IRN-BRU’s legendary ‘Made in Scotland from Girders’ catchphrase, absent since the 1990s, has made a comeback in a bid to inspire people to embrace their authentic selves and discover their inner mettle. The Scottish beverage company has unveiled a new advert showcasing a gutsy performance from a 13 year old Glasgow youngster – making his debut performance – to champion ‘courage’.
Research involving 2,000 adults revealed that challenging your employer when they’re wrong, revealing genuine emotions to someone, and even skinny dipping are signs of modern day bravery. A third reckon that cold-water plunging demonstrates heroic spirit, whilst 15 per cent believe donning revealing beachwear without embarrassment displays
Kenny Nicholson, a representative for the brand, commented: “Having the girders to go make something happen, or just be yourself, is something we should all be able to tap into. And the results of the survey show that most of us really want to unlock that inner, unapologetic courage.
“Whether that’s telling a manager they’re wrong about something or simply picking up the phone to call rather than text, the idea of being ‘Made from Girders’ is about inner strength and being able to steel your way through life, whether what we face is big or small, serious or silly.”
Three-quarters of Britons yearn to be more courageous, with 34 per cent confessing to attempting something bold less than once a year, if ever. The study indicated that five per cent have never succeeded in doing something that frightens them.
This lack of courage might explain why half the population with a bucket list fear they’ll never complete everything on it. Only 25 per cent believe they’ll summon the bravery to achieve their personal ambitions during their lifetime.
Nearly half of Britons wish they possessed the confidence to wear clothes they consider ‘outlandish’. Even everyday activities – such as phoning someone rather than sending a message or asking directions from a total stranger are considered brave these days.
More than four in 10 also admitted they wouldn’t have the courage to try stand-up comedy in a million years. Whilst 44 per cent would decline the chance to appear on reality television.
However, three in 10 acknowledged they’d probably do something bold if it might lead to an entertaining story.
Kenny Nicholson added: “Facing your fears or taking on a new challenge. Whether it’s really belting out your favourite karaoke song or even summoning the courage to tell someone you love them, can have a truly profound effect on your life and how you choose to live it.
“If there’s no guts, there’s no glory – that’s why it’s worthwhile digging deep and finding those girders.”
THE TOP 25 SIGNS OF HAVING GIRDERS (MAVERICK BRAVERY):
- Standing up to your boss when they’re in the wrong
- Telling someone how you really feel about them
- Asking your boss for a pay rise
- Cold water swimming in the UK
- Admitting you have no idea what’s going on in a meeting
- Asking someone out face-to-face rather than over text
- Being first on the dance floor
- Telling someone you don’t like the meal they’ve made
- Skinny dipping
- Sending food back in a restaurant
- Starting a conversation with a stranger
- Joining a gym class when you have no idea what you’re doing
- Deleting all your social media accounts for good
- Wearing something trendy that completely out of your comfort zone
- Wearing skimpy swimwear to the beach without shame
- Attempting DIY without Googling first
- Posting a live video of yourself on social media
- Eating a chilli you’ve been warned about
- Going out without wearing any underwear
- Telling someone they are not funny
- Spotting a celebrity in public and saying hi to them
- Calling someone instead of texting them
- Asking a stranger for directions
- Answering the phone to an unknown number
- Admitting you don’t like a popular artist (e.g. Taylor Swift)