So, I was going through my “inspiration folder” (my folder of tears from magazines that are inspiring for blogs, work, fashion, etc) and I came across an old Town and Country magazine tear about Arianna Huffington and her advice on being fearless.
For those of you who don’t know the dynamic Ms. Huffington, she is best known as co-founder of the news website, The Huffington Post, which I visit often (I must admit mostly for the HuffPost Comedy section). She was a Republican commentator in the mid 1990s and then switched to liberalism in the late 1990s. Whether you love or hate her political views, you must give her credit for the empire she has created despite the challenges she’s faced.
I want to share her tips with you because 1) she is a perfect example of a fearless woman 2) in order to succeed at anything, we need to learn to face our fears.
Arianna Huffington’s Six Tips on Being Fearless
1) Surround yourself with other women who will always be in your corner, always there for you, whether you succeed or fail. This is your fearlessness tribe.” We all need one.
Surround yourself with great friends
Surround yourself with friends at home... and at work!
2) I have a sign on my desk: “Always make new mistakes.” In other words, be willing to fail and be open to learning from failure.
3) We all have an inner critic–the “obnoxious roommate” living in our head, constantly judging how we look, what we do and what we say. Tell her to shut up.
4) Our culture still isn’t comfortable with outspoken women, but don’t let that stop you from speaking your mind.
5) Get some sleep! There is nothing that negatively affects my productivity and efficiency more than lack of sleep.
6) Persevere, persevere, persevere. Remember that fearlessness is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it. It’s getting up one more time than you fall down.
The last point is the one that I hold closest to my heart: “Remember that fearlessness is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.” Anything worth achieving is going to give you an uncomfortable, (often painful) feeling during your journey. Instead of backing down for fear of the sting–plan for it. This is the only way to grow as individuals in our relationships, work, our talents, etc.
Sometimes taking that “step” makes us feel like human pin cushions
I just want you to think right now about a time that you were fearless. How did it make you feel? What did you learn from the experience? As I was writing this, I thought the bracelet could also be used to count these “fearless times.” How empowering! Have a fabulous week and remember to keep counting.
A fearless bracelet – very empowering! I think the last time I had to be fearless was when I gave birth. Yes, I was scared, but really didn’t have a choice
😉 I can guarentee you that as a women, giving birth is the most empowering experience you’ll ever have – at least it was for me. Great blog. Thanks for sharing.