Moving From Sapling to Tree – Building Confidence

I always like to begin by asking myself to define what I seek.  To me, confidence is the full trust and belief in the powers and abilities of a person.  After defining it, I ask myself, “Am I showing confidence in the way I live my life?  Am I a confident leader that inspires others?”.  Hmm…do I want to look confident, be confident, or both?   How will I do that?

Through the years, I’ve asked some people where their inner confidence comes from, and the resounding answer was, “I grew it from experience.”.  Every new learning along the way was added to their tool belt of confidence.  They weren’t afraid to try and not succeed, because they didn’t view that as failure, but as a learning experience.  Each experience built a stronger confidence. 

It helped to hone their innate skills and talents and spoke to their authenticity.  They paid attention to the details of why things worked, and what about themselves contributed to the success, or lack of.  If they needed to adjust or learn something new, they did it, and then re-applied themselves.  No matter your age, it’s never too early or too late to add things to your toolbox.  More tools equal more confidence.  A few thoughts…

• Set Achievable Goals – Break large goals into smaller, manageable tasks that gradually build confidence in your abilities.

• Celebrate Successes – Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small, to boost your self-esteem.

• Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity – Reframe failure as a chance to learn and grow, and use it to improve.

• Practice Self-Compassion – Treat yourself with kindness and understanding during challenging times.  Avoid negative self-talk and focus on your strengths.

• Seek Feedback – Request constructive feedback from trusted mentors or colleagues.

• Step Out of Your Comfort Zone – Push yourself to take on new challenges.  It will boost your resiliency and increase your self-assurance.

• Develop a Support System – Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who believe in you.

• Be Patient !!! – It’s a gradual process that requires patience and persistence.

Confidence also shows up in a person’s physical composure.  They sit or stand a little straighter and taller, with shoulders back, and head up.  They look you in the eye and smile.  They look like they believe in themselves.  Sometimes confidence can be increased just by improving your posture alone.  It makes you feel stronger, more present.

Many of us overlook our strengths and talents because they come easy to us, yet that is where confidence begins.  What tools have you already gained, but may not have appreciated or recognized that could be used to build confidence?  Where in your life can you create some tools for yourself, and how can you apply them right away to make them stick?  No opportunity is too small. 

Congratulate yourself.  Life is funny…it will present you with all kinds of opportunities to grow.  What situations or opportunities are presenting themselves to help you build confidence?  The more you grow, the stronger you get.

Here’s to a life of passion, positivity, joy, fulfillment, and more!

Brenda