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Have you ever been to a class when the teacher or instructor is lacking confidence? Or been on a date or worked with someone who is extremely confident? Most people, myself included, find confidence very appealing. I also believe that confidence is created through self-motivation and repetition of words and actions.
Think of the movie The Help and the quote by Kathlyn Sockett “You is kind, you is smart, you is important”. She is creating a confident little girl, through the repetition of words of affirmation.
Now think about the first time you drove a car…I remember it took me five minutes to even get the car in drive. I had to put on my seat belt, adjust ALL my mirrors and make sure my hands were in the perfect 10 and two position, then I have to shift into drive…wait… how hard did I have to press the brake? Now, several years later, I drive with confidence.
At work, when I am going into a situation where I am lacking confidence, I have a few tricks and steps that I take to create confidence within myself for that situation:
-I will review my notes on the subject and do additional research if needed.
-I make sure I am as prepared as possible.
-Dress for the part! When in doubt it is better to be more formally dressed than less formally dressed. When I need a little confidence boost, I make sure to wear one of my favorite outfits which always includes high heels and usually a blazer. The saying “fake it until you make it” always goes through my head. I find that saying to be extremely effective and true.
-I will do a little upbeat car karaoke on my drive to the event, funny how much music helps in situations like this.
-As I am walking into the function, I usually talk to myself (I know you do this too) it goes something like this: “you got this, how hard can it be… you have survived worse, if you truly mess it up it will be over soon and you can move on, you got this, you got this.”
-Take a deep breath and smile. This will top off your confident look.
Know that you can create your own confidence because you is smart, you is kind, you is important.
You got this, now go get it!