Photo courtesy of RustMan
In this special series, we’ll take a brief look at various different fearless inspirations from the past week or so. Whether it’s a fearless young changemaker who is taking risks, a new publication that expresses bold and innovative ideas, or an organization that is promoting change and that is not afraid to fail forward—we want to shine a spotlight on them and their work in the hope that it will spark a new movement to Be Fearless.
As Jean Case, CEO of the Case Foundation says, “The old way of doing things is simply no longer effective in this new world. It’s time for us all to take risks on new ideas, approaches, and initiatives. It’s time for us to be bold, to act with urgency, and to resist the tendency to let caution be our guide. It’s time for us to Be Fearless.” Will you join us?
Top 5 Tips to Get What You Want
This week, we scoured the web for tips that young changemakers can take to heart to be fearless and help them be more effective at creating postive social change. Check out these five ideas and share ones that have worked for you in our comments section!
#1: Be Assertive, not Aggressive: Being assertive is not about behaving like a jerk. It's about letting people know where you stand and what you need in a kind, direct, and flexible way and then being willing to work with them to find resolutions that work for everyone. So many problems arise in the workplace because people get into power struggles, become entrenched in a single position, and step all over each other. Being assertive allows you to express your views and also encourage others to do the same.
Focus
#2: Focus on the Small Stuff: Broad critiques are hard for people to absorb. So address minor issues first. For example, if you’re the parent of a teenager, don’t hound her about her poor homework habits and lax approach to chores all at once. Instead, ask her to unload the dishwasher. Later, remind her about her algebra. Over time, these piecemeal victories can add up to substantial change.
Real Simple
#3: Listen: This may seem counter-intuitive, but by far the most effective way to get people’s attention is to give them yours. When you truly listen to someone — when you offer them your undivided focus, summarize their main points to make sure you’re tracking, ask curiosity-based questions to find out more — you’re demonstrating openness and respect in a powerful way. Most people automatically want to hear what someone who seems interested in them might have to say.
Whenever you feel like someone isn’t listening to you, try really listening to him or her first, and then see what happens. It doesn’t always work (some people are truly self-involved), but it usually does. [Note to parents – this often has good results even with teenagers.]
Forbes
#4: Give Yourself Permission to Make Mistakes: Benjamin Franklin once said, “Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.” If we fear making mistakes, we become scared to try new things. Fear leaves us nestled in our comfort zone. Staying in your comfort zone rarely leads to greatness. Taking risks and giving yourself permission to make mistakes, will ultimately lead you to whatever your version of success may be.
Business Insider
#5: Take Yourself Out of the Equation: Almost anyone is more likely to respond to a request when she thinks she herself will benefit from it. So to be persuasive, dangle an incentive. For example, if your neighbor’s barking dog bothers you, give her the name of a trainer that you’ve used in the past and say, “She may be able to help you, as well.” And while you’re making your case, try to reduce your use of self-referential pronouns (I and me) in favor of you. That way, you’ll sound more concerned with the other person’s needs than with your own.
Real Simple