Life is made up of those few times when we have the chance to decide whether to be cautious or take a dare. To stay still and plunge into the unknown. To find a location and take a dare. The “dare” is such a small word, but its effect is vast. It’s all about being fearlessness, being courageous, and having courage to go directly up to things. Here we will learn what it means to dare, why we must dare, and how you can start daring to live your dream life.
What Does It Mean to Dare?
To dare is to do something in the presence of fear, doubt, or uncertainty. It has nothing to do with foolishness or foolhardiness; it has everything to do with being brave enough to try something new when winning is not assured. Daring involves:
Jumping in pursuit of a big dream.
Rising up when it’s easier to keep quiet.
Taking a risk again after falling short.
Believing in oneself even if others don’t.
From being a child to staying warm.
Bravery does not always mean fearlessness. Bravery is being scared and doing it anyway. Bravery is believing in yourself that you’re going to jump and leap of faith.
Why Do We Need Daring?
Bravery is the key to growth, success, and fulfillment. Read on why you need it:
- It Makes You Grow
When you venture out of your comfort zone, you learn, you live, and you discover new strengths you never knew you had. You grow by challenging yourself. - It Builds Confidence
When you step out on a limb and do something that makes you anxious every time you perform it, you’re reminding yourself that you can do it. Self-confidence and trust in yourself are established with repeated exposure. - It Opens Doors
Opportunities never come knocking on waiters’ doors but on doers’ doors. An entrepreneurship opportunity, a new career, or a field of interest does not need fearlessness, and fearlessness comes knocking on those doors which may otherwise never have been opened. - It Inspires Others
When you are brave enough to pursue your dreams, you inspire others to do the same. Your bravery is a domino effect that compels the people who surround you to take a leap of faith and have faith in themselves. - It Brings Fulfillment
Half of life is being afraid. Courage enables you to live, find out what you can do, and create a life that is worth living and one that matters.
What Keeps Us Back from Being Bold
Being bold is a wonderful thing, but it simply does not come naturally. There are many things that keep us back from being bold, some of which are:
- Fear of Failure
Fear of failure is the greatest inhibition of fearlessness. We don’t wish to let others down, or we don’t wish to let ourselves down. Failure is not an end—it’s a stepping stone to success. - Fear of the Unknown
The unknown is frightening because it’s unknowable. But that’s where the magic lies too. When you’re prepared to step into the unknown, you’re laying yourself on the table for possibility. - Self-Doubt
We question ourselves and question if we’re “good enough.” The reality is, you don’t have to be perfect to begin. You just need to be open to trying. - Comfort Zones
Comfort zones are safe, but limiting. Being brave is stepping outside of what you know and embracing change.
How to Start Daring
If you’re able to learn how to start boldly, the following methods can push you outside of your comfort zone:
- Know Your Fears
What’s stopping you? Fear of failure, fear of judgment, or something in between? Once you know your fears, you’re then able to overcome them. - Start Small
You do not have to take a giant leap at the beginning. Start small dares, i.e., talk freely at a game or a meeting. With each step of every step of widening the scope of your confidence, step by step, you can start taking more risks. - Be Goal-Oriented
What is it that you are afraid to do? Start an enterprise, go solo on a trip, or something else, set specific goals to channelize your behavior. - Act
It requires bravery to be courageous, not to fantasize. Be courageous enough to leap off the cliff even if you are afraid. Always keep in mind, action is preferable to perfection. - Accepting Failure
Failure is as sure as water is behind gravity. Don’t be afraid of it; it’s a lesson. With every failure, you are one step closer to success. - Be with Support
Find others to inspire and motivate you. Having others around you who inspire and motivate you can make going bold easier. - Reward Your Successes
Whenever you go out on a limb and do something bold, reward yourself. If it is a big success or a little success, celebrate your effort and your courage.
Examples of Daring in Action
To inspire you, below are some examples of daring in action:
- Start a Business
Most of the successful business leaders had placed everything on their own venture. They had struggled with adversity, failure, and disbelief, but never lost excitement. Bravery in them led to magic success. - Chasing a Passion
Some have quit corporate careers to live their passion. Music, writing, or the fine arts are some professions that some have sought out to live their passion and create a niche for themselves. - Weathering Adversity
One of the best stories is about individuals who overcame their struggles. They had mountains to climb but never gave up. Their courage transformed their own lives and the lives of the people around them. - Standing Up
The strength of standing up for yourself and what you believe in is very strong. Standing up for yourself or others, your voice being heard and can be a difference maker.
The Benefits of Taking Bold Risks
If you are courageous enough to be open to risk-taking and follow your dreams, the reward is limitless. Some of them include:
Personal Growth: You are stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
New Experience: Courage opens up new windows of experience and potential to your life.
Satisfaction: You construct a life that is exciting and satisfying.
Inspiration: Your bravery inspires other individuals to become brave as well.
Final Words
Being courageous is not perfection or fearlessness. It is being courageous to try, to fall, and to continue. It is trusting yourself and your vision, even when the unknown is ahead. What do you dare to do, then? If it’s starting something new, pursuing a dream, or simply speaking the truth, step forward. The world is yours to take.
Dare to dream. Dare to try. Dare to live.
