leaning into
Tilting toward something
Leaning into something means embracing or accepting it rather than avoiding or resisting.
The phrase suggests deliberate movement toward difficulty, discomfort, or challenge: She's leaning into the criticism instead of getting defensive.
It often implies finding opportunity or growth in what might otherwise be unwelcome: He's really leaning into his role as the villain.
- intentionalDone on purpose
- venturingTaking a risk
- taking the plungeCommitting to something risky
- initiativeSelf-directed action capacity
- stepping upAssuming more responsibility
going all in · reframing · adaptability · optimism · experimentation · boldness · proactivity · acceptance · embracing · perseverance · commitment · showing up · bravery · involvement · saying yes · open-mindedness · curiosity · doubling down
leaning intoshying away from
Instinctively withdrawing from something
avoiding · sidestepping · evading · ducking · dodging
leaning intoresisting
Actively opposing pressure
rejecting · denying · suppressing · shutting down · deflecting
leaning intoavoiding
Deliberately staying clear
evading · dodging · sidestepping · ducking · deflecting