Cultivating Boldness and Charisma (video)

Are you living life on your own terms, or are fear and self-doubt holding you back? In a recent episode of the Expert Inside Interview, John Golden spoke with Fred Joyal, a business advisor and author of Super Bold: From Underconfident to Charismatic in 90 Days. Their discussion focused on how anyone can develop boldness and charisma as practical skills.

This post summarizes the essential lessons from their conversation, exploring the nuances of boldness and actionable steps to cultivate it.

1. Boldness vs. Confidence: Understanding the Distinction

Key Insight:
Confidence is how you feel about yourself, while boldness is what you do. Many confuse boldness with confidence or arrogance. Fred Joyal emphasizes:

• Confidence is internal—your self-perception.
• Boldness is external—your readiness to act despite uncertainty.

“Bold individuals take action even when unsure of the outcome. Remember, boldness fosters confidence, not the other way around.” — Fred Joyal

Actionable Takeaway:
Don’t wait to feel confident before acting. Initiate action first; your confidence will grow through experience.

2. The Action Principle: Boldness Is About Doing

Boldness isn’t an innate trait; it’s a skill that can be developed. Fred’s journey from introvert to entrepreneur illustrates this principle: never hold back.
How to Embrace the Action Principle:

• Identify Doubt: Notice when your inner critic prevents you from acting.
• Act Despite Uncertainty: Boldness involves taking risks, even when outcomes are unclear.
• Embrace Discomfort: Growth occurs outside your comfort zone.

Sales Insight:
In sales, prospecting can be uncomfortable. Top salespeople aren’t fearless; they act boldly despite their fears.

3. Developing Boldness: Practical Exercises

Fred’s Super Bold outlines a 90-day transformation plan featuring practical exercises inspired by bodybuilding and improv comedy: start small, progressively build, and push your limits.

Step-by-Step Boldness Training:

Micro-Bold Actions:

• Smile at strangers.
• Engage in small talk.
• Ask questions in meetings.

Stretch Your Comfort Zone:

• Try karaoke.
• Volunteer for presentations.
• Initiate difficult conversations.

Consistent Daily Actions:

• Commit to one bold act daily.
• Document experiences in a journal.
• Reflect on lessons learned.

Why This Works:
Each small win strengthens your “boldness muscle.” Over time, your instinct shifts from hesitation to action.

4. Embracing Failure: The Growth Mindset

Failure is a teacher, not an enemy. We learn through trial and error, yet adults often avoid mistakes.

Reframing Failure:

• Adopt a Learning Mindset: Ask yourself daily what you attempted that didn’t succeed.
• Learn from Mistakes: Analyze what went wrong and how to improve.
• Embrace the Process: The universe will keep presenting the same lesson until you learn it.

Expert Insight:
If you aren’t facing failures, you aren’t pushing your limits. Treat failure as a badge of honor.

5. Demystifying Charisma: Comfort in Your Skin

Charisma isn’t an elusive quality; it stems from boldness and self-acceptance. People are drawn to those who are comfortable with themselves.

How to Exude Charisma:

• Own the Moment: Laugh off mistakes; embarrassment is a choice.
• Be Present: Focus on those around you instead of worrying about perceptions.
• Let Go of Approval: Not everyone needs to like you; prioritize genuine connections.

6. Finding Your Tribe: The Power of Authenticity

You are a unique product. The goal is to connect with your tribe—those who appreciate your distinctive qualities.

Action Steps:

• Stop Chasing Universal Appeal: Focus on those who understand you.
• Leverage Your Strengths: Introverts can excel by appealing to clients who value deep listening.
• Prioritize Quality Relationships: A few deep connections are more valuable than superficial popularity.

Final Thoughts

Fred Joyal’s message is clear: Boldness is a superpower that anyone can develop. It’s about taking action, embracing mistakes, and living authentically. Charisma naturally follows when you’re comfortable in your own skin.

Seize life’s moments. Don’t just “carpe diem”—embrace carpe momentum. The life you desire is built one bold action at a time.
Want to learn more?

Explore Fred Joyal’s Super Bold and visit fred.com for resources and guidance.

If you found this article helpful, share it with someone who could use a boost of boldness and start your journey to a more charismatic life today.