There are many types of heroes in life: war heroes, superheroes, emergency services professionals. Have you ever considered yourself in this category?
If you are like most people, you have developed a habit of moving too quickly 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 see outside means nothing!” -Leontyne Price
There are some simple things you can do to build your sense of self-worth and self-efficacy. I want to share some of the practices I have because I want you to build your confidence and courage when it comes time to take risks and try new things both in business and in life.
1. I keep a token next to my computer – a new one every Monday, dated for that week. Every time I get a courtesy email from a client, a card in the mail, a positive Facebook wall post, I add a one line statement about it on the index card. Every Friday, I take about 5 minutes to read each statement, closing my eyes after each one and just visualizing what it looks like and how it feels. I really ‘take everything’. Then, I add that particular card to my ‘success box’, in which 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 each 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 check mark 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 coming year.
4. I share with my closest friends. I have a close circle of female 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 that I do. They also encourage me when I take quantum leaps, try new things and make it happen. This really builds my confidence and courage when I get your positive feedback because I really value your opinion, and it’s great to have your own cheerleading team!
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 sharing my achievements is critical because it inspires other women to develop the confidence and courage to try some of those things… I’ve been down the road and you know it’s can do.
6. I update my biography regularly and I 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 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’ve done. I’ve been nominated for RBC’s 2010 Canadian Business Woman of the Year, oh my gosh, 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 accomplishments and successes. Most of us have been conditioned not to think or speak highly of ourselves, that’s bragging. Well, frankly, would you like to work with an experienced mindset leader or coach 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 internal sense of self-esteem and only you can do this: internalizing everything you’ve done well, accepting the praise you get, daring to have a strong image of yourself. Confidence and courage don’t come overnight…but in time, you can be your own hero! Don’t wait for someone else to build it, start today.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT
1. Get in the habit of keeping a tab by your computer; start today.
2. At the end of this week, take some time to stop, read what’s on the card, internalize all that good stuff, and file the card away in your (new) Success Box!
3. Start over with another new card on Monday!