By making these 8 mindset changes, you'll possess more confidence and mental fortitude than the majority of people.
Controlling a sense of confidence is one of the most challenging tasks when it comes to being mentally strong.
A bad meeting with a boss can cause a spiral of insecurity, even when you feel self-assured.
Boosting your confidence can be challenging, especially when you unintentionally hinder your own growth. In my new book "The Mentally Strong Leader," I provide practical strategies to help you overcome obstacles and increase your self-assurance.
By making these eight mental shifts, your confidence will increase and so will your mental resilience.
1. Stop believing confidence is the absence of doubt
Not a single person I interviewed and surveyed for my book claimed to have never experienced doubt.
Managing doubt and uncertainty is key to building confidence. It involves accepting that you won't always have all the answers and believing in your ability to solve problems as they arise.
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2. Determine whose feedback actually matters
If someone provides feedback, especially criticism, it does not necessarily mean that it must be accepted. As Brené Brown states, if one does not have direct and relevant experience, she does not want to hear their thoughts.
Be selective about who provides feedback in your inner circle.
When receiving feedback, simply listen and focus on extracting the truth that can help you improve.
You received feedback about your presentation skills, which suggested that you need to open stronger with an interesting story or something to hook the audience. You agree, adjust, and grow.
People who care about you give feedback to help you, even if it stings in the moment.
3. Decide failure happens for you, not to you
Setbacks are meant to make you stronger.
The pandemic caused my business to halt abruptly, leaving me devastated as my confidence plummeted.
I realized that I could view this "failure" as an opportunity for growth. I discovered ways to make my talks and workshops just as effective in a virtual setting. The variety of services I can provide to clients has expanded significantly, and I feel more capable as a result.
4. Act as if you already have approval
Always seeking external validation can hinder progress and increase insecurity.
To gain acceptance, you may unintentionally stop being true to yourself. Reflect on why you seek approval and how it hinders your growth.
I will proceed with the plan without seeking approval first.
5. Stop comparing yourself to others
I teach mental strength and this is one I still fall victim to.
Comparing ourselves to others on social media can lead to a decrease in confidence when we see their highlight reels while our bloopers are on display.
In 'The Mentally Strong Leader,' I emphasize that the only meaningful comparison is to your past self and whether you're improving.
6. Talk to yourself the way you would to a friend
Silence the negative self-talk and replace it with constructive thoughts and attitudes. Remove the unproductive inner voice that acts as a critical companion.
I'm feeling overwhelmed and don't know what to do." "It's okay to feel overwhelmed, it happens to the best of us. Let's take a deep breath and break down the problem into smaller parts. We can tackle this together, one step at a time. What's the first thing we can do?
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks.
7. Own your accomplishments
An exercise can aid in stopping the feeling of being an imposter.
You received assistance from a mentor. You were in the right location at the right moment.
Got all that out of your system? Good.
Rewritten sentence: What are the internal reasons that you bring to the table, the accomplishments that would not have happened without you, and the things you're underappreciating about yourself?
8. Remind yourself that you are enough
You are sufficient and worthy.
Your differences are what make you unique, and while there is always room for improvement, your starting point is something to be proud of.
When that unhelpful inner critic starts chattering in your ear, tell it to be quiet. Then, confidently say out loud, "I am enough."
Scott Mautz is a well-known speaker, trainer, and LinkedIn Learning instructor. He was previously a senior executive at Procter & Gamble, where he oversaw several of the company's largest multi-billion-dollar businesses. He is the author of "The Mentally Strong Leader: Develop the Skills to Control Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Actions." Connect with him on LinkedIn.
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