When you think of someone who you consider as bold, there are usually a few characteristics that come to your mind to describe them. They are confident, courageous, decisive, and usually risk-takers.

Once you start thinking of it that way, you realize that most successful people are bold! Think of Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey; both accomplished huge things in their lives and it all started with them acting confidently, courageously, and decisively.

Being bold means that you stand out, you go against the grain, and you do the opposite of what society expects you to do. So boldness is not necessarily something that we all already have — it’s a muscle we need to develop.

The good news? Bold people often possess certain habits and qualities that contribute to their success that you too can do to develop your bold muscle. Here are seven things that bold individuals regularly do:

1. THEY EMBRACE FEAR AND TAKE CALCULATED RISKS

Bold people understand that fear is a natural part of growth and achievement. They embrace it and take calculated risks, stepping out of their comfort zones to pursue opportunities that others may shy away from.

2. THEY SET AMBITIOUS GOALS

They set ambitious goals that push their limits and challenge them to strive for more. They have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and create actionable plans to reach those goals — and they don’t allow anything or anyone to get in their way.

3. THEY TAKE ACTION

Bold people are not afraid to take action. They understand that ideas and plans alone are not enough; they actively pursue their goals, making things happen through consistent effort and perseverance.

4. THEY EMBRACE FAILURE AND LEARN FROM IT

They view failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. They understand that failure is a stepping stone to success and use it as a catalyst for growth, adapting their strategies and approaches based on the lessons learned.

5. THEY NETWORK AND SEEK SUPPORT

Bold people recognize the power of connections and actively build and nurture their network. They seek support from mentors, peers, and experts in their field, leveraging their relationships to gain knowledge, insights, and opportunities. They’re not afraid to ask people with high power or that have something that they want to scratch their back.

6. THEY PRACTICE SELF-CONFIDENCE

Perhaps the biggest thing bold people do is exude self-confidence. They believe in their abilities and have faith in their decisions. Even in the face of uncertainty or adversity, they maintain a positive mindset and trust themselves to overcome challenges. They know what they are capable of and they bet on themselves constantly.

7. THEY CONTINUOUSLY LEARN AND IMPROVE

Bold people have a thirst for knowledge and personal development. They actively seek opportunities to learn, whether through reading, attending seminars, or engaging in meaningful conversations. They are open to new ideas and perspectives, constantly expanding their skills and knowledge base.

By regularly engaging in these habits, bold individuals position themselves for success. They embrace challenges, take risks, and persistently pursue their goals, setting themselves apart from the crowd and creating opportunities for growth and achievement.