Fortune Favors the Bold and Brave

Boldness is a necessary part of courage but it must be a boldness based on an intelligent assessment of the potential risks and rewards. The wonderful nature of boldness is that, properly directed, it builds the habit of courage in the person who practices it.

Act Boldly in Every Situation
In my experience, any virtue translated into action leads almost invariably to positive results. This applies to integrity, persistence, courtesy, love and courage. I've always liked the advice of an old man to his grandson. "Act boldly and unseen forces will come to your aid."

Take a Leap of Faith
Perhaps the most obviously important part of courage is the courage to step out in the face of uncertainty. Every great venture in the history of man has begun with faith and a giant leap into the unknown.

General Douglas MacArthur said, "There is no security in life, only opportunity." The creed of Frederick The Great, one of history's most successful leaders was, "Audacity, audacity-always audacity."

Launch With No Guarantees
A 12-year study of successful entrepreneurs conducted by Babson College concluded that the only thing they had in common was the willingness to launch, to step out in faith. Once they had started, they learned the lessons they needed to succeed. Many of them ending up successful in completely different businesses from where they started.

Dare to Go Forward
Dare to go forward. Successful companies and people are invariably those that continue to research, develop, experiment and introduce new products and services - even during the deepest recessions. Taking genuine risks to move themselves and their companies forward even against all odds. Successful executives are those who are continually stretching themselves to move out of the comfort zone, to face the twin fears of failure and rejection and to move forward in spite of them.

Action Exercises
Here are two ways to develop greater boldness in your work and personal life.

First, just do it! Step out in faith! If you think of some action you can take to improve your life, give it a try. You may be surprised.

Second, when in doubt, act with audacity. Audacity may get you into trouble but even more audacity will get you out. Go for it!

Your Trip to Korea has to be a bold move
Step out in faith and don’t look back. Say to yourself if others can do it I can do it too. Those who believe that fortune favors the bold do not look at the financial implications of their actions. They count the cost and they move by faith taking the risk believing that their money is a strong investment into their future that is very necessary to their progress and success. They think long term and not short term. This is the secret to the success of the worlds richest people.

Fortune favors the bold and brave.
Excerpts from Brain Tracy Newsletters.