Tag Archive for: confidence

Mastering the art of public speaking

A very workman-like article this. Yes it covers many of the success basics for public speaking.

Is public speaking an art, by the way? I like the fact that creativity is so vital, so I guess I'll agree, but there is a certain amount of science in it, as this article seems to suggest in many ways.

But what I like is the last point....

... and it can be such a challenge to be yourself in public speaking. If confidence and self esteem are low, then the challenge is huge, and the temptation equally huge to be someone else!

Thought for the Day

“You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.”

-Rosalynn Carter

This week’s video. Inspiring – Dare-Change

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What If You Can?

Guest post by Anna Filipkowski.

What are you avoiding right now? What dream have you put on hold because you think you're too old, too young, too broke, too busy or too out of shape? What opportunities have you missed because you were too afraid of failing, embarrassment, abandonment or rejection? Why is it that most of us are more comfortable believing we can't than we can?

Everyone has a highly critical and negative little voice inside his or her head. Unfortunately, it keeps you in defensive or survival mode. Evolution calls this "Fight or Flight." It's a throwback to our more primitive selves. Since your critical voice only perceives in black and white, any obstacle is deemed a dead end rather than a challenge requiring a solution to move forward. Therefore, the critical voice usually stops us in our tracks and sabotages the concept of options.

Clearly, your critical voice is not your friend. And that voice does not define you. The real you strives for freedom and self-actualization. Your critical voice is nothing more than a schoolyard bully. You need to challenge it or ignore it. Like most bullies, it will eventually subside or back down.

Yes, you absolutely can quiet your negative inner dialogue by consciously changing your thoughts. The next time the bully inside you starts its whining diatribe, confront it head on. Calmly state, "What if I can?"

"You'll never get that job. You're too young, inexperienced and naive!"
What if I can?

"You're completely out of shape. And besides, there's no way you can run a half marathon at your age!"
What if I can?

"Start a business in this economy? You don't have enough money and that's just plain crazy! Besides nobody ever makes money doing that!"
What if I can?

"You'll never survive reality without booze or drugs!"
What if I can?

"You're too old and out of date to go back to school. You'll never keep up!"
What if I can?

"Just stay in the relationship and suck it up. Nobody else will want you and you can't make it on your own!"
What if I can?

"There are millions of out-of-work actors. You're not talented or attractive enough to break into that kind of business!"
What if I can?

"Do you know how many people actually succeed at that? It's just too hard and too competitive. You'll never make it to the Olympics."
What if I can?

"Your silly dream can wait another year. With all your other responsibilities, you're too busy to take on one more thing right now."
What if I can?

Be honest with yourself. If you were absolutely certain that you would succeed in your dream endeavor, would you do it? Or would you be afraid that your critical voice was telling the truth? Either way, you're right. That's how extraordinarily powerful your thoughts are. Remember, it takes just as much energy to succeed or fail. Focus your mind and heart and you can accomplish anything. Start now. That's how extraordinarily powerful your thoughts are. Remember, it takes just as much energy to succeed or fail. Focus your mind and heart and you can accomplish anything. Start now.

Anna Malandra Filipkowski, a downsized corporate executive is following her dreams and invites fellow latecomer entrepreneurs to journey down the path of freedom and prosperity in a global world.

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5 Great Ways to Conquer Self Doubt

Let go of those doubts.

Alexandra Levit writes:

Self doubt has been something I’ve struggled with all my life, from debating whether I could get into a top tier university to believing I could succeed as a writer. It’s a very human emotion, and it’s made worse for some people because of life experiences or temperament. Self doubt also makes you feel alone. Sometimes you think you’re the only person in the universe who suffers from a crisis of confidence, and you wish that you could be more like your successful, self-assured neighbor. Well, I guarantee that your neighbor doubts himself every now and then too.
You won’t ever be able to rid yourself of doubt entirely – believe me, I’ve tried. But I hope that these suggestions will lessen your pain when dark thoughts are all around you.

And you can read the suggestions in the Pivotal Magazine.

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How to Quiet your Inner Critic

Susan David writes:

Do you spend hours worrying that you aren't good enough to succeed? That you're just not capable or that you aren't smart enough? You're not alone.

she continues ...

The imposter syndrome is common — and it can be hard to overcome. Quieting your inner critic takes a series of specific steps.

She goes on to explain just how this can be done... http://bit.ly/7OoS25

How to turn painful feedback into a positive

NEW YORK - Whether it's a bad performance review or an unexpected scolding from the boss, negative feedback hits workers squarely in the ego.

It's never easy to hear that something is wrong with your work, your behavior or both. And maybe the criticism is unwarranted or unfair. But becoming angry or argumentative, which many people do, will only make matters worse.

Career consultants say there are ways to deal calmly with negative comments from the boss, and to turn painful feedback into a positive for your job and your career.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33805098/ns/business-careers/

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How to ask for help without looking stupid

What an excellent post from Jodi Glickman Brown

But learning how to ask for help — and how to do it right — is critical to doing your job well and setting yourself up for success.

You may be afraid of looking dumb, but to be afraid to ask for and get the help you need is inexcusable, especially when the stakes are high. Asking for help in the workplace is a good thing. In fact, asking for help the right way can show how smart you are: it demonstrates that you've got good judgment and shows that you know what you know and what you don't know. Moreover, getting help up front saves endless time, energy and resources on the back end; in the Madoff case, it could have saved billions of dollars and immeasurable heartache.

Read more here

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How to be more decisive

Do you struggle to make decisions? Do you sometimes find yourself dithering for ages, weighing up multiple options, or trying to second-guess what other people might want you to do? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Many people have trouble being decisive – but it’s an important trait to have, both in life and in business.

Is it possible to become more decisive? Well, maybe, er, possibly, it could be ... 😉 Actually, yes, yes it definitely is. Here’s how:

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Perception Is Reality — Build Self Confidence For Self Improvement

One of the key ingredients to a successful life is belief in one’s self. Without self confidence how can you hope to meet the challenges that you are bound to face in life?

You must believe that you are worthy of the things you desire. Do not let past setbacks or failures stand in your way. You are living in the present and this is where your actions will count. Remember the errors of yesterday only to learn from them. Use this knowledge to avoid the same pitfalls in the future.

You can also try some of the following simple tips to build self confidence and self improvement: