Boldness Has Magic, Power, and Genius In It + Giveaway!

by Tess

Contributor: digitalart

I'm the person who talks about magic, power, and genius, I can speak to a crowd of five thousand but when you put me in a room to network with 50 people, I become socially shy.

It's an intimacy issue, in-too-me-see. I avoid networking.

I'm attending the World Domination Summit with Chris Guillebeau in a few weeks. I felt myself getting anxious about a month ago. I even thought about cancelling my trip. 

I didn't.

I decided to "walk my talk." I began to take action.

Action steps

I began reaching out. I discovered a private group on Facebook and began communicating with other people that are going including Kerrie Blazek of In Her Element, Michelle DeSpain of The Diary of a Late Bloomer, and Laurie Ann Silberman, who is relaunching her blog soon.

I chose these three women because they all live in the Phoenix area and I need off line friends! It can be that easy!

I'm going to get some extra business cards printed this afternoon. I signed up for the individual workshops I will be attending.

By taking action I changed my fear and anxiety to anticipation and excitement. 

What do you need? What are you willing to do?

10 tips to be bold and discover your magic, power, and genius!

Own your brilliance. You have a profound greatness. Breathe it in. Share it with others. Come out of hiding. Decide to shine. This is your time. Run with it. 

Let go.

Unset your mind and heart. Set your intention and choose to let go of the outcome. Be open to options. Your results may be even better than you expected.   

Enjoy the ride.

You don’t have to make life difficult. Savor the adventure. Go new places. Introduce yourself to people. Learn something awesome. Don’t be the same person you were yesterday, today. 

Look with fresh eyes.

My three year old grandson, Henri, asked my daughter today, “Why is there road construction?” She replied, “Workers fix the holes in the road so that our car tires won't go flat. (Michigan roads) 

Think about your blueberries. If you squash one, it won’t roll. Flat tires don’t roll. We need our tires to roll in order for our car to run.” The wonder of a child and learning something new is contagious. Borrow that energy!

Dwell in possibility.

When we live in fear, we dwell more on what won’t or can’t work. When we live in possibility we wonder what will work and discover how it can. Begin to spend more time in what’s possible and less time in doubt. Dream big!

Let life be good.

You determine how your day will go. When you stay out of your own way, life is great. If you fear success, you stop your progress and create obstacles. Do what is before you. Work on your three top tasks. Focus and allow life to be grand! 

Acknowledge the wonder and beauty.

Look at your life and count your blessings. It’s easy to get caught up in what others have and what others are doing. Meanwhile, you discount your own blessings as meaningless and unimportant. 

Judge nothing that occurs.

We don’t know what anything is for. You can’t see the big picture. We don’t know why someone wins against all odds. We don’t know why some things go terribly wrong. The only meaning something has is what we give it. Show up with less judgment, have fun, and do your best. 

Spiral upward.

See your life experience with hope, trust and optimism. Decide to feel good in every moment. Release negative energy, negative situations, and negative people. Stay in the moment, lighten up and choose joy. 

Give of yourself today.

Energy shared is energy expanded. Help someone get ahead. Go the extra mile. A slight positive change can shift someone’s life in a different direction. You have the power to improve someone’s life with love. Share it wholeheartedly. 

What if… What if everything turns out great? Most things aren’t as serious as you make them out to be. You are surrounded by possibility. Keep your head high and your eyes open. Observe. Take action. Step into an amazing future!

The $100 Start Up Book

 If you haven't read The $100 STARTUP: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love and Create A New Future by Chris Guillebeau. 

I'm keeping my hard copy of, $100 Start Up, but I'm giving away my "like-new" paperback copy. I

f you want a chance to win, please leave me a copy and tell us:

What bold action have you taken lately? Or what do you want to commit to doing?

The winner from last week's giveaway, "How to Be Happily Ever After Now," is Emma Moore!

     

    Are you ready to commit to your dreams?

    Tess Marshall

    You can go beyond what you think is possible! The time is now to increase your confidence and blaze a new trail. If you are ready to do great things then book your free 20-minute consult with me and let’s talk about your personal plan for greatness! Click on my coaching page.

    { 32 comments… read them below or add one }

    Elle June 18, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    Congratulations Tess ~ it can be a challenge to change our mindset ~ but look at you ~ entirely new possibilities opened up for you. You are a wonderful role model and thank you for sharing your fears and how you changed your mind and changed your life…as the saying goes.

    Elle
    xoxo
    Elle´s last post…How To Overcome Inertia And Everything Else That Holds You Back.

    Reply

    Tess June 18, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Hi Elle,
    Yes and I’m sure a lot more of opportunities will become available with all the people I meet and especially what I learn. I love that kind of energy!

    Reply

    Paige | simple mindfulness June 18, 2012 at 1:53 pm

    Like you, networking was one of my biggest fears. I avoided it at all costs. Until late 2008 when I made myself get out there and network on an almost full-time basis in order to find my next job (big networking meetings, small group meetings, lots of one-on-one coffee meetings and lunches). At first it was scary as hell but by the end of about six months, I loved it. I actually got a bit upset that a new job would take me away from meeting lots more interesting and amazing people. Once I made it about the people I would meet and the interesting things I could learn instead of what I thought they might be thinking about me, it was really fun. I wish I could be there with you at the Summit!

    I just finished the $100 Startup and highly recommend it! It’s got lots of how-to along with tons of inspiration from a variety of case studies – all people who have gone out and done their own things their own way and the lessons they learned along the way.

    My next bold action is to finish my first product and start generating an income from my online business. While it doesn’t feel scary, I seem to be procrastinating way too much on it.

    I totally agree with your ten tips, especially letting go and enjoying the ride! Thanks Tess!!
    Paige | simple mindfulness´s last post…Can’t Get Past That Stuck Place In Your Life? Here’s What to Do

    Reply

    Tess June 18, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    Paige,
    I look forward to fallining in love with networking offline! LOL The first product is the scariest. Once you get by it…watch out! Let me know if you need any help with anything.

    Reply

    Cynthia June 18, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Great post. I find getting older naturally makes one bolder :) I have begun running, never being a runner before and am now up to running 29 minutes at a time….I will run a 5K this year.

    Reply

    Tess June 18, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    Cynthia,
    Running rocks! I just read the book, “Born to Run.” You may want to pick up a copy if you haven’t read it yet. Ahh-mazing! Thanks for sharing with us.

    Reply

    Cathy | Treatment Talk June 18, 2012 at 4:03 pm

    Hi Tess,

    Enjoy your time at the World Domination Summit! It should be great!! Share a few things when you come back :) Glad you met some new connections, that always makes things a little easier.
    Cathy | Treatment Talk´s last post…How to Fill the Void in Your Life

    Reply

    Sarah | Holistic Hot Sauce June 18, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    This was perfect for me to read today Tess! I’ve also been running some anxiety about WDS – and your success with concrete action steps totally inspires me! After pushing hard to launch my new site, and then taking off on a trip a couple of days later I was beginning to feel drained and decidedly un-bold! I needed a dose of The Bold Life to get me back on track. Look forward to some offline ‘networking’ (let’s just call it hanging out!) in Portland.
    Sarah | Holistic Hot Sauce´s last post…Tips To Cultivate Serenity While Traveling (And Avoid That Death Warmed Over Look Despite Only 3 Hours Of Sleep)

    Reply

    Sarah | Holistic Hot Sauce June 18, 2012 at 4:45 pm

    Oh – and I WOULD love to win Chris’s book – I’ve only read the first chapter and I’m excited to get into the whole shebang! Bold thing I did today was contact a prominent online speaker to ask about interviewing her for my blog! And then since I was on a roll I contacted another person I’ve been feeling a bit intimidated by – to initiate a conversation. So funny how such little things can feel like such a big deal!
    Sarah | Holistic Hot Sauce´s last post…Tips To Cultivate Serenity While Traveling (And Avoid That Death Warmed Over Look Despite Only 3 Hours Of Sleep)

    Reply

    Susan Gregg June 18, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    Tess,
    I could so relate to your post. I too can talk to thousands but at a party or to a small group of people at a social gathering I can become one with the wall easily.

    All I can say is, GO GIRLFRIEND! I will follow along and maybe even go to some conferences myself next year. You are an inspiration.It is so nice to read about your process and know I am not alone.

    Thanks,
    Susan

    Reply

    Jodi Chapman June 18, 2012 at 6:18 pm

    I am constantly inspired by you, Tess! You really are doing it – walking the walk and helping all of us along the way. Thank you!!! I know you’ll have a wonderful time, and you’ll wow everyone with your radiant personality and amazing laugh!

    You know what my fears are already – being “out there.” But I continue to say yes to life – even if it feels scary. I believe that the universe will never give me anything that I can’t handle.

    Big hug to you!!!
    Jodi Chapman´s last post…When Did You Realize You Were Powerful?

    Reply

    Betsy at Zen Mama June 18, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    Tess,
    I completely understand! I am exactly the same way. No one can believe I’m shy. They just think I’ve memorized all my material. But in reality, I’m shaking so much, I can’t hold any paper. Plus I really perspire! So your post meant a lot to me! I’d love the book! It’s looks wonderful!!

    PS I know you’ll amazing at the summit. Can’t wait o read all about it!!
    Betsy at Zen Mama´s last post…CAUTION: You May Be In Danger Of Catching Adultitis… Read Here To Save Yourself and Others!

    Reply

    Deb June 18, 2012 at 11:11 pm

    I am moving to a new city alone and I am totally out of my comfort zone…! I will really have to “get out there” and meet new people…!

    Reply

    Tess June 20, 2012 at 12:12 pm

    Deb,
    Good for you. Check out http://www.meetup.com. Join a group. I did with hiking and it helped!

    Reply

    Jenn June 19, 2012 at 1:18 am

    I am doing a mud run and looking forward to it. Go figure!

    Reply

    Tess June 19, 2012 at 6:01 am

    Jenn,
    A mud run…I think that sounds like so much fun! I’d love to watch. My duaghters have done them as well. Have a great time!

    Reply

    Christopher June 19, 2012 at 2:03 am

    YES! Thank you for the reminder!

    Reply

    Fran Sorin June 19, 2012 at 11:16 pm

    Tess…

    What a delicious post….and how timely your words are. Everything you mentioned rings true and is a great reminder of the work that needs to continually be tended with discipline. I love the phrase ‘dwell with possibility’.

    Last week when I visited Philly, I saw evidence of the hard work I’ve done of ‘staying in the moment’ and ‘judge nothing that occurs’. Being with family, even if you love them, brings up a lot of issues and emotions that can be sparked at any moment. I caught myself several times starting to go to an ‘old place’ but was able to gently replace the ‘old me’ with the ‘wise one’. The last day of my trip was spent with my father….lunch, having him talk about his life and history on video, and listening to a Nichols and May record (can u believe that?). In past trips, I would have been tired of trying to stay neutral with a lot of his ‘schtick’ (sp?). Although this was not a big external ‘WOW’, I felt it internally.

    Tess….the strategy you’ve used in making your trip to World Domination Summit a positive one is exemplary. I have some of the same issues. Kudos to you for doing that. Next year I’ll meet you there.

    I’ve read Chris’ book…it is certainly a ‘must read’ for anyone….Have a magnificent time….xxoo-Fran
    Fran Sorin´s last post…5 Tips On How ‘Gardening In The Micro’ Can Transform A Normal Day Into One of Joy and Abundance

    Reply

    Tess June 20, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    Fran,
    I’m taking you up on the idea of WDS next year! Be ready because tickets will go on sale soon after this one.

    Reply

    Wendy Krueger June 20, 2012 at 12:11 am

    Hi Tess:
    I am glad you didn’t cancel your trip. I am sure it will a be a great event and you will get to put those extra business cards to use.

    Owning your brilliance (would be a great name for a blog) is definitely something most women struggle with, not men. We are taught to be modest in our society.
    - Wendy

    Reply

    Tess June 20, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    Wendy,
    Yes great name for a blog but I don’t want another:) lol

    Reply

    Vidya Sury June 20, 2012 at 1:16 am

    Wonderful points. Lately, I’ve realized I can say “no” – and I’ve committed to finishing my book this year. I’d love to read that book!
    Vidya Sury´s last post…Love

    Reply

    Tess June 20, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    Vidya,
    OK I’ll look forward to your book. Let me know if you need help promoting it!

    Reply

    Michelle DeSpain June 20, 2012 at 10:08 am

    Hello, my new online AND offline friend! :-) Kudos to you on your bravery! I was in the same position as you last year, and I am so happy that I felt the fear and went to WDS anyway. You will be, too. I promise!

    I’m juggling 4 random acts of boldness at the moment. My mother constantly worries about me. :-D However, what I would REALLY like to do is nominate one of my girlfriends with hutzpah for your giveaway. She’s a huge fan of Chris and his blog.

    In fact, after watching the trailer for his book, my friend was inspired to quit her soul-sucking day job so that she could free herself up to pursue her dreams of World Traveling Yogini. Oh. And did I mention that she is a single mom of a teenager and a toddler? She is my hero.

    Best wishes to everyone in pursuit of their bold and powerful dreams. (The Goethe quote is one of my favorites, by the way!)
    Michelle DeSpain´s last post…Food Revolution & The Great Vegan Experiment

    Reply

    Tess June 20, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    Michelle,
    Wow your friend is brave, espcially with a toddler in tow. Mothers are wonderful aren’t they? See ya soon!

    Reply

    David Stevens June 20, 2012 at 2:55 pm

    Hi Tess,
    Uplifting stuff, good for you…best wishes with the ‘Summit’
    be good to yourself
    David
    David Stevens´s last post…Humanity, the Beach & a million Thoughts…

    Reply

    Kim June 21, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    GREAT post! I absolutely love this line “Set your intention and choose to let go of the outcome.” I’m going to write it down, so I’ll always remember it!

    I’ve committed to figuring out my life this year. I’ve decided that I don’t want to go back to an ordinary job, and now I’m just soul searching to figure out what it is I want to do. All I know for sure is it will involve writing and motivation, either together or separate, in some form or fashion. There is going to be a lot of brainstorming (and probably a lot of coffee!), but in the end it will be SO worth it!

    Reply

    Vegard Haugen June 22, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    This wasn’t lately, but when I was 15 I decided to move out from my parents to study music. I moved to a city three hours away, I didn’t know anyone and had never lived in a city before. I learned a lot during those three years.

    I moved out again this week. And now my plan is to hitchhike through Europe without any money, starting July 9th. I’m nervous, but I know the universe will help me on my way. And I know I will learn a lot more!

    Reply

    Bobbi Emel June 22, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Tess, you go girl! Way to walk your talk and overcome your fears. I love how you used some problem-solving and proactivity (I think I made that up) to find some friends to hang out with while you’re there.

    I also really like your tips about “judging nothing” and “spiral upward.” Those two by themselves will get you far!

    Have a great time at the conference!
    Bobbi Emel´s last post…The only answer to sorrow is to live

    Reply

    Marvin and Jo June 22, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    Yay Tess! We too will be in Portland! We’ll see you there. It seems like an eternity since we last met you in San Francisco at the A-List meetup.

    What bold action have we taken lately? Our bold action happened early 2011, a few months after we met you. We sold off all our belongings, left our corporate careers, and have been living on the road for 14 months, primarily in SE Asia.

    What have we committed to doing? A workshop at WDS on how travelhacking can enable people to fulfill their dreams of traveling the world. It’s our first time speaking at a conference. We’re nervous…but excited and grateful for more chances like this to get out of our comfort zone!

    Reply

    Carolyn Hughes June 23, 2012 at 3:39 am

    Great post on mind over matter and not letting our fears get the better of us. Love it! I used to be so fearful of meeting people and going to new places but I have had to confront it head on and now I have a little motto “If you’re afraid to do it, do it afraid!”
    Carolyn Hughes´s last post…Love me? Love me not?

    Reply

    Lois June 26, 2012 at 10:25 am

    Tess,

    I started reading your blog a few months ago and your posts often resonate with what I’m experiencing at that time. I would love to win the copy of “$100 Start Up”. My bold move is: I am closing the chapter on a 23-yr career and am taking the next year off as a ‘sabbatical’ to figure out what’s next. The “$100 Start Up” would be a beneficial tool as I create my next chapter!

    Reply

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