Bravery and Fear

Bravery and fear are interesting things to study.  What makes us act bravely, or shrink in fear?  What foundational experiences make it easier to act bravely, versus live with fear?  Similarly, what makes a client and creative choose a bold color?  One that makes the product stand out on a store’s shelf, instead of blending amongst the competition?

There are plenty of quotes about bravery and fear.  They both can be larger than life, or every day little things.  While I wouldn’t label myself a particularly brave person, some of the activities and adventures in my life have caused others to label me as such.  This makes me think that one man’s fear is another man’s play.  Just as one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so too can we embark on journeys that make others nervous because they seem too brave.

When and how do we act bravely when needed?  If a creative brings us an idea that we feel is too bold, do we let the idea exist?  Do we give it a chance to live in a state of possibility or do we kill it quickly?  How do creatives get the courage to act bravely in bringing clients bold ideas?

Personally, I believe that information and trusted relationships make those things we fear feel like play.  When we have the information we need, we’re better prepared to act.  And when we act with those whom we trust, we are more likely to take seemingly large risks because we are not acting alone.

Sometimes it’s easy to live in a state of fear.  It feels safer than taking bold actions.  Then again, some times it’s easy to accept a challenge and act bravely for the adrenaline rush. You feel a sense of freedom from the fear that previously bound you. What brave actions have you taken as a client or creative?  When did you instead accept fear?  How did you feel about the action your took?

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.

– Eleanor Roosevelt