No Regrets Challenge – August 7, 2018 (see August 7, 2018 on my Facebook page for video)
Building Self-confidence through the process of practicing was the topic of yesterday’s No Regrets Challenge. Today I am going to continue on the subject of self-confidence.
I’m editing a book for a client. She mentioned to me that she had a hard time seeing herself as an author because she lacks a master’s degree in fine arts and doesn’t hold expert status in some field. These thoughts held her back from writing her book for a long time. Society’s definitions (and sometimes our own definitions) of what someone who has a certain title or reaches a certain goal is or isn’t can create self-doubt and lower self-confidence.
Recently I had an”aha ” moment during a conversation with another coach. I shared with her my hang-up that I didn’t see myself as an entrepreneur and that I knew that was holding me back from really breaking through. What she shared with me shifted my perspective and boosted my self-confidence. She said she’d heard the word entrepreneur defined simply as “has ideas, does them.” That made me stop and think of all the ideas I’ve had and followed through on and I pretty immediately embraced this title. I am now able to move my business forward more effectively because of this shift.
So the questions I have for you today question are:
What preconceived notion do you have about a role you hold or would like to hold? What qualities do you believe are necessary for someone to have in order to be successful in reaching a goal you’d like to achieve?
The follow on questions are:
Where did these ideas come from? and What qualities do you have that will help you succeed in that role or with that undertaking in spite of the preconceived notions you listed?
Remember before authors were authors they might not have had all the credentials that we believe are necessary to be authors. Before entrepreneurs were entrepreneurs they might not have had the qualities we attribute to those who are seen as successful entrepreneurs. Don’t let preconceived notions steal your self-confidence and keep you from moving forward toward your dream. Go for what you want and believe in yourself!
Patricia Brooks is a life experiences coach, speaker, and the author of Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life you Live. She is the host of the Discovering Courage Podcast where each week she explores how ordinary people have managed to live extraordinary lives. Patricia is currently living in France, pursuing her dreams.
Photo Credit: Laurentiu lordache