Steps to Building Self-Confidence
Rev. Dr. Kitty Boitnott, NBCT, RScP
Heart-Centered Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach | Life Strategies Coaching
Self-confidence may well be the characteristic that separates successful people from their less successful counterparts.
Indeed, self-confidence is a critical component of success in every walk of life.
It may be true that some people are just naturally more self-confident than others. We see it in young kids at school. The self-confident kids versus the shy kids are always stand-outs in the classroom.
But self-confidence doesn't have to be considered something you're born with. You can develop self-confidence with intention and with practice.
Building confidence is a necessary exercise for many of us. The good news is that if it isn't a natural attribute of yours, you can work on it. While no step-by-step program is perfect, some of the suggestions below might help if self-confidence is something you want to work on in your future.
Make Goals and Stick with Them
Write down on a piece of paper a list of all your goals. Separate them into long and short-term goals, and then below each goal, write the action steps that will get you there. For example, if one of your goals is to launch a website to earn more money, your list might look like this:
b. Set up hosting with a reputable company
c. Contact web designer and discuss layout (or learn how to create a site of your own with an online course)
d. Write a short ebook or create a checklist or assessment to use as a promotional giveaway
e. Write content and newsletters for the site to cover several months after launch
Whatever your goals entail, the key to success starts with believing that you can achieve them.
Then display the self-confidence you need to go for what you want--whatever it is. Is it a relationship? Is it a new job? Is it a raise or promotion? Is it related to your health or some other personal goal?
Whatever it is, you have to start somewhere, so start with believing in yourself and then take the necessary steps to get you what you want.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
It's good to have aspirations toward self-improvement. But don't do anything if it results from comparing yourself to someone else. That can cause all sorts of trouble.
Instead, go for personally meaningful goals rather than what you think you need to compete with someone else. For example, if you'd like to have a talk radio show or a podcast, you might be inspired by high-profile radio hosts. And being inspired by them is fine.
But comparing yourself to someone who may be years ahead of you in their work will only make you feel discouraged.
Build a Positive Self-Image
We have all met the person who you couldn't hold back. The person who believed in their abilities no matter what. And guess what? They are often successful.
On the other hand, it is true that if you don't believe you can be successful in an endeavor, you probably won't be.
It's all about attitude.
We've all heard of self-fulfilling prophecies. So much of our success--or lack of success--results from the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves. Are you lucky? If you are one of those people who constantly say, "I never win anything," guess what? You won't win anything.
On the other hand, if you say, "I always have more than enough money whenever I need it," the reverse is true. You will always have the money you need when you need it.
Stop listening to the negative inner voice in your head.
Instead, tell yourself that you can achieve your goals. Even if you fail, it's not because you are a "bad person" or because you didn't try. You can always try again until you do achieve your goals.
Get to Know Yourself
This means spending some quiet time thinking or writing in a journal. Take time to get to know yourself. Assess your strengths, weaknesses, aptitudes, talents, etc. What are your main character traits? What unique quirks and skills do you have that separate you from everyone else? Pretend like you are being interviewed. What questions would they ask?
Remember that you are uniquely you. There is no other human being on the planet like you. There has never been. And there will never be another "you" in the future.
Learn to play to your strengths.
Accept your "weaknesses," but don't let them define you. Self-confidence is all about attitude and believing in yourself. Be your own best friend and advocate. Why should anyone else believe in you if you don't believe in yourself?
Remember that self-confidence is attractive to people. Use it in your relationships and at work to your best advantage. Be your own best friend and advocate. Build your self-confidence to achieve the success in life that you deserve. Take steps now to build your self-confidence and watch it pay off in your future.
Until next time.
P. S.
Are you thinking of making a career change or know someone who is? Then plan to join me for a live workshop, Thursday, March 24, 2022, at 7:00 PM for a session called "3 Secrets of EVERY Successful Job Search." Register here https://event.webinarjam.com/register/46/5724ka3x and mark your calendar!
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