GREAT Morning Everybody!
“Confidence isn’t walking into a room thinking you are better than everyone, it’s walking in not having to compare yourself to anyone at all.” – Unknown
From time to time, we all struggle with confidence. And many of us have been taught that confidence comes from external attainment, achievements, or accolades. But in truth, the key to confidence lies in our ability to be gentle and kind to ourselves.
Imagine you are leading a million dollar proposal in front of a potential client, your boss and peers. Even if you have done everything to prepare, it is still a situation that would test anyone’s confidence. As the proposal nears, your mind begins to fill with doubt and you begin worrying about the worse possible outcomes. You stress that during the pitch, your unsettling thoughts might sabotage your performance.
Noticing thoughts of self-doubt is the first step. Once we acknowledge this tendency, we can shift our attention to a sense of kindness, friendliness, and compassion towards ourselves. With nonjudgmental acceptance, whether we perform poorly or brilliantly, we can meet ourselves where we are and acknowledge that we did our best. We must remind ourselves that confidence is the result of the action, not the fuel for the action. When we are gentle with ourselves, the stakes don’t seem so high because we are not dependent on the external validation of others. We may never fully eliminate anxiety and self-doubt, but through mindful awareness and an attitude of acceptance and self-compassion, our insecurities begin to melt away.
May your day be filled with confidence, compassion and kindness!
