Are You In Need of a Confidence Boost?

Have you ever sat back, observed the most significant achiever in your field, and wished you could be like them? For a split second, you even entertain the idea that it is possible, but then you remember all the reasons it could never be you. You are not smart enough, skilled enough, rich enough, famous enough…and, on the list goes. In this train of thought, fear of failure prevents you from moving forward. However, did you know that, most often, failure is more related to a lack of confidence than to a lack of ability?

So how do we do it? How do we believe in ourselves enough to put our best foot forward and start down that path to success? Here are six tried and true ways to build your self-confidence.

1.    Change your self-talk. Instead of telling yourself all the reasons you cannot do it, tell yourself why you can. Say, “I was already successful at __________, so I know I can succeed at ___________.”

Often the number of steps to success can seem more like hurdles than strides. In times like these, stay realistic but determined with your goals. Say, “Regardless of _(not having the needed experience for the promotion I want)_; I will _(take on volunteer leadership roles)_ until _(I have a year of leadership experience)_.” In this way, you are realistic about limitations but optimistic about finding ways to overcome these confines.

2.    Wear confidence. You have probably heard the saying, “Fake it ‘til you make it.” While that method is not exactly the most authentic form of connection, a slight variation of it may serve you well. Before you walk into that interview or pitch your idea to the management team, strike a confident pose. Stand like you are confident. Walk like you are confident. Smile into a mirror like you are confident. Try it on. See what it looks and feels like.

According to a study done by Amy Cuddy and Dana Carney of Berkeley*, spending just two minutes of power-posing lowers cortisol levels (stress) and raises testosterone (confidence). “Our nonverbals govern how we think and feel about ourselves. Our bodies change our minds,” says Cuddy.

3.    Clarify your value. Right now, right here, cut out the word “just.” I am just a cashier. I am just a single mom. I am just an unknown dreamer. The “just” word is just downright degrading. It is a comparative word that says, “I know I should be at the top of the ladder, but I am six feet under it.” It is not what you do, but how you do it, that sets your brand.

Sit down and list out the value that you bring. What makes you unique? What do you have to offer that others do not? What are your strengths? What skill sets do you possess? Recognize that you have value to add to this world and then leverage it to your success.

4.    Prepare and practice. Seems like a no-brainer, but don’t forget to have your ducks in a row before you take on a new or intimidating feat. Be adequately prepared and practice what you will say or do. An athlete never crosses the finish line in first place without putting in hours of training and practice. Business success is no different.

5.    Keep self-care a priority. You will feel the most confidence in yourself when you invest in your wellbeing. Stay active, hydrated, and well rested. Put these things at the top of your list, as if your success depends on it because it does.

6.    Have a contingency plan. Failure may not be an option, but let’s face it, sometimes it is a possibility. Refusing to recognize the likelihood of failure can be just as crippling as continually focusing on failure.

Having a plan B in place provides you with the confidence that, even if your attempt does not give you the desired result, you have no reason to fear. You will already have a detour plan to direct you around the roadblock.  You have turned your failure perspective into an opportunity you are excited about.

If you have tried all these methods and the weight of overwhelm seems so heavy that you cannot shake them off, perhaps it is time to find a mentor or coach who specializes in guiding individuals to success. If you think you might need this, schedule a free 30-minute consultation today.

References: https://blog.ted.com/10-examples-of-how-power-posing-can-work-to-boost-your-confidence/

Before You Jump Ship, Try This

Does your job leave you frustrated and exhausted? So much so that you find yourself walking out the door at the end of the day, never wanting to walk back in?

Do you have imaginary confrontations in your mind’s eye that end with you slamming out of your boss’s office declaring, “I quit”? Alternatively, have you recently lost your passion for what you do?

Sometimes, a career change is necessary to preserve a healthy work-life balance. Often, however, a change in your current position is all that is needed to rediscover joy in what you do. So, if you find yourself at your limit and ready to abandon ship, before you do, consider trying these strategies:

#1 TAKE A STEP BACK

Proximity can skew perspective, and moving forward can often start with a step back. Are you taking life - or work - too seriously? Take a moment to revisit your values. Are you living these out? What about your strengths? Seek new opportunities to develop them. There is so much more to life than current troubles at work. Give yourself a moment to process, and make sure it has not gotten bigger than life.

#2 TALK TO YOUR BOSS OR HR

Suffering in silence is not a virtue. Let your boss or HR manager know what you are facing. They may be able to suggest or approve some changes that would make all the difference for you. Do you need more resources or personnel to get the job done well? Is a change in policy required to improve workflow? Maybe getting out of the office or a work-from-home day would increase productivity and morale for you or your team. These are all conversations best held with your boss or appropriate party. Schedule a meeting today!

#3 CONSIDER WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON

Have you experienced an addition or loss in the family? How is your health? What is the state of your important relationships? Have you moved recently or run into financial troubles? There are times when frustrations at work have little to do with work itself and more to do with a culmination of life’s pressures. Take some time to assess the difference. It could be that a little intentional self-care could unravel a majority of your work troubles.

#4 REORGANIZE YOUR WEEK

Stuck in a rut? Try something different! Do you typically answer emails in the morning and make calls in the afternoon? Shake it up! You may find that conversation comes easier for you in the morning (results may vary, depending on the strength of your coffee). This is just one example of the little changes you can make that may have a significant impact. Routine can be an incredible asset, but lack of variety can also get stale. What’s one adjustment to the schedule you could make this week?

#5 USE YOUR PTO

Could burn-out be clouding your judgment? Before making a big career decision, take a break to get perspective. Sadly, Americans as a whole tend to leave vacation days on the table. This leads to some issues such as low performance, fewer promotions and raises, and worst of all, the unavoidable stress. On the upside, something as simple as a vacation can affect the opposite with higher morale, greater production, personal fulfillment and improved health.

#6 RE-ENGAGE YOUR HOBBY

What’s your hobby? When is the last time you enjoyed it? If you do not like your answer to either of those questions, this may be a chance to reprioritize your life to include a hobby. Merriam-Webster defines a hobby as “a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.” The value of hobbies include improved quality of life, health benefits, and wait for it—increased productivity and satisfaction at work.

#7 HIRE A COACH

An athlete at the top of his game and a world-class musician have two things in common: a moment when they wanted to give up and…a coach. Is success eluding you? Feel like quitting your job? It may be time to hire a career coach. A coach can help facilitate the fresh perspective, encouragement, and confidence you need to move from drudgery to delight in your work.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

As Earl Nightingale says, “We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we have established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile.”

Take a moment to picture your current attitude towards your work, colleagues, direct reports, and supervisor. Are you happy and fully engaged? Now picture how you would like your approach to be. What’s the difference? What’s one thing that you can do in the next 24 hours to move toward your preferred attitude?

Then, as Nike trademarked, “Just Do It.”