Many professionals believe they must feel confident before taking a risk. However, boldness expert Fred Joyal argues the reverse is true: taking uncomfortable, bold actions is what builds genuine confidence. Confidence is the result of an expanded comfort zone, not a prerequisite for action.
Similar to weightlifting where the 'most important rep is the one you can't do,' building boldness requires aiming for failure. Fred Joyal advises practicing uncomfortable actions where consequences are minimal (e.g., role-playing) so that boldness becomes reflexive when the stakes are high.
To become bolder in high-stakes sales situations, practice it in unrelated, low-consequence environments. Co-founder of 1-800-DENTIST Fred Joyal suggests that boldness, like a muscle, transfers across domains. Actions like starting conversations at a party make it easier to be bold on a sales call.
The old axiom 'people buy from people they like' is outdated. Fred Joyal argues that in a world of refined sales pitches, buyers respond to charisma. Charisma, defined as radiating comfort and belonging, builds a deeper level of trust and connection that mere likeability can't match.
When Fred Joyal risked his $25,000 winnings on 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?', he lost the money but gained an estimated $1 million in free publicity for his company. This illustrates a key principle of boldness: taking a public risk can open doors to unforeseen opportunities that dwarf the initial objective.
The phrase 'carpe diem' (seize the day) is too slow for reality. Fred Joyal argues that critical opportunities, like his chance to play chess with Richard Branson, often appear and disappear in seconds. Developing the reflex to say 'yes' instantly is more valuable than having a general plan to be bold 'someday.'