Self-confidence

•  Building self-confidence

Many of us have either friends or co-workers who seem to just ooze self-confidence. Everything seems to come so natural to these people and more than a few of us envy their easy self-assurance.

For most of us, there are times when we feel confident and secure and yet other times where the feeling of self-confidence seems all too evasive

A proven confidence building strategy that works effectively for many people is to focus the mind upon their strengths, skills and past achievements. Furthermore, by surrounding themselves with positive people who provide positive and supportive feedback, self-esteem is enhanced and self-confidence in turn is developed over time..

• Solid preparation for self-confidence

When you are unfamiliar with what you are about to do, it’s very easy to get lost in feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. All too quickly the mind can start building horror scenarios of what may go wrong.

However, preparing yourself and educating yourself can be a big help here. By way of example, many of us experience some anxiety if we are asked to do some public speaking. By ensuring that we are well prepared, with a thorough grasp of our topic, having researched the audience and knowing what to expect, and also having carefully rehearsed our presentation several times - then we're more likely to feel some measure of confidence

• Self-confidence from controlling the fear of failure

When the demons of self-doubt within us are allowed to flourish, they will often seek to inflame a fear of failure when we are faced with new opportunities. This is a fear that can well and truly undermine our confidence and have the potential to paralyse us. So then, how can we combat this?

One method is to keep some perspective. Failure is such a harsh word - it implies that all can be lost. And yet this is simply often completely untrue. Even when an experience does not go as planned - we can still gain important learning and insight, emerging stronger and wiser, so that next time we can perform better. And also by having had a go, we will avoid the lingering regret of wondering whether we may have succeeded. As Michael Jordan said, you'll never make the shot that you don't try for.

Trust that your self-confidence will grow as you gain more experience - so do not allow a fear of failure to prevent you gaining that important experience

• Looking good and feeling self-confident

Although you are much more than your clothes and appearance, never-the-less when you know that you look good then you are more likely to feel confident. You do not have to spend a lot of money to be able to dress "sharply". Some people find that even though they are on a limited budget, they focus on buying fewer clothes, but of a higher quality.

Along the same lines as taking some pride in your personal appearance, your level of physical fitness can impact on your on self confidence. If you’re out of shape, you’re more likely to become vulnerable to feelings of insecurity. By working out regularly, not only do you energise yourself - but you also improve your physcial appearance and self-image

• Achievement builds self-confidence

Set yourself some small goals that you know can be achieved. There are some people who make the mistake of over-reaching and shooting for the moon - setting themselves up for disappointment and discouragement. So set yourself a goal that is achievable and will bring you satisfaction, as well as help you feel good about yourself. The more that you experience that sense of achievement, the more your self-confidence will grow - and then you can gradually establish bigger goals accordingly for yourself.

• Positive affirmations to inspire self-confidence

The following video clip features an energetic song supported by same great quotes on self-confidence

• Self-confidence by overcoming anxiety

In this short clip, the speaker makes the point that most of us might feel nervous or anxious on occasion ...... but if we are regularly feeling anxious, then there will be a problem. He explains that anxiety is caused by fear, and that too often our fear is simply misplaced.

We worry about things that will never happen, or imagine the worst without any real evidence that that this worst case scenario will indeed happen. By letting go of the fearful thought, he says our anxiety will melt away and we will find within ourselves a feeling of calm self-confidence ....

• Our thinking shapes our world

In this interview, Rev Michael Beckwith discusses the power of our thoughts and beliefs in shaping the world that we experience. He advocates that by cultivating positive and affirming attitudes then we can begin to recognise the endless possibilities and opportunities around us that we may otherwise have overlooked.

For me, his message is one of hope ...... we can change our life for the better, by changing the way we think. This includes thinking confident thoughts so as to cultivate greater feelings of self-confidence

Perhaps you may have seen on TV earlier this year a programme called "The Secret" .Some of the ideas from that programme around the need to avoid blame and accept responsibility are explored .....

• Overcoming Fear

Do you feel that a fear of failure is holding you back from taking some risks ..... and possibly preventing you from experiencing greater happiness, and prosperity in your life?

If so, then have a listen to Brian Tracey...... in this short video clip he shares some insightful ideas on how to develop the courage and build the self-confidence you need to face up to your fear. He is certainly not advocating that you become reckless - but he is encouraging that you be willing to stretch your comfort zone .....

Visit our page Personal Development for many more tips, links and ideas

Copyright. 2010. Performance Development