FEARLESSNESS DEFINITION:Feeling dauntless in the face of intimidation, fear, and challenge PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: A calm exterior (strong eye contact, a neutral expression, the head steady, etc.) Good posture, legs spread slightly, arms at the sides in a state of readiness Leaning in to pay closer attention Shoulders back and the chest out Observing and asking questions to better understand the situation Rubbing hands against one’s pants so they are free of sweat Shaking out one’s hands or arms to enter a state of readiness Closing and opening the fists to prepare for action Engaging in positive self-talk:Okay, you can do this. Moving forward and closing the distance to others, to danger, etc. A curt nod Lifting the chin A purposeful stride with no hesitation Moving to the front of a crowd Being direct (e.g., calling someone out for being rude or wasting time) Blowing out a deep breath, the mouth forming an “O” Speaking economically; using less words (staying mentally focused) Using an even, serious tone Choosing words with care (to neutralize a situation, avoid being viewed as a threat, calm people down, or provoke the other party into making a mistake, etc.) Impatience at long-winded answers or inaction Falling only to get right back up Walking forward without looking back Flexing one’s fingers Making one’s own decisions rather than leaving them up to others Engaging in meditation practices (to become centered and hone one’s focus) Showing a lack of self-consciousness—changing clothes in front of others when time is of the essence, for example Being self-sufficient yet unafraid to ask for help when it is needed Making bold claims:I know I can do it, orIt’s a matter of when, not if. Making plans for the future regardless of one’s circumstances Quoting statistics, facts, and historical successes that support one’s endeavor Going toe-to-toe with an adversary that others would avoid INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A tightness in the chest that one mentally forces to loosen Tingling and light-headedness (adrenaline) A rushing sound in the ears (rapid heartbeat) Muscles tightening in the torso MENTAL RESPONSES: Being self-aware and self-accepting (of flaws, limitations, strengths, etc.) Observing before reacting Imagining the worst-case scenario so one can proactively think past it A willingness to experiment and try new things Embracing struggle rather than running from it Seeking out mentors and experiences to help one become more capable Adopting a mind-over-matter mentality Determining to deal with the problem right away instead of putting it off Hypersensitivity to sound and movement ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Refusing to put on an act to impress others Learning to compartmentalize in emotion-driven situations Challenging one’s fears (climbing a building if one is afraid of heights, for example) Pushing past one’s limits—e.g., ignoring pain and other distractions Being highly logical (reasoning things out in one’s mind) Being goal-oriented Doing what’s right rather than what’s easy Working out, strength-training, eating well, etc. to stay in top condition SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Voicing common worries to make oneself seem unsure Forcing oneself to hesitate before jumping into a new situation Asking for permission Hunching the shoulders and avoiding eye contact with others Letting others go first (into a new situation, into danger, etc.) Debating the pros and cons of action as if one is uncertain MAY ESCALATE TO:Confidence,Vindicated,Smugness,Anticipation MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Conflicted,Reluctance,Acceptance ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Act, buck, challenge, charge conquer, dare, defy, discipline eliminate, endure, exert, explode expose, grip, join, kick manipulate, meet organize, plunge, press propel, prove, pull, research risk, rush, seize, shove strain, stride WRITER’S TIP:A character’s emotional responses reflect their deepest self. Take the time to explore their past and understand how their backstory will steer specific behaviors and actions.