If there is one thing that a lot of many people face issues with today in a business environment, it is their self-confidence. This is one of the many reasons that hold people back from achieving their dreams. The fact that it is something that people can work on is really important for many of us to understand. We shouldn’t feel like this is an innate quality that we can never let go of! Although it may not be easy initially, with time, one will find themselves adapting quickly and soon you’ll see that you don’t have a lack of self-confidence anymore.
The lack of self-confidence is a factor that can be easily overcome if you follow some strategies. The real question is, what are these strategies? Let’s take a look:
1. Groom yourself well
This may sound like a simple one, but for many of us out there, our outfit defines our personality and gives us the confidence that we need. This is why it is really important to dress well, but also at the same time, dress comfortably. Don’t wear outfits that you are not comfortable with, this will naturally make you feel under-confident, and that is something you REALLY want to avoid. This principle also applies to the ‘presentation’ of your business. I am talking about the website, your business cards, email signature, social media profiles. Perception is a mighty powerful thing! Delivering a strong perception will take you far with self-confidence.
2. Be positive and think positively
One of the most important thing is, you NEED to be positive at all times. This really helps to boost your confidence. Don’t let negative thoughts creep in your head! These will just demotivate and break you down. Always think positively about everything. For instance, if a change has been made to your schedules and you are supposed to present in front of a large audience, instead of whining over the change to a smaller number, grab the opportunity and be positive! This will help you instantly overcome your fear and boost your confidence, both at once!
3. Let go of negativity
You need to let go of negativity for positivity to flow in. Thinking negatively will bring you nothing but worry, fear and anxiety. Be aware of the negative thoughts creeping in your head and always try to replace them with positive thoughts. If you are working to complete a project, and your mind tells us “This is too hard, don’t think you can do it!”, you need to fight this thought and say to yourself “Hardships are a part of every project, stay strong, you’ve got this!”. Giving yourself assurance is really important if you want to build your self-confidence.
4. Get to know yourself better
You can’t defeat an enemy without knowing them. In this case, your enemy is no one but yourself. You need to battle the lack of confidence within yourself and replace it with self-confidence. So your first step should be to start knowing yourself. Listening to your thoughts carefully can all help. If you see that you are very negative about things, try to analyze why. When you reach the root of the cause, you’ll figure out how to keep yourself out of the negativity. Know your strengths and weaknesses. The strengths you focus on in your marketing, the weaknesses you work to improve, overcome or turn around. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but if you focus on it (in a positive way) and work to change your skillset, your abilities will improve as will your self-confidence.
5. Set small goals and try to achieve them
Don’t overburden yourself by setting goals that are impossible to achieve, or at least you think you can’t complete them. Try to keep small goals that you can easily achieve and at the same time progress through a specific task. Once you achieve your small goals, you will feel good about it. Feeling good about yourself can, without a doubt, boost your confidence level. Keep setting small goals and achieving them. Gradually, you will see yourself setting bigger goals and still be able to achieve them.
6. Bring small changes within yourself
Building self-confidence is not the same procedure for all. For everyone, it is different. For one, it may be exercising daily gives them a sense of achievement and makes them confident. This is just one example. Figure out what your little thing is and try to implement it in your life. It could be something as small as going to bed early and waking up fresh the next day! Sometimes, it is just the smallest thing that gives us self-confidence. As with goals above, start small and work your way up to bigger things.
7. Focus on finding solutions
Don’t be that person who keeps complaining about having problems with work. Be the person who sits down and tries to figure out solutions. Working on getting solutions can make you feel like you are doing work and progressing at least a little. On the flip side, focusing on problems can only bring you fear and anxiety which you really don’t want. Accept the situation as what it is, don’t be burdened by the problem, but think and work through the solutions to achieve a great outcome.
8. Stop telling yourself you can’t
I’ve coached many people who will say “I’m hopeless at remembering names” or “I’m no good at marketing” or “I’m scared of public speaking” or “I hate selling”. You keep telling yourself these things you will be hopeless, no good, scared of or hate that particular activity. Instead, how about telling yourself “I’m going to be great at marketing really soon” … and following through with that positive thought by taking positive action.
9. Learn, read and know more
It is no doubt that the more you know, the more confident you are. Learn to empower yourself with knowledge. It is indeed one of the best ways to build your self-confidence. The internet is one of the greatest tools that we have been blessed with. If you feel like you lack skills and that is what is pulling your self-confidence down, then use the internet to acquire those skills. I work with business owners, coaches, leaders and networkers … all in order to help bring their best out and achieve their full potential.
If you’d like to know more, give me a call today! Check out my business coaching services.
Read this article How to Stand Out and Be Noticed as A Small Business.
