We all know confidence is a big competent of success–it’s the determinant of achievement, the drive that keeps you going. But we don’t always have as much confidence on hand as we need.
Most people will tell you to “fake it till you make it” when it comes to confidence. But I am not a big believer in that belief. I don’t think you have to fake anything, because you already have within you what you need. You just have to discover the qualities that make you feel confident by connecting you with those inner resources, and lead from within.
Here are eight ways to restore your confidence daily:
1. Go out of your way to get out of your comfort zone. Confidence comes from taking risks. When you take a chance and get positive results, it proves you are capable. Wins turn into empowerment. Don’t let the fear of discomfort failure make you frightened to try–be bold and take the risks you need to be successful.
2. Adopt a positive outlook and a noble cause. Spend as much time as you need to find the good in life. Consider what is meaningful; think about what you want to achieve and how you are going to achieve it. Look for things that inspire and motivate you. Most of all, adopt a positive outlook and stay connected to a noble cause. Confidence soars when you embark on a mission with an honorable purpose–and if you look around, you’ll realize that those among us who live purposefully and seek out ways to serve others are the most content.
3. Get up one more time than you have fallen. You demonstrate confidence every time you fall down and have the tenacity to get back up–from knowing how to learn from problems and mistakes, let them go, and move on, whether it happens once or a hundred times.
4. Become as well-informed as you can. School yourself on current events and general information–make a point of filling whatever gaps exist in your knowledge so you can build a broad perspective. Being knowledgeable gives you the confidence to contribute meaningfully to conversations and planning.
5. Don’t let perfectionism stop you from trying. Perfection is the enemy of success. When you have feel you have to be perfect, it’s easy to become locked up with enough fear that you don’t even try. Instead, satisfy yourself by doing your best work and having confidence in its value.
6. Look the part, feel more assured. Make subtle changes to empower yourself through the way you dress, your body language, and even in the way you speak. Taking small steps toward displaying your confidence can help you strengthen it. That doesn’t mean trying to be something you’re not, but showing others your own unique and talented self.
7. Trust your instincts, go with your gut. You know more than you think, so learn to trust the inner voice that says, “You can do this.” When that trust is absent, the resulting void keeps you from achieving all that you’re capable of. is the void that keeps us from the achievements that are possible. Trust yourself and you’ll know how to succeed.
8. Don’t let the past dictate your future. Your level of confidence is set in part by how you’ve dealt with past struggles. Much of the difference between those who are confident and those who are not lies in how they carry their past. Learn from struggle and make it part of you, and then move forward believing that you are credible, smart, and worthy of success. Show the same compassion to yourself as you do to others.
If you can stretch yourself to cultivate positivity, tenacity, and trust in yourself, you will find a deep well of confidence to lead you in whatever you choose to undertake.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
THE LEADERSHIP GAP
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.