Everyone has bold thoughts and opinions, but most fear sharing them with others. 😧
There are reasons to fear personal expression; Risk of losing your job or opportunities, dissolving relationships, backlash or retaliation among other things.
I understand this. I lived my first 35 or so years in fear of putting my thoughts out there. I started taking small steps towards courage. I kept escalating from there, year by year.
So what changed? Here’s what I’ve discovered and became aware of along the way.
I realized that while we are attracted to the overall message of unity, peace, and pacifism, it is only because it describes an impossible human utopia and is simply idealistic in beliefs. It’s impossible to achieve by the historical evidence of human nature.
That’s when I began studying historic leaders, and others who took action to change the world.
None of these people played “middle of the road” with their message. None of these people were trying to be mass people-pleasers. None of these people aspired to be average and blend in. None of these people suggested others remain silent.
These people chose to share their bold thoughts with the world, and most faced extreme adversity in doing so. Most were reluctant, but still found the courage to do so.
I see so many people that aspire to be thought leaders, but their predictably passive and people-pleasing message is what keeps them from growing an audience and leading anyone.
I also became more aware of time. The truth is that we don’t have as much of it as people seem to believe. Striving for idealist and impossible goals is a waste of time.
You don’t exist to make everyone happy. Even the most recognizable martyrs and historic figures couldn’t achieve that. You will push people away with your bold thoughts, but you’ll also attract far more by being bold. Note, there is a difference between being antagonistic and being bold.
Honestly, I have more respect for bold leaders that I may disagree with, than people who play warm-fuzzy middle of the road neutral.
So what’s the path for you? I suggest you identify the sources of fear that keep you silent, and begin to eliminate those risks. Build your financial independence. Become a more effective communicator. It’s often not what you say, but how you say it. These are skills to master.
It’s time for you to become more bold. You won’t truly experience personal freedom until you can become your true self.