not in school anymore it seems that fall is a big time of change. I'll keep these in mind : )
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, thanks Kathy!
masala girl
you're switching schools??
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup!
masala girl
i actually transferred too! i hope you like your new school !! 🙂
Kendall
These are great tips! Being bold on a daily basis is something we sometimes forget is possible. But, especially when faced with something new or different, it's important to tap into your boldness and carry forth! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right! Sometimes we just need to keep reminding ourselves to stay on top!
rika
Great tips. I agree with you, take one action everyday and be fearless
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
One small step!
Cathy
I wish you all the best with your studies and life in general in your new school year!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Aw, thanks!
Farrah
Change and uncertainty can definitely be unsettling, but you're gonna be awesomeeee. <3 I'm so glad there'll be another familiar face in this town! (This brings my total of "people I know outside of the hospital" to 5! :O!!!) I tend to just throw myself into the situation and do the best I can. Not entirely sure how well that's been really working but...at least I'm still standing for the time being? 😛
Great post! I need to learn to say no in the ER. ._. Looking forward to future coffee dates! 😛
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
All the change you have every day, you KNOW how to adapt and you are doing so awesome on your crazy journey! (I'm very proud of you 😉 )
It will be good if we can hang out and decompress together!! Coffee dates to the max!
Monique
Thank you for sharing your tips!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Casey the College Celiac
My last semester of college before graduation will also be full of big changes for me - mainly because my parents moved to Colorado Springs and will no longer be a mere 45 minutes away. It won't be easy, but it will definitely help me grow! What is your new school and major? Congrats on making it to year three! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These are the years of most turbulence! Thanks friend!
Aya @ A Healthy Story
This is such a great post, Rebecca! I absolutely loved it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Aya!