by Rick Baker
On Feb 1, 2012
This is the first in a series of Thought Posts about building self-confidence.
To get started, here is our definition of self-confidence:
Confidence is what you feel when you believe you have what it takes to excel, do well, or at least handle the task and situation at hand
Now, here are some facts about Confidence:
- each of us has Confidence, at least some of the time
- our Confidence levels ebbs and flows
- many factors influence our Confidence: situations, other people's actions, amount of sleep
And, of course, a healthy level of Confidence is a very good thing.
First, let's check out some advice from experts.
- Every day remind yourself that you did some things well. Give yourself a mental pep talk at the beginning and the end of the day.
- Read inspiring biographies and autobiographies: build a file of the stories that inspire you most.
- Be thankful. Focus on the benefits you enjoy.
- Build excellent support around you. Excellent relationships will boost you.
- Push yourself to accomplish short-term goals. Get things done.
- Do something for yourself every week. Celebrate your accomplishments.
What about Jack Canfield's 2nd recommendation: read inspiring biographies and read stories that inspire you?
Do you do that?
There is no question, Spirited Leaders do that. I imagine Spirited Leaders have always done that...from sitting around campfires listening to the
elders and chiefs tell their stories to reading about
Mahatma Gandhi or
Alexander the Great to watching inspiring movies.
Great Leaders study the lives, the successes, and the defeats, of other great Leaders. They do this for several reasons. They do this to inspire themselves. They also do this to learn. Knowledge is a key to
Strength and Strength is a key to Self-Knowledge and Self-Confidence.