Do you sometimes feel if you just had this degree, that contact, or some achievement you could stand stronger? Maybe if you felt more secure you would start that business idea, ask for that raise, or take that leap of faith in yourself?
Do you find yourself thinking, “If only…then I ….”?
I hear, “If only…” more times than I can count, weekly from women just like you–women who actually have amazing ideas, great strengths, and yet somehow still feel they are not ready for whatever it is that is calling them. Lack of self-confidence holds more women back than any other factor.
You will often hear me joke with people in my trainings about my education, saying:
The main thing I received from Harvard Business School was a healthy, yet, cocky confidence.
Although that may seem ridiculous and a joke, in many ways it’s true. You see, just like Henry Ford when accused of being ignorant said he could find any facts by calling on the people who worked for him, I, too, know that much of what I learned can be found in any library or internet search. But the ability to believe in my competence and no longer think other people knew more or were better than me., now that was invaluable.
Building confidence starts with little things.
The funny thing is, your confidence is controlled by you, not external people or events. I read a short Forbes article by LaRae Quy that is worth the quick read. She was an FBI investigator and her no-nonsense way of describing what it takes to have confidence can help remind you of the little things that you can do without earning more degrees or positions before you feel good about who you are.
Another tool you can use to feel more confident is tied to how you walk, stand and face other people. In her 2-minute exercise, Amy Cuddy explains in her Ted Talk how to do this. If you haven’t watched it–it is a must for any woman, man, and especially entrepreneurs who regularly have to solicit support from investors, employees, suppliers, customers and even family.
Be the person you were meant to be. Believe in you. And start showing up in the most vibrant authentic self you are–today!
