Being Bold
As the character Edmond Dantes discovered in 'The Count of Monte Carlo', being bold can redirect your life.
- ⏱ TL DR: The introductory post to the blog sets the scene with the character Edmond Dantes. A bold mindset can have a compounding effect on your direction, adapability and interactions with others.
Trapped in the Chateau d’If
For many people, being bold is not their starting point. In the story ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, Edmond Dantes (right in the cover image) becomes consumed by hopelessness when imprisoned in the towering fortress of Chateau d'If, as shown in the below image.
Isolated alone in his cell with the sounds of rough, turbulent waters crashing against the cliffs, he his fate seems to be fixed. However, as the story unfolds, Edmond transforms his mindset to become an entirely different character. We will revisit Edmond’s adventures in other blog posts. The changing of mindset is the prerequisite for meaningful, long term transformation.
In spite of how ‘simple’ it sounds, changing your mindset is a lifestyle practice that requires practice and viligalence.
Being bold has a compounding effect
This blog will explore the compounding effect that being bold can have on any individual. I will expose the experiments, breakthroughs and failures I’ve faced through 20 years+ of being an unqualified, amateur self improvement junkie.
Change your mindset, change your life is the core theme of this blog.
In order to build on the foundation of a ‘bold solo’ mindset, we will look at 2 supporting themes of productivity, which will include goal setting, and putting a strong mindset into practice with strong networking. Additionally we will consider the impact of physical and mental health. Finally, we’ll look at why travel is one of the best comfort zones escapes. I hope what I share can be a starting point or pivot for areas in your life you desire more boldness.
Being bold in any relationship status
To clarify, this blog is not written exclusively for single people, it is for individuals of any relationship status (see the About page). However the starting point for boldness or courage - is ourselves. We cannot bargain or buy geniune boldness from others.
To illustrate, one of the 🔑 key questions addressed in the blog is:
- 🔑 Within scenarios that do not pose reasonable risk or harm - what activities are we fearful of doing by ourselves?
Certainly, a balanced look at ourselves as the starting point is not selfish. In fact, by tackling personal fears, we can participate more fully in relationships, groups and communities.
What does being bold mean?
By the 13th century, the original english term for bold evolved into concepts of ‘courage’ and ‘audacity’. However, being bold does not mean loud or reckless behavior. Rather, it means a willingness to take calculated risks and to break free from the fear of failure.
Being bold can be both a silent solo action or a stage act in front of thousands. The factors involved in boldness have been likened to a recipe - each ingredient must be in balance for it to work effectively.
The abilty to adapt is the real gain
In my younger years of shyness and deep rooted anxiety, opportunities were sparse. In fact, the ability to adapt was a merely a loose concept. During these times of personal growth, I longed to have the confidence and opportunities of certain peers. Eventually I realised my concept of ‘confidence’ or ‘boldness’ was flawed. In short, outward confidence without a strong mindset, has a clock on it.
The saying ‘just be more confident’ is functionally useless. Becoming more confident in familar surroundings means precious little when you are thrown into a new scenario. Bold adapatability is the real flex. As will be discussed in future posts, it can be the gift that keeps on giving.
Links/Resources
- The Count of Monte Cristo Book - all formats (unaffliated Amazon UK link)
- The Count of Monte Cristo Film (2002) (watch the full film for free on YouTube)