When working with service-based aspiring entrepreneurs a piece of the puzzle that people often feel they are missing is confidence. People feel like they lack the confidence to chase their dreams, to use their voice, to show up online and on social media.
The tricky thing about confidence is that it’s in our mindset. The fact that we think we are lacking in certain areas is what holds us back from actually showing up. The wonderful thing about this is that confidence can be built. You can practise becoming more confident.
Remember we aren’t all inherently good at everything but that doesn’t mean that with a little effort we cannot learn how to do it. Building confidence also builds higher self-esteem. You speak with more clarity. You are not as worried about what other people think of your life. Building these mindsets is what leads to more happiness, courage, pleasure, and ease.
In my work as a coach I see this example a lot; when you believe in what you are doing, when you see the purpose and the benefit, you embody the energy that attracts the right people to you/your business. When you are a bundle of constant nerves and doubts then what you attract are clients with similar tendencies. Similarly, for all people and industries, being confident in who you are, what you do, or what you sell leads to you attracting what you want and need in your life.
Here are 4 tips for building confidence
1. REMEMBER PEOPLE ARE NOT THINKING ABOUT YOU AS MUCH AS YOU THINK THEY ARE
We are so focused on what other people think about us that we stop ourselves from doing so much because we are living in fear of being judged, made fun of, or failing. The thing is, people have their own lives. We are not their focus. Similarly, what they think should not be our focus.
2. STAND UP STRAIGHT. RAISE YOUR HAND. PROJECT YOUR VOICE. SMILE.
Stop trying to hide. Start small. Start being comfortable being seen. Do something every day that pushes you slightly outside your comfort zone. Start to think of confidence as a muscle. You need to practise growing this muscle. Showing up and being seen and heard is how you do that.
3. VIEW EVERYTHING AS A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
Take the pressure off yourself to be perfect. Instead, start telling yourself that you are going to do your best, learn what you can, and things are going to work out in the best-case scenario. This is a life-changing practice. So often we do not feel confident because we are drowning in the pressure to be perfect. Without the pressure we have the opportunity to show up authentically even if that might mean a few mistakes, it more importantly means we take more chances. The more chances to take the more opportunity you have to shine.
4. DO THINGS YOU ENJOY AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN
When you enjoy doing something the energy you excuse is exhilarating. When you enjoy something you want to do it more often. The more often you do it the better you get at it. It’s human nature for us to feel confident at the things we know we are good at. So keep doing it. Over time you will feel that energy spill over into other aspects of your life.
[The writer is a Transformational Mindset and Empowerment Mentor, Business Coach for Women, and Host of the podcast Live Inspired; Please contact the author for details about ‘HEALTHY HABITS | THE MINDSET RESET’, an 8-day transformation. vanessaseymour.com, email@vanessaseymour.com; Instagram: @vanessa.seymour]
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