Finding confidence...
Believe in yourself...
We all have confidence within us, we have to silence those inner voices that are possibly holding us back. We have to learn to manage that inner critic by focusing on our achievements. Failure is just a minor setback and not let the voice within us be all consuming.
Confident people are able to visualise success and know how to acknowledge it and celebrate it. Behaviour is contagious so often they can make those around them also feel confident as they are able to see other people's achievements and acknowledge them.
To find confidence in yourself, start by asking questions as to what you want it to look and feel like.
- What does confidence mean to you?
- When are you most confident?
- What doe that feel like?
- What was it that helped you feel that confidence? (the people around you/a specific task or project?)
Exploring the questions above gives you some good insight as to what it looks like from a very personal perspective. We also need to think what are the barriers to you not believing in yourself. A lot of people have the feeling of imposter syndrome, that for some reason they do not believe they should be where they are. To challenge this mode of thinking ask these questions:-
- What are you believing about yourself that is holding you back?
- How can you think more positively about yourself?
- What would you say to someone else who had achieved what you have achieved?
Asking for more feedback takes confidence, but gives you confidence. It is easier for others to see your progression and really good for you to hear others acknowledge your successes. Keep a record of what others say about you, whether it be an email folder or a notebook. This is a great reference for you to look back and reflect to boost your confidence.
Language is always the portal to meaning so be sure that you use confident phrases. Instead of "I may achieve this..." replace with "I can do this..." or even better "I will do this...". Will has willpower behind it and is always very empowering.
Working with a coach gives you tremendous confidence, as their role is to help you think differently and look at something with a new perspective. Please do get in touch for a coaching taster bev@nuggetsoflearning.co.uk
