Hi again–
I’ve been noticing a theme in all of my conversations with potential clients and I wanted to share what I’ve observed with you. Far and away, the number one thing that people identify is holding them back is a lack of confidence.
I think we can non-scientifically conclude that this is a universal struggle for people at any level in their career or business. The good news is, if you identify with feeling a lack of confidence, you are not alone! (In fact, if you feel no lack of confidence EVER, then you are very alone! Take that overly-confident people! I kid, sorta.) The even better news is, there is something you can do about it!
The truth is, one of the best things you can do when you’re feeling a lack of confidence in a certain area is to just start doing it. Let’s take public speaking, something most people are afraid of, as an example. I’ll use myself and my own experience to illustrate my point. When I first started public speaking, (for me it was acting) I was always a nervous wreck, near the point of vomiting, and always had to pee at least 10 times before going on stage. I probably cried before every performance too.
Fast forward to today, I still experience nervousness, depending on the content and audience of any of my speaking engagements, BUT, I’ve learned to generate a much higher level of confidence that allows me to keep putting myself out there. I can even honestly say I enjoy public speaking, despite the anxiety I experience every time. The secret is really simple, so simple it’s pretty cliche: you just need to practice.
You probably already know what thing it is you just need to go out there and TRY in order to start recreating the “I don’t have the confidence” story. With the New Year fast approaching, I keep thinking about possible resolutions, and what things I want in my life. And I know it’s not really fair to keep asking YOU what you’re going to do, without digging deep myself. I also know that when I publicly commit to something, I drastically increase the possibility of it happening.
So, on the theme of public speaking, I’m going to commit to getting in front of an audience for my own event, in the next 6 months, that will have 100+ people in it. (Crap, did I just say that out loud?! Do I actually have to press “send” on this email?)
So there. I said it. It’s something I don’t quite have the confidence for yet, and I actually don’t know how I’m going to do it. But, I know I want to be speaking in front of larger audiences in the future, so I’m willing to go out there and TRY. (Oh, and by the way, you can choose interim goals. So mine might be a room of 50-75 people in the next 3 months).
I promise that when you start putting yourself out there, in whatever way you’ve been dreaming about, your confidence is going to increase, and it’s just going to get better the more and more you practice.
So, as always, I love hearing from you!
What is one thing you feel you currently don’t have the confidence to do, but would be willing to try?
What is a mini or interim goal you can set to help you get there?
Thanks for reading, and stay warm!
Emily
p.s. I have very limited slots available this month if you’ve been thinking about reaching out for a complimentary Turn Your Passion Into Profit strategy session with me. If you think your next step may be working with a mentor and really taking the leap, I’d love to hear from you. Please fill out this short survey to let me know you’re interested.