How would you describe confidence? You see people walking down the street with an air of confidence. Why do you notice them? They look optimistic, have a pleasant expression, have plenty of energy and walk boldly. They hold their heads high and seem to have a purpose. Do they have perfect looks, perfect bodies, perfect lives, a great education? Not necessarily. So why do they feel so good about themselves? Because they have confidence.
FIGHT FEARS
Fear immobilizes us and prevents us from showing confidence. When I was married I had no self-esteem. After my divorce, with three children to support, I had to survive; failure was not an option. With each successful venture, I changed and people saw my confidence grow. Yours can too. If you make one easy change at a time, you can develop confidence. Try one of the following easy changes and focus on a fantastic future.
1. ACCEPT CHALLENGES
Do you have new challenges coming up? Meet them head on. Get excited about them even if you feel sick to the stomach. You will find some challenges that you love and are good at, and others that are not so successful. Don’t apologize for not being an expert in something; refer the work to someone who is. Foster the ones you enjoy. You will increase your confidence tremendously if you accept new challenges and are successful.
2. MARKET YOUR TALENTS
Become so useful to your employer that they can’t do without you. It will take extra effort and longer hours, but the benefits will make you feel special. You are, after all, unique and well educated. Your everyday knowledge is sought after. By making yourself in demand, you’ll feel good about yourself and your job will be more secure.
3. MIX WITH HAPPY PEOPLE
Are you mixing with people who are always negative and miserable? Are you trying to bolster them but you’re not succeeding? Are they pulling you down? Get out! Get out of this surrounding. Get out and mix with fun, exciting people who make you feel special.
Contact organizations such as the United Way, the Salvation Army, and other public service groups who would love your time and expertise. You will find volunteer work very fulfilling.
4. HELP COLLEAGUES
In South Africa, I built up a flourishing practice. Then a nightmare occurred. My phone went out of order for five months. This is catastrophic for any business. I panicked. No matter how hard I was willing to work, I couldn’t run a practice without a phone. To my amazement, my colleagues came to my rescue. They said they wanted to show appreciation for the many times I’d helped them. They passed their clients on to me - a food company, a hospital, an industrial caterer and a public relations company. By phoning my pager, these new clients were willing to use my services. I couldn’t have pulled through without the support of my colleagues. I even started a whole new aspect to my business, consulting to industry, which hadn’t occurred to me before.
5. PRACTICE CONFIDENCE
When you love your work and your results are appreciated, your confidence will grow. Start now with one idea only and build on this. Show the new confident you.
