INCREASE YOUR CONFIDENCE

7 SIMPLE STEPS TO INCREASE YOUR CONFIDENCE.  

By JAYNE MORRIS.  

Many of us carry confidence-crushing beliefs from childhood that prevent us taking action on doing the things we’d really love to do.

But by feeling your fears and taking action anyway, by showing up and going for your goals you not only increase your own confidence and sense of power – you also give others permission to do the same.

So, ask yourself what am I holding back on? What part of myself am I not sharing with the world? Be bold, open yourself up to share more of yourself with the world. The more you give of yourself the more you will receive. When you do receive, remember to do so with gratitude – the effect is multiplying!

Here are my 7 Simple Steps to Increase Your Confidence

1. Feel the fear – When you notice something getting in the way of you taking confident action feel the fear. Become aware of where you feel it in your body. Take a deep breath and really feel it. Notice it. Exaggerate it. Invite the feeling to expand.

Ask the feeling what it wants to tell you. Draw it. Write about it. Act it out. Sing to it. Thank it for being there to try and help you. Ask it what it needs.

Use your fear. Before long you’ll probably notice it’s discharged and you no longer feel it. If you are with other people and not able to engage with your fears alone, try talking about them openly with others. Gently acknowledge your fears in conversation.

Use humour. Be willing to have fun with your fears.

2. Connect with your dreams – Remind yourself of what you will gain by going for it, taking action and achieving the results you want to create. Notice how fulfilling it feels to visualize your dreams manifesting, imagine how much more fulfilling it will be when you actually start taking action and making them happen.

3. Give yourself permission – allow yourself to give things a go, for things not to have to be 100% perfect. Give yourself permission to do an ok job as well as an amazing job. It’s ok to fail. It’s ok to succeed. It’s the learning you gain that counts

4. Receive – accept compliments graciously. When someone says well done, don’t discount their appreciation. Say “thank you” – really hear them. Complements accepted with grace increase your confidence

5. Support Yourself – find someone to be your cheerleader for success. If you don’t have a friend or family member who you feel will encourage you without their own fears getting in the way, join a support group – like More to Life Than Shoes for example.

6. Fake It Til You Make It – even the most confident performer feels nerves before going on stage, it’s how they engage with their fear that counts. Remember that most people don’t see how we feel and won’t be aware of your fear. Before you take action imagine stepping out as if you are wearing the shoes of the most competent and confident person you can think of, breathe in their calm, collected, confident energy… soon you’ll realise you’ve made it wearing your own shoes.

7. Show up – be yourself and be a shade braver, feel your fear and do it anyway! Make a start today…

About the Author
Jayne Morris, The POWER Coach, is Founder and Director of Power-Up Coaching. For more information see: www.jaynemorris.com