Confidence is the most common word I hear from my clients when they talk about something they'd like more of in their work and life. So, I decided to write something about this and debunk some stuff in the process. It is paramount to grasp that confidence doesn't just appear out of thin air, and it's not something anyone can really teach. Instead, confidence reflects the courage and determination we bring to the table ourselves, as well as the amount of permission we give ourselves to do, say, or act in a certain way in response to a certain thing. Cultivating confidence requires us to meet it at least halfway. We can't just sit around waiting for it to come to us or simply wishing we had been born with ‘it’. We need to actively step out of our comfort zones, feel a bit scared, and do the thing anyway. It's easier said than done, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. And the reward of confidence is a pretty good motivator to start to get out of your own way. Ask yourself: How tall can you stand in the face of adversity? How much can you speak up even when you're nervous? How defiant can you be in pursuing your aspirations, even when others tell you to be more "realistic"? Owning your strengths without apology and daring to have your own back is everything. Too often, we look externally for validation, which is always a costly mistake. Don't let the fear of being perceived as arrogant hold you back either. Arrogance is to confidence as aggression is to assertiveness (a whole other think piece, I reckon). True confidence comes with huge dollops of humility, humanness, and humour. It's about owning it all – flaws, mistakes, and imperfections. Start by taking small steps. Challenge yourself daily to do something that pushes you to the edges of your comfort zone. Become your own biggest advocate, acknowledge your successes, and give yourself some self-compassion when you stumble and fall. Be bold and allow for some resilience. With each step you take and each obstacle you overcome, you build a foundation of self-assurance. Your confidence, by default, will then go ahead and create itself. You’re welcome. #confidence #backyourself #selfpermission Photo by Alena Jarrett on Unsplash
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We all want to be liked. It's human nature to seek approval and validation from others. But, basing your confidence solely on external validation is a recipe for disaster. This type of confidence is fragile and fleeting. The problem is that when your confidence relies on what others think of you, you give your power away. You let others control how you feel about yourself. One day you're walking on air because someone complimented you. The next day you're devastated because they didn't. It's an emotional rollercoaster. Your self-esteem suffers greatly as a result of this need for outside approval. You start second guessing yourself. Doubting your worth. Tiptoeing around in hopes of pleasing people. Just to get that next hit of approval to boost your confidence. It's exhausting. True confidence doesn't depend on outside factors. It comes from within. It's the quiet knowledge that you are enough, just as you are. Confidence is realizing that you alone get to decide your worth. Not someone else. Confidence is knowing that it's impossible for everyone to like you. And being totally okay with that. It's recognizing that someone else's opinion of you reflects much more on them than on you. Confidence allows you to brush off criticism and rejection with grace. So build your confidence on a solid foundation, your own self-acceptance and self-love. Be your biggest cheerleader. Pursue your passions. Keep growing. And let confidence arise from acting in alignment with your highest self. The truth is, not everyone has to like you. When you embrace this, you take back your power. You stop looking to others for approval. And you give yourself the greatest gift of all -the freedom to be YOU! Unapologetically! CONFIDENTLY! #OwnYourConfidence #YouGotThis #EmbraceYourJourney #CherylKnowlton #ConfidenceIsKey
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I brainwashed myself to be confident (and you can too) It’s simple. Unshakable confidence doesn’t come from charisma or status. It comes from managing your own thoughts so they don’t stand in your way. It comes from believing in yourself. Most of the work I did was internal. I stopped listening to the voice that said: You're not good enough You're not ready You'll never.... And instead kept asking: What would I do if I had the confidence? And did that instead. Over time my habits changed. From immediately doubting myself. To immediately believing in myself. I changed the default setting to "Confidence". And it changed everything. *** Building confidence is a process. Here are 5 things anyone can do today to get started: https://lnkd.in/gbczaTiT
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Do you consider yourself a confident person? It’s a question that often prompts reflection. Confidence is a quality many of us strive to embody, yet it can be surprisingly fragile. What shakes your confidence? For some, it might be a critical comment, a challenging situation, or even an unexpected failure. There are times when our confidence is shaken, and that is entirely human. Our inner critic, that persistent voice of self-doubt, can often shake the foundations of our confidence. This critic is adept at pointing out our flaws, magnifying our mistakes, and undermining our achievements. But do we have to believe them? The answer is a resounding no. Controlling this nagging little voice starts with recognition. Acknowledge that the inner critic exists, but understand it is not the ultimate authority on your worth or abilities. Here are a few strategies to help you keep this voice in check: 1. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When your inner critic starts to whisper, question its validity. Are these thoughts based on facts or irrational fears? Replace negative assumptions with evidence-based affirmations. 2. Celebrate Small Wins: Confidence builds through recognising and celebrating achievements, no matter how small. Take note of your successes and remind yourself of them regularly. 3. Seek Constructive Feedback: Instead of fearing criticism, seek constructive feedback from trusted sources. This helps you grow while also providing a balanced perspective that your inner critic might lack. 4. Practise Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Self-compassion fosters resilience and can mitigate the impact of self-doubt. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your goals into manageable steps. Achieving these incremental milestones can bolster your confidence over time. Remember, everyone experiences moments of self-doubt. It is part of the human experience. The key is not to eliminate the inner critic but to learn how to manage it effectively. Confidence is not about never having doubts; it is about pushing through them and believing in your ability to succeed despite them. In the end, confidence is a journey rather than a destination. Embrace the process, learn from your experiences, and continue to grow. By taking these steps, you can build a more resilient and enduring confidence that can withstand the challenges life throws your way. #confidence #resilience #innercritic #challenge
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Let's talk about confidence. We've all heard "be more confident," as if it's a switch we can flick on at will. But confidence isn't just a state of mind—it's a journey, a series of steps we take toward self-assurance and self-belief. In my own quest for confidence, I've stumbled, faltered, and doubted myself more times than I can count. I've faced rejection, criticism, and moments of crippling self-doubt. But through it all, I've learned that true confidence isn't about never feeling afraid or uncertain—it's about facing those fears head-on and pushing through them anyway. So how do we gain confidence? It starts with self-awareness—the willingness to confront our insecurities, acknowledge our strengths, and accept ourselves, flaws and all. It's about recognizing that confidence isn't about being perfect; it's about being authentic, vulnerable, and unapologetically ourselves. Confidence grows when we step outside our comfort zones—when we take risks, try new things, and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. It's in those moments of discomfort that we discover our resilience, our resourcefulness, and our capacity for growth. So let's embrace the journey of confidence—not as a destination to reach, but as a path to walk, a story to unfold, and a legacy to leave behind. Together, let's empower each other to stand tall, speak boldly, and shine brightly. Because true confidence isn't about being fearless—it's about having the courage to be ourselves, unapologetically and authentically, in a world that often tells us we're not enough. #EmpowermentJourney #OwnYourStory #CourageToGrow #BelieveInYourself
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💪 What does confidence mean to you? Every time I hear "No worries," I’m tempted to ask, "Really? None at all?" Confidence is a balancing act—too little, and we hold back; too much, and we risk overestimating ourselves. Often, we live in a world of "can do" attitudes, where real confidence stems from self-awareness and realistic goals, not flashy bravado. True confidence is about embracing strengths and weaknesses, knowing what’s achievable, and aiming for quiet confidence over empty assertiveness. Here’s how to start: ✨ Visualize: How would life change if you had the courage to be who you wanted? ✨ Reflect: What small steps can get you closer? ✨ Challenge beliefs: Replace self-doubt with supportive truths. ✨ Track your wins: Keep a "Big Me Up" book of everything you’re proud of! Ready to boost real confidence? Book a free 30-minute consultation to stop overthinking and start living assertively, on your terms. #Confidence #SelfBelief #PersonalGrowth #RealisticGoals #LifeCoach #SelfImprovement #CaroleAnnRice
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SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT : **Embrace True Confidence** Confidence isn't about walking into a room thinking you're better than anyone. True confidence means walking in without the need to compare yourself to anyone at all. It's about knowing your worth and recognizing that you are already enough - just as you are. When you stop measuring yourself against others, you create space to fully own your unique strengths, abilities, and purpose. Confidence radiates when you trust yourself, embrace your individuality, and let go of the urge to compete or prove something. You don't need to outshine others; you shine simply by being you. So, step into every room knowing this: You are the best version of yourself, and that is more than enough. #confidence #bestversionofyourself
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Many people misunderstand the nature of confidence. It's often thought that confidence comes from external validation - when others believe in you or support your abilities. However, true confidence runs much deeper than that. The quote "Confidence is not when people believe in you. Confidence is when you are fine if they don't" captures the essence of authentic self-assurance. This perspective challenges us to reconsider what it means to be confident. Real confidence is an internal state. It's the ability to trust in yourself and your capabilities, regardless of others' opinions. When you're truly confident, you don't need constant affirmation from those around you. You're secure in your self-worth, even in the face of doubt or criticism. This type of confidence is liberating. It frees you from the emotional rollercoaster of seeking approval. Instead of basing your self-esteem on fleeting external factors, you anchor it in your own self-belief. Developing this level of confidence isn't easy. It requires self-reflection, perseverance, and a willingness to face your fears. But the rewards are immense. With genuine confidence, you become more resilient, take more risks, and ultimately achieve more. Remember, confidence isn't about being liked or validated by others. It's about being comfortable with who you are, regardless of what anyone else thinks. #TrueConfidence #SelfBelief #InnerStrength #AuthenticConfidence #SelfWorth #InternalValidation #EmotionalFreedom #SelfAssurance #Resilience #SelfEsteem #FaceYourFears #ConfidenceJourney #BelieveInYourself #PersonalGrowth #confidencematters
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Confidence Isn’t What You Think It Is… We often talk about confidence like it’s some magical trait only a few are born with. But here’s a new perspective: Confidence isn’t about knowing you’ll succeed. It’s about being okay with the possibility that you might not. Think about it—when was the last time you did something completely new? Maybe you stumbled, maybe you soared, but either way, you grew. That’s confidence in action. True confidence is about embracing uncertainty, stepping into the unknown, and trusting yourself to handle whatever comes your way. It’s not about being fearless—it’s about moving forward, even when you’re not. So next time you feel that knot in your stomach, remember: confidence isn’t the absence of doubt; it’s the willingness to act in spite of it. ♻ Repost or tag someone who needs to hear this today.👇
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Friday musings … Confidence is not inherently bad, but it can be overrated! Confidence, while valuable, can be overrated when based on false assumptions or lack of substance. Overconfidence can lead to poor decision-making, blind spots, and even arrogance – this is “overconfidence bias”. Confidence is most effective when paired with competence, humility, and a willingness to learn. While confidence can help inspire others and drive action, unchecked or misplaced confidence can lead to recklessness and an inability to accept constructive criticism or adapt to new information. Confidence should never overshadow self-awareness, adaptability, and the ability to question oneself.
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