Having confidence has been linked to success for years, but it is not taught in schools or covered in most managerial training. See below for six tips that can be useful for improving your confidence:
Have a positive attitude.
W. Clement Stone once said, “There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” Essentially, you choose your attitude all day every day. Choose a positive one.
Hold yourself accountable for doing what you say you’re going to do.
Harry Truman said, “In reading the lives of great men I found that the first victory they won was over themselves … self-discipline with all of them came first.” The simple act of doing what you say helps you trust yourself and gives people confidence in you.
Constantly improve yourself.
The better you become, the more confident you are in yourself. Create a personal development plan and follow it.
Stop worrying about what other people think.
Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” The fastest way to lose confidence is to let other people take it from you.
Do things that scare you.
Another quote I like from an unknown source is, “The quickest way to acquire self-confidence is to do exactly what you are afraid to do.” Turn fear into excitement and you will turn stress into success.
Start doing.
The decision to act and the dedication to follow through are the secrets to self-confidence. Dale Carnegie said, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” Believe you can do it.
Chez Misko is the COO of Wisconsin Athletic Club.
