Fortune Favors the Bold

April 2025

What would you say or do if you weren’t worried about how it would be received?

So many of us stay quiet, play it safe, or keep our boldest ideas tucked away, just in case. Just in case someone doesn’t approve. Just in case we fail. Just in case we aren’t quite “ready.”

But here’s the truth: If you are doing something worthwhile, there will always be critics. If you are stretching beyond the familiar, fear will always be present. And if you wait until the path is free of resistance, you’ll be waiting forever.

The Fear of Speaking Up

We self-edit all the time. In meetings, in conversations, even in how we show up online. We dilute our voices to avoid judgment, to seem agreeable, to fit in. But when we do this too much, we dilute our truth. We lose touch with what we really think and feel.

Your perspective—your unique experience, ideas, and insights—matters. Trust that those are worth sharing. When you silence yourself, you deny the world the chance to benefit from what only you can offer.

Ask yourself: Am I holding back because I fear judgment, or because it’s not the right time and place?

The Fear of Taking Action

Fear is a master storyteller. It will tell you you’re not ready, that you might fail, that people will judge you. And the scary part? It will feel like the truth. But fear doesn’t predict the future; it only tries to keep you comfortable.

Every leader, innovator, and changemaker has faced doubt. The difference is, they didn’t let it stop them. They spoke up anyway. They took the risk. They stepped forward with courage despite the uncertainty.

Ask yourself: Is this fear protecting me from real danger, or is it just discomfort that comes with growth?

Push Forward, Even When Others Push Back

If you’re stepping into something bigger, there will always be naysayers. Not everyone will understand your vision. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, making a career change, or launching something new, not everyone will agree with you. And that’s okay. You can’t control how others will react, but you can control how much power you give to their opinions. The goal isn’t universal approval—it’s alignment with your truth.

Instead of fearing criticism, expect it. Use it as a sign that you’re pushing the edges of your comfort zone, continuing to learn, and moving toward something meaningful.

Keep Moving Ahead

You don’t need permission to take up space. You don’t need everyone’s approval to do the work that matters to you.

Your career, your leadership, your life—they all expand in proportion to your willingness to be bold.

Go ahead. Speak up. Step forward.