Smart Ways to Make Your Confidence Automatic
Sometimes we find ourselves juggling many different people, roles and jobs. In the process we try to hang onto our confidence and our judgment, making the best calls possible.
But that can be a challenge as we deal with a child’s teacher, then swing over to a client and back to the boss. Or maybe we are helping an older family member see the doctor, and then heading into an afternoon of brainstorming with co-workers. In each case, we want to be up for the demands and do our best.
What Happens When Sabotage Intervenes?
If we sabotage ourselves right from the start with questions about what we are doing, or wonder if we are fully prepared, or if we have all the answers, we may inadvertently slow things down before they ever have a chance to get rolling.
If you know how to read people you can see how this works. You can spot people who feel confident and those who do not by the way they speak up or hesitate, slump in their chair, or stand up straight, step forward or wait to be asked.
There is always a balance to be achieved and over confidence does not play well. But starting out with too little confidence can definitely undermine talent and skills.
I learned this early on with a great boss. I was one of his creative sources and he had asked for a plan for a PR event. I came up with one that he liked and we moved forward with it. But in the process he mentioned that in the future when I make a presentation I should always give it the full treatment. I had assembled it quickly and some parts were just sketched in. Looking back, I think I was a little hesitant in my presentation. He was teaching me that when we are out there everything we do needs to measure up and be presented with confidence. From that opening smile and confident stance on through to the concluding remarks, every presentation should get the full treatment.
Focusing on full treatments and delivering a full measure of confidence could mean wearing your superman suit and standing tall according to Lifehack. Always back up your act with your best look and your most confident stance.
Lifehack also reminds us to prepare and practice. If you feel a little nervous practice more. Some say preparation is 80 percent of success and I have seen cases where that was completely true. Nervous newcomers who really wanted to succeed knocked themselves out with practice and came across in the final presentation looking like a pro.
Wherever you are in your life and your jobs, go for the full treatment and give it your all.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of re:publica