We all have different mindsets and different dispositions. Some of us are ‘glass half full’ and others are ‘glass half empty’ type people. Possibly, as you were growing up, you were being judged by others around you and often labelled. This will affect your way of thinking and mindset. Criticism often removes our hope. However, you can change your mindset and you can become a more positive person.
With that being said, let us take a look at 11 ways we can change our mindset and boost our self-confidence which in turn will help us chase our dreams:
1. Define what you want to do
It is important that you define your purpose. It is difficult to go ahead without knowing where exactly you are heading. So, the first step is to define your purpose and what you really expect from yourself. Once you get this, it will make you a lot more confident and push you to achieve your goals.
2. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else
Realize that you are unique and different in your own way. Aspire to be like others, but never compare yourself to others. It will only lead you to feel like you haven’t done much or you haven’t achieved enough. This can be the very reason why you stop chasing your dreams altogether. And so, avoid comparing yourself to others as much as possible! Even in business, we should be aware of our competitors, but don’t be checking them out every day or every week. Focus on you, not everyone else.
3. Focus on getting solutions
You will be faced with lots of challenges on your way to success. This should not be the reason you get tired and stop altogether. Instead, face the challenges bravely, try your best to find solutions and always tackle the situation in a smart manner. Acknowledge the fact that challenges are a part of the drill and they will remain no matter what, so focus on getting the solutions instead of whining over the problems. Always work smart, don’t work hard! If you have staff, remember they may not like change either, so be sure to implement change management strategies.
4. Capitalise your strengths
Sometimes, we spend so much time working on our weaknesses, we forget to use our strengths to their best potential. Look at your strengths and think creatively how they can help you overcome problems and go about everything in a smooth manner. Always try to use your strengths to your best potential, so that they benefit you as much as possible.
5. Fake it until you are actually there
Sometimes it might be just too hard for you to build your self-confidence perhaps for the competence you are surrounded with. In a case like this, fake your confidence. This might be challenging initially but with time you will learn to live with it and your emotions will flow that way too! This can help you build self-confidence in the long run without any setbacks. Whilst you are faking confidence, if you have shortfalls, then work on these, such as through training, education or mentoring. Before you know it, faking will not be required.
6. Take action
Nothing is going to work if you sit back and watch things. You need to take action. If you really want to achieve something, then work for it. You need to know that nothing in this world comes easy. You need to work to see results that you are looking for. Give it your time and your determination and watch things work like never before!
7. Look good, feel good
One of the most important aspects is your appearance. For some people, their appearance is everything for them. Dress in a way that looks good. If you look good, you will automatically feel good about yourself, and this directly relates to your self-confidence. The better you feel about yourself, the more confident you are in any circumstance that may come your way. How you dress is also reflected in how others treat you.
8. Look at the brighter side
Ups and downs are a part of every journey. Don’t let this pull you down. Let your failures be the reasons you rise up stronger and better than ever before. Always try to look at the brighter side, how much achieved, how well-organized you have been so far and all other good things. Looking at the brighter side gives you a sense of assurance and helps you conquer by doing much better.
9. Be ready, be prepared
Be prepared at all times. When you have events lined up that you need to attend, go fully prepared well beforehand to calm your nerves and making it a fulfilling experience instead of a disastrous one. Being prepared with all materials always help you remain calm, composed and confident. On the contrary, going in unprepared will always leave you in a situation that you probably wouldn’t want to be in, possibly perform poorly and consequently don’t leave feeling positive.
10. The power of body language
To present yourself in the best way possible, you need to embrace the power of body language. It is important to know that body language is one of the best methods of communicating information to a certain crowd. Your body language tells a lot about how you feel. Work on improving your body language to conquer the stage the next time you step on it!
11. List the positives
Having a gratitude diary (where you list all the great things that happened to you today) or even just listing your strengths and positive personal traits help highlight all that is good in your day and your life. It’s hard to feel negative when you are writing down many positive things.
Before you tackle any major task, first believing that you can do it is paramount. That confidence will get you started. Success and realizing your professional, personal or business goals doesn’t happen overnight, but with positiveness, confidence and an optimistic manner, it will happen.
I do business coaching and workshops to cater to the needs of any business owner. Call me on 0411 622 666 or email donna@donna-stone.com.au.
Let there be no such word as “impossible” in your dictionary!
