There are many kinds of heroes in life: war heroes, superheroes, first responders. Have you ever considered yourself in this category?
If you are like most people, you have developed a habit of moving too fast through your successes and achievements in life. That is a strong conditioning for many of us who grew up in a time when it was not good to speak well of oneself.
“If you feel good about yourself, what you saw outside means nothing!” – Leontyne Price
There are some simple things you can do to build your sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy. I want to share some of the practices I have because I want you to strengthen your confidence and courage when it comes time to take risks and try new things in business and in life.
1. I keep a tab next to my computer – a new one every Monday, dated for that week. Every time I get a courtesy email from a customer, a card in the mail, a positive Facebook wall post, I add a one-line statement about it to the index card. Every Friday, I take about 5 minutes to read each statement, closing my eyes after each one and just visualizing how it looks and feels. I really ‘take everything’. Then I add that particular card to my ‘success box’, where I have stacks of cards from last year. When I’m having a bad day, or just finished a disappointing phone call… or whatever, I grab that card on my desk and take a few minutes to wallow in the good stuff!
2. I write a diary every night. In this journal, I elaborate on what has gone well each day, particularly if I have been dealing with a challenging client or a new and intimidating situation. I celebrate every part of those situations that have gone well, there is always at least one thing!
3. I keep a vision board on my office wall throughout the year. Every time I accomplish something on my vision board, I put a little checkmark on it. I take a few moments to celebrate that achievement. This builds the confidence and courage to consider bigger risks and bigger dreams for the year ahead.
4. I share with my closest friends. I have a close circle of friends who have a pretty solid understanding of what I do every day for a living. They recognize that there are challenges and setbacks in the work I do. They also encourage me when I take quantum leaps, try new things and make it happen. This really boosts my confidence and courage when I get your positive feedback because I really value your opinion, and it’s great to have your own cheer squad!
5. I share my achievements in my public speaking presentations, where and when appropriate. Being raised as a ‘good Catholic girl’, this was not always easy. However, what I have learned, through experience, is that it is essential to share my achievements because it inspires other women to develop the confidence and courage to try some of those things… I have walked the path and they know that can do.
6. I update my bio regularly and am sure to include my achievements. When prospects read about them, they feel comfortable working with me as a coach and/or thought leader. It instills confidence in them and assures them that they have made a great decision by working with me.
7. I post updates on Facebook and other social networks. Give messages of hope and encouragement to others to step up and develop the courage to try some of the things I have done. I’ve been nominated for RBC’s 2010 Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, oh my, that’s quite an achievement and other women entrepreneurs around me need to know that this kind of recognition is possible.
CONCLUSION
It is so easy to go through our achievements and successes. Most of us have been conditioned not to think or speak well of ourselves, that’s bragging. Well, frankly, would you want to work with an expert mind coach or leader who has NOT experienced or shared any accomplishments? I hope not. Do you want to model to your children that it is essential to continue to grow and develop and become the best person you can be in life? It’s about building that inner sense of self-esteem and only you can do this: internalizing everything you’ve done well, accepting the praise you’re given, daring to have a strong image of yourself. Confidence and courage don’t happen overnight… but in time, you can be your own hero! Don’t wait for someone else to build it, start today.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT
1. Develop the habit of keeping a file by your computer; get started today.
2. At the end of this week, take some time to stop, read what’s on the card, take in all that good stuff, and file the card in your (new) Success Box!
3. Start fresh with another new card on Monday!
