Confidence: What is it & How It Can Change Your Life - Dawn Stebbing, Executive Coach Phoenix

Developing a strong personal brand takes confidence. And whether you realize it or not, confidence impacts every area of your life.

Take Deanna for example. Deanna had recently attended a work conference and a speaker at that conference challenged the audience with something maybe a bit uncomfortable. They were asked to take out a piece of paper and list their accomplishments and their failures.

At the end of this exercise, Deanna was surprised to see an overwhelming list of failures she had listed and only a handful of achievements. She felt embarrassed and was disappointed that she hadn’t created more of what she wanted in her life.

Later that night, in the privacy of her hotel room, she looked over the list again. She realized that there was one thing that was really holding her back. She was lacking confidence.

Even though she knew she was qualified for better-paying positions within her company and could do so much more, her lack of confidence kept her from applying. Not only did her lack of confidence affect her work life, but also affected her personal life and relationships. She didn’t allow herself to go on dates for the fear that her date would judge her. She didn’t like how she looked, she wasn’t comfortable in her own skin, and she rarely left the house after work.

Where Does It Come From?

When you feel strong, you naturally engage more – in all aspects of your life and work. That’s because when you’re confident, you broadcast attractive energy that draws the right people, things, and opportunities to you.

Why is it that some people seem to have all the confidence in the world, while others struggle to believe in themselves even a little bit?

Maybe you’re tempted to believe it’s a matter of how you grew up, how you’ve been treated in the past, or what experiences you’ve lived through. At the same time, these things can undoubtedly impact your self-confidence level. However, there’s a simple truth you need to understand.

Is it a Skill?

The wonderful thing about skills is that anyone can learn them at any time. That means even if you don’t feel confident, you can begin developing this vital skill.

The more confident you are, the better results you get in work and in life. Confident people seem to get more opportunities and have better experiences than those with less confidence.

It’s not because confident people are smarter, luckier, or born that way. It’s because they believe in themselves and so they operate from a position of strength. Instead of walking into a situation hoping for scraps, you walk in with the assurance that you are just as talented, intelligent, and qualified as the next person.

How Can It Change Your Life?

As soon as Deanna got home, she found a coach and began working with her twice a week. She struggled with the assignments – like striking up a conversation with a stranger – at first.

But the more she followed through, the easier it got. Within a few months, Deanna was feeling more confident than she ever had before. She even joined a dating site and started meeting up for coffee with a few people. She went back to school to complete her degree and her boss put her up for a promotion.

Whether you realize it or not, confidence impacts every area of your life. If you struggle with this skill, don’t worry. Just like Deanna, you can learn how to build up your confidence and step into the life you deserve. You CAN build your confidence one step at a time. Don’t let low confidence hold you back any longer!