Jennifer Cohen, author of Bigger, Better, Bolder, helps us develop the confidence to pursue the life we want. Boldness is more important than intelligence when seizing opportunities. Crafting personal and professional connections without being schmoozy. Adopting alter egos like Beyoncé can work wonders. Finding gratitude and hope even when at rock bottom. Developing boldness as a skill through consistent effort. The power of negative visualization and embracing naivety. The importance of negotiating and refusing to be taken advantage of. Exploring productivity and changing environments. Discussing the tragic mass murder-suicide in Jonestown.
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Quick takeaways
Choosing a direction rather than fixating on a specific outcome allows for flexibility and adaptability in pursuing opportunities.
Combining curiosity and boldness creates a mindset that leads to unexpected successes and valuable experiences.
Recognizing how past experiences have led to positive outcomes boosts resilience and confidence in pursuing future goals.
Deep dives
Choose a Direction, Not a Destination
Choosing a direction rather than fixating on a specific outcome can help avoid demotivation and disappointment. By focusing on the direction one wants to go in, it allows for flexibility and the ability to adapt to new opportunities and circumstances. For example, instead of setting a goal to lose a specific amount of weight, focusing on a direction of improving overall fitness and making healthier choices can lead to more sustainable progress and positive results.
Curiosity and Boldness as Keys to Success
Being curious opens up opportunities and connections, while boldness allows one to take action and pursue those opportunities. Combining curiosity and boldness helps create a mindset where one is not afraid to ask questions, seek advice, and try new things. This can lead to unexpected successes and valuable experiences that would have otherwise been missed. Cultivating these qualities can help individuals become more adaptable, open-minded, and better equipped to navigate through challenges and seize new opportunities.
The Power of Connecting the Dots
Looking back and recognizing how different experiences and events have led to positive outcomes can provide a sense of fulfillment and motivation. Often, what may have seemed like failures or setbacks at the time can turn out to be stepping stones towards success. By connecting the dots, individuals can gain a broader perspective on their path and appreciate the valuable lessons and growth that have come from various experiences. This mindset can boost resilience, optimism, and confidence in pursuing future goals and endeavors.
The Strength of Naivety
Naivety can be a superpower when it comes to taking risks, trying new things, and pursuing unconventional paths. When one is naive to the challenges or limitations associated with a particular goal or endeavor, they are more likely to take bold action and think outside the box. Being blissfully ignorant of the obstacles can bring a sense of fearlessness, creativity, and an openness to new possibilities. Embracing naivety can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and unique approaches that others may dismiss due to their preconceived notions or experience-based skepticism.
Boldness and Naivety as Superpowers
The podcast emphasizes the importance of being bold and naive when pursuing goals. The speaker encourages listeners to not let their lack of knowledge or experience stop them from attempting something. They share examples of successful individuals who achieved great things by being bold and not being hindered by doubts or fears.
Creating Opportunities and Carving out a Niche
The podcast discusses the importance of creating opportunities and utilizing one's unique talents and skills. The guest shares her personal story of how she created a niche for herself in the fitness industry by leveraging her connections in the music world. She highlights the importance of being bold, taking risks, and embracing opportunities, even if they seem unconventional or unlikely to succeed.
Bigger, Better, Bolder author Jennifer Cohen helps us develop the confidence to pursue the life we want instead of settling for the life we get.
What We Discuss with Jennifer Cohen:
Even the innately shy and introverted can develop a skill set of boldness to fearlessly pursue relationships, careers, and whatever bounties life has to offer.
Why boldness is more important than intelligence when it comes to taking advantage of opportunities that come your way.
How you can craft personal and professional connections without being schmoozy about it.
Even Beyoncé needs to adopt an alter ego to pull off her legendary, larger-than-life feats of performance — so imagine what miracles adopting your own alter ego can work for you.
How someone at rock bottom can still find ways to exercise gratitude and remain hopeful for better times ahead.