Queen Elizabeth II held the helm from 1952 and makes an exceptional role model for confidence. From the off-set, our monarch had a difficult task ahead of her and at such an early age whilst having lost her father too. Yet, has always come across competent and confident.
Confidence is something we all lack at some point in our life so here are 10 steps to help you become the ‘Ruler’ of your own destiny.
- Set goals – As a Business Coach, this is one of the most fundamental things we work on. By setting specific goals, actions and a timeline, you commit yourself to achieving something and this encourages confidence through commitment.
- Improve conversational skills – This isn’t just being able to talk for England (our Sovereignty does that for us!) but the ability to make eye contact, a good listener and offer opinion without shirking away or becoming too vociferous. This gives off positive vibes that the people around you will ‘feel’ and then perceive you as being a confident person.
- Try new things – Not only can you develop new skills but it allows you to try things not experienced before and this, in turn, enables you to accept new skills and confidence by helping you grow as a person.
- Small steps – As a child takes their first teetering steps, building confidence is no different. Start small, ie at the next scheduled meeting/conference, promise to yourself that you will vocalise your opinion. Decide to hold your head up high throughout the day and smile to everyone you meet… small gradual steps and eventually you’ll be giving the main opening speech at National conferences … hmm, ok … but it IS possible!
- Be happy with Yourself – Be happy with the person you are whilst having a positive attitude is key to achieving confidence.
- Seek out professionals – Sometimes it’s just that extra push or support that will help you overcome the initial barrier. Purchase DVDs, Audio files, books, the guidance from a counselor or coach (hello!) to reach your potential. All can offer strategies to help you move forward.
- Get engaged – New experiences at work improve skillsets and personal growth. Look to take up the ‘Leadership’ role or join a group of which you will need to participate in.
- Practice being confident – ‘Acting’ confident encourages the end result. The old expression of “Fake it ‘til you make it” is very fitting! Inside your stomach may be turning in knots but once you start to experience the interest others have and look to you for inspiration, pretense will soon fade into practice.
- Use positive affirmations – Visualise yourself as a confident person. Check your history file in your memory banks of times that you were successful and tell yourself that you are a confidant person, believe in this and smother negative thoughts before they have chance to grow.
- Watch role models – Such as the Queen, people in Politics, those in the limelight or even your own working groups or friends/family, finding confident role models can help you become more confident yourself. Rather than just accept what they do, observe and learn their traits.
Regardless of how confident we appear to others (See #8), we all have areas or situations that a boost could help us, so, If you are one of those forward thinking individuals or wishing to portray yourself as being more confident, take the first step by speaking to someone who can help. Call us to arrange a free consultation by contacting Neil (07761 187238) or throw us an email at info@coachingtosuccess.co.uk. We’re here to help, after all … Our business is YOUR success.
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