Confidence Takes Practice

Confidence is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets, explains Michelle Bowditch

A recent survey compiled at The Australian Admin Awards reported 83% of Assistants supporting at general manager level or above lack confidence and have no idea how to regain it. However, confidence is a skill, not a trait. There are many things we can do to build our confidence. Some of them are small changes to our mindset, and others we must work on for a bit longer to create new habits.

1. Confidence Is Contagious

Confidence is contagious, just like negativity is contagious. When you surround yourself with like-minded and confident people, it is like having a massive surge of positivity thrown into your day. Their confidence can rub off on you and help you build your own.

2. Your Words Become Your Actions

A single word or sentence has the power to change your mood. It is important to practise using words that help build confidence. Start telling yourself: “I am kind and helpful. I am great at my job. I am worthy. I am a loyal friend. I can achieve this. I am going to apply for that promotion. I deserve it.” Positive language has a positive impact on your day and on those around you. Feeling confident starts with changing the way you speak to yourself, the way you perceive yourself and, most importantly, the way you treat yourself.

Every day, think about the things that make you unique, special, and wonderful.

3. Change Your Story

The stories we tell ourselves can negatively impact our confidence. Our inner critic is highly judgemental and can leave us feeling miserable and stuck. It can even sabotage our success. Our inner critic says things like “I am going to fail. I feel guilty. I am under-prepared. I don’t fit in. I need more skills. I’m not good enough.” We need to interrupt this story, prevent it from taking control and create a more empowering story that helps us feel confident to act.

Change your story – change your life!

4. Go for It!

In life, there are always people who will tell you that you can’t accomplish your goals and dreams – whether that’s your employer, a teacher, a friend or a family member. People will try to tell you your goal is too big or crazy, that you’re not ready or that you can’t do it. Don’t listen to them! People are changing the world every day, despite everyone around them telling them it can’t be done. Go for it!

5. Know Your Values

Knowing your values is important if you want to live with confidence. Values give clarity and support your decision-making, both personally and professionally. They’re the ideas and beliefs that you deem to be most important in the way you live and work. Living by your values allows you to feel more content, more confident and more in control, because your decisions are in line with your belief system.

6. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Whether you’re an extrovert, an introvert or somewhere in between, trying something new or stepping outside of your comfort zone can be tough. You are going to be nervous, anxious and even scared (that’s normal). However, the more you do something, the more competent you become, and the more competent you become, the more confident you become.

Confidence starts with the willingness to try. Most importantly, confidence starts within. It starts with self! Once you start to believe in yourself, the magic starts to happen.