by Dan Williams

Created on: December 31, 2009   Last Updated: January 01, 2010

Boldness, a term frequently attached with negative stereotypes and misinterpretations as well as one's own distorted view. Boldness needs to be defined before one can achieve a healthy level of strength. Chris McCandless who was portrayed  in the movie "Into the Wild," exhibited a boldness filled with hubris. Hubris can be seen as boldness, which leads to life errors, alienation of friends, and narcissism. When one has done the necessary work with self introspection, assessing the dark side of their personality, and reach an effective level of personal growth, then boldness becomes a healthy attribute.

How does one achieve boldness? One needs to assess their short comings of their persona. One needs to introspect, as to why they may be intimidated by others. An individual should recognize that inappropriate boldness,(confidence) as well as lack of assertiveness is usually harbored with a poor sense of self or a shattered self esteem. It takes time, effort, humility, and support from peers to reach a level of healthy boldness. As Eleanor Roosevelt stated, " No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." With that knowledge, begin your steps towards confidence. No matter what you do from within your own heart, there will always be someone who will attempt to put you down, criticize you, or try to demean your actions. You will never be able to please everyone, nor should you want to. Acts of kindness and or statements of boldness should be implemented because you want to. Not to impress, not to receive a thank you but because you feel it is right for you!

Age alone does not increase boldness. There are plenty of individuals in their fifth and sixth decade of life that remain shy, reserved, and hesitant to proceed in life with confidence and boldness. Age definitely helps which coincides with life experience. Isn't that the development of character? Life experience and life trauma. 

Developing boldness or self confidence:

1. Implement an introspective assessment of negative traits.

2. Reach a point of realization that no one, absolutely no one is a better person than you. Yes individuals have better talents, but not a better person as a whole.

3.  Know, that no matter what your stance is on issues or your verbal statements criticism is inevitable.

4. Practice self confidence by engaging others with your points of view, ideas, and philosophies

5. Remember boldness or self confidence does not hurt anyone as opposed to arrogance which is condescending and is a psychological ruse to inflate an injured self.

6. Boldness is actually an outgrowth of humility. Humility equals wisdom, wisdom equals self confidence, hence healthy boldness will be fostered.

Developing boldness will not only improve your life but the lives around you. All of us have something to offer others. Is it not selfish to withhold our knowledge? Is it not self centered to be shy, and withdraw from society? Strength through experience can equate to boldness; however one needs to implement and practice. What is more profound than the stars and universe above us, or the sun setting behind a snow covered pine grove. When looking around us nature influences much humility in our hearts. We are in actuality no more bolder than the lion, or osprey. Our time here is short, make a difference for yourself, and you might find the lingering effects will spill out onto others. Boldness has it's benefits when used appropriately. It takes time, effort, and mistakes before we fine tune any part of our personality.

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