Confidence – Boldly Going Where You’ve Never Been Before

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Do you have enough confidence to boldly go where you’ve never gone before? I know I can’t always answer “definitely” to this question. I’m very confident when I know what I’m doing. There are times I need reminding or even use others’ trust in my abilities to get me going. On a sliding scale, I can go into paralysis when I don’t think I can and I have to take that first scary step. And I can tell when others have no confidence in me because I either don’t get asked or I’m asked to do something that’s way below my pay grade, so to speak.

confidence

This week I’ve been hearing the words “it’s time I became a grown up”. THIS is confidence. It’s an acknowledgment of many things:

  • It’s time to get real and take responsibility.
  • The honoring of gifts, talents & abilities and the progress so far.
  • The reality of the not so positive impacts of past actions.
  • Being ready to take the next step.
  • Not knowing what to do next or how to do it and that yes, it’s time to learn.
  • Vulnerability.
  • The possibility of failure.

Confidence isn’t always a one step process. It can be lots of little steps, each one building on the previous one until ultimately the leap of faith is taken. It’s the willingness to try something new and unfamiliar and uncomfortable. It’s knowing that even if you don’t yet know, you can ask, seek help or research to find the answer. It’s repeatedly going outside of your comfort zone, at first hesitantly and then consistently. It becomes a practiced skill, and then it becomes easy and natural.

How will you know when you’re confident?

  • People will tell you in weird & wonderful ways – eg you’re really good at that, can you show me?
  • Others will tell you by trying to knock you down. Breathe, that’s about them, not about you.
  • You’ll find yourself putting your hand up more – “I can do that.”
  • It’ll take you less time to do.
  • Procrastination around the activity will be a thing of the past.
  • You realize you’re actually enjoying it and look for more.
  • You will create opportunities for others and with others.
  • You realize you are an expert.

Ultimately confidence must be claimed. Until you believe it yourself confidence remains elusive.  In the meantime, build the skills, find the support, practice, fall over, get up and practice again until you go boldly where you never thought you’d go before.

Are you ready to be a grown-up? Contact me to see how partnering with a life coach can make the difference.