To overcome fear is the quickest way to gain your self-confidence

6 tips to improving your self-confidence! ‘To overcome fear is the quickest way to gain your self-confidence’ said Roy T. Bennett but just what is self-confidence? The dictionary describes self-confidence as ‘a feeling of trust in one’s ⭐ Abilities ⭐ Qualities ⭐ Judgement But why do you need self-confidence? Self-confidence helps you have: ✔ less fear and anxiety ✔ greater motivation ✔ more resilience at what life throws at you ✔ improved relationships ✔ a stronger sense of your authentic self Therefore, having more self-confidence means you set yourself realistic goals and expectations. Realistic is the important word here as if you aren’t very realistic the likelihood is that you will fail and your self-confidence will take a knock. Having more self-confidence means you communicate assertively so that you pursue what you want whilst still respecting people and circumstances around you. It means you recognise yourself as the same as others, not better than or less than. Being assertive means not just WHAT you are saying but HOW you are saying it including: - your volume - your tone - your body language – that is a whole new blog! Having self-confidence means you are able to handle criticism in a more positive way. This is probably the most difficult as listening and understanding criticism is really hard and not taking it personally is even harder.

You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realised how seldom they do’ Eleanor Roosevelt (First Lady of Franklin D. Roosevelt)

6 tips to improving your self-confidence: 1. Make a list of your strengths – what are you good at? eg listening, being empathetic, being proactive, being positive ….. really focus on what they are and write them down. 2. Make a list of your achievements – both in and out of work. What have you achieved whether it be qualifications or real successes, big or small! 3. Think positively about yourself all the time.

❌ I CAN’T do this ✅ I CAN do this ❌ I AM NOT GOOD at this ✅ I AM GOOD at this ❌ No-one wants to here what I have to say ✅ People will listen to me Start each day with a few positive thoughts. 4. Stay healthy – keep yourself in tip top condition – that way you will exude self-confidence. This means eating healthily, getting enough sleep, getting regular exercise. All this helps with how you feel about yourself. 5. Do more things that you enjoy – whether that is walking in the countryside, a craft, reading – whatever it is will make you feel positive. 6. Set yourself a challenge that you can realistically complete to boost your confidence – whether that is running 5k, a marathon, cooking a meal from scratch regularly, doing a course in something you love. Leading or being part of a team delivering great person-centred care means that being self-confidence is important. Having the self-confidence to deliver great person-centred care whether you are the leader or part of the team answers this with a resounding YES!

‘Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.’

Christopher Robin

Final thought for improving your self-confidence: Look in the mirror and SMILE! Studies suggest that the expressions on your face can actually encourage your brain to register or intensify certain emotions. By looking in the mirror and smiling every day, you might feel happier with yourself and more confident in the long run. By smiling other people will be likely respond to you as well which makes you feel happier giving you a boost in confidence – even when you are wearing a facemask! Found these tips useful? If you would like support in developing your self-confidence or the self-confidence of your team then please contact me to book a 30 minute free consultation where we can talk through your current situation and I can advise you on how I can help.