Self-Confidence

Do you struggle with self-doubts?

Self-confidence is not a static quality; even the greatest leaders lack self-confidence at certain times in their lives. Self-confidence is a mindset that takes effort to maintain when the going gets rough. It must be learned, practiced and mastered just like any other skill. But once you master it, you will be changed for the better.

Self-confidence is how you feel about your abilities and this can vary from situation to situation. If you have self-confidence, you are motivated to put in the effort, to invest the time and resources, and to persist in reaching your goal. Without enough confidence, it is too easy to give up prematurely or not get started at all. Confidence grows when you look at what can go wrong, think through alternatives, and feel you are prepared for whatever might happen.

These can affect your confidence:

1. Self-defeating assumptions.
2. Goals that are too big or too distant.
3. Declaring victory too soon.
4. Going alone.
5. Blaming someone else.
6. Being defensive.
7. Neglecting to anticipate setbacks.
8. Being over-confidence.

Confidence alone will not lead to success; you have to do the necessary work.  But it is very difficult to begin to move forward unless you believe in yourself enough to go after your goals and dreams. The best resolutions will go nowhere without the confidence to stick with them.

Ways to help build your confidence:

1. Get to know yourself. It is said that the best way to defeat your enemy is to get to know him. When you are trying to overcome a negative self-image and replace it with self-confidence, your enemy is yourself. Hopelessness and despair prevent positive action.
2. Start managing your mind. Learn to be aware of the negative self-talk you have about yourself and your goals, so you can defeat it before it destroys your confidence. The next time you hear negativity in your head, immediately switch to a positive affirmation and keep it up until you feel a self-confidence boost.
3. Define your best qualities. Think about your life so far, and make a list of your best qualities and the ten best things you have achieved. Confidence is not a personality trait; it is an assessment of a situation that sparks motivation.
4. Love and believe in yourself. Confidence is an expectation of a positive outcome. Be honest with yourself about what you know and what you still need to learn.
5. Pursue personal growth and self-improvement. Empowering yourself with knowledge is one of the best strategies for building self-confidence. Practice doing things you are unsure of and embrace new opportunities to prove you can do difficult things.
6. Focus on solutions. Stop focusing on the problems in your life and instead begin to focus on solutions and making positive changes. If you are a complainer, a worrier or indulge in worse-case-scenario, change your focus now. Focusing on solutions instead of problems is one of the best things you can do for your confidence and your career.
7. Add value to others. Be kind and generous. Being kind and generous with yourself, your time and your possessions, is a tremendous way to improve your self-image.

Your level of self-confidence can show in many ways, such as, your behavior, your body language, how you speak and what you say. The more you believe in yourself without becoming arrogant or egotistical, the more others are attracted to you. Realize your value to others, concentrate on the unique perspective you bring and fine tune your purpose. Self-confident people are admired by others and inspire confidence in others.

1. Low self-confidence isn’t a life sentence. Self-confidence can be learned, practiced, and mastered, just like any other skill. Once you master it, everything in your life will change for the better. –  Barrie Davenport
2. Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit. – E.E. Cummings
3. One important key to success is self-confidence. A key to self-confidence is preparation. – Arthur Ashe

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To Your Success,

Althea

Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN

Educate . Empower . Encourage

www.altheamcleish.com

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