Have We Forgotten How To Be Brave?

By Brian Maynor

 

As children we run headfirst into the world, full of bravery and courage; tackling obstacles without a second thought and picking ourselves up and brushing off mistakes or setbacks, but then life starts to happen and somewhere along the way we surrender our bravery and courage to fear.

Whether that’s because we’re taught to be more demure, or just want to fit in doesn’t really matter.  The fact is, as we get older anxiety, self-doubt, and uncertainty begin to fill our lives and that’s when we need more courage and bravery, not less.

I recently read a series of blog posts talking about bravery being the missing key to success, especially for women, and they gave some great tips for regaining your courage and bravery.  Here are my favorite ones:

1.    Dive in.  If you wait until you’re an expert at something before you start, then you’ll never start.  This is something I struggle with all the time.  I spend a ton of time learning about something, but rarely actually do it.  That’s because by the time I feel prepared enough to start I’m bored and ready to move on to something new.  This is a classic example of choosing fear over courage.  If you’re like me and find you’re stalling in an attempt to prevent failure, put the book down and just start.

2.    Enjoy your mistakes.  I’m not sure when, but somewhere along the way we are taught to fear mistakes.  Maybe it has something to do with being taught to seek perfection, which is completely unrealistic.  Brave people however, don’t fear mistakes.  In fact, they quite enjoy them.  Bravery doesn’t mean intentionally making mistakes.  It just means you face them when they happen, and don’t let the fear of them dictate your choices.

3.    Know your self-worth isn’t tied to feedback.  Brave people take both positive and negative feedback for what it’s worth and move on.  They understand it’s someone else’s opinion.  While it may be honest and valuable, or not, they keep it completely separate from their self-esteem.  If you tend to live or die based on the opinions from others, then you’re living in fear, and need to reclaim your courage and bravery.

4.    Try everything.  Brave people are not afraid to try new things, whether that’s a unique cuisine, new workout class or even a new job.  If your default response to trying something new is ‘no’ or any variation of ‘no’, then it’s time to start saying ‘yes’.  Don’t let fear stop you from taking risks.  Not only may you find something new to love, if you don’t then you never have to do it again.  Either way you’ll be better and braver for taking the chance.

Courage and bravery can’t exist without fear, so don’t let it stop you from success.  Instead let it inspire you and reclaim your childlike sense of bravery and courage.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty.  Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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