I was talking to one of my awesome collegues recently, and he said:
People need to hustle, be bullish, be kind, and go hard!
— Matthew Lawrence
I couldn't agree more, I really vibed with it, to me it means simply "be bold and kind". I love discovering heuristics, which are "mental shortcuts that ease the cognitive load of making a decision". I'm going to use this heuristic to remind me daily to live up to that as a core principle.
"Be bold and kind" as a core principle means living a life that is characterized by courage, determination, empathy, and compassion. It's about taking risks and pushing beyond your comfort zone while remaining considerate, understanding, and supportive of others. Here's a deeper explanation and some practical ways to apply this principle, along with examples.
Embrace challenges and opportunities
Being bold involves stepping outside your comfort zone to face challenges and seize opportunities. Trust your instincts, take risks, and don't be afraid of failure. At the same time, be kind by understanding that others may also face challenges and may need your support or encouragement.
Example: If you see a co-worker struggling with a project, offer your assistance or guidance, even if it's outside your usual job scope.
Speak your mind, but listen
Express your thoughts, ideas, and opinions honestly and assertively. However, be kind by actively listening to others, respecting their perspectives, and avoiding harsh judgments.
Example: During a group discussion, share your opinion confidently while also remaining open to others' viewpoints and fostering an inclusive environment.
Stand up for what's right
When you witness injustice or wrongdoing, be bold by taking a stand and advocating for change. Be kind by supporting those who have been wronged and promoting a culture of fairness, respect, and empathy.
Example: If you notice someone being bullied or harassed, intervene (if it's safe to do so) and offer support to the victim, while advocating for a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Pursue personal growth and help others grow
Be bold in seeking self-improvement and taking on new experiences. Be kind by encouraging and supporting the personal growth of others, offering mentorship or guidance where needed.
Example: Attend workshops or classes to enhance your skills, and share your knowledge with others who could benefit from it.
Act with empathy and understanding
Approach interactions with others from a place of empathy and compassion. Be bold in expressing your feelings and emotions but also be kind by validating and acknowledging the feelings of others.
Example: If a friend is going through a tough time, offer a listening ear and emotional support, validating their feelings and offering help if needed.
Be resilient and supportive
Be bold in the face of adversity by demonstrating resilience and determination. Be kind by offering support and understanding to others who may be struggling.
Example: If you experience failure or setbacks, learn from them and keep moving forward. At the same time, be there for others who may be experiencing difficulties, offering encouragement and help.
By adopting "be bold and kind" as a core principle, you'll create a life that is not only fulfilling and empowering for yourself but also positively impacts the lives of those around you.