They say that confidence comes with doing, however, you need to have enough courage to have the confidence to do that thing....it's a kind of 'chicken or egg' scenario...you know, which one comes first?
Let's say you want to apply for a more senior, challenging role. Deep inside, you know you can do it, yet you’re hesitant. Maybe you tell yourself “I'll wait just a little longer, do a few more things, and then I'll be ready, then I'll apply".
What ends up happening? You get stuck in a loop of doing more and more, trying to build the confidence...just one more course, video, book... and then? You eventually: get enough courage to do that thing; or, somehow, you never quite get around to doing that thing you wanted to do.
Sound familiar?
I can pretty much guarantee that you’re NOT alone! You can exhale now. You’re normal! No matter who you are, every now and then, you're going lose your confidence.
Not what you thought you’d read? Let me say it again…You’re Normal.
Exhale.
No one has it all figured out…so what makes you think you have to have it all figured out?
No one is confident 100% of the time…so what makes you think you’re going to be confident all of the time?
You’re human. Full stop.
Even the high profile, “have your shit together professionals”? Human. And, because of this - spoiler alert - you’re going to feel all of the human emotions that come up in life. All of them, including the uncomfortable ones.
Losing track of your confidence? Not seeing your choices, or recognizing your value and what you bring to the table? Getting caught up in other people’s opinions of you? I’m sure you could add a few of your own to the list…
You’re not alone!
Even the most powerful, high level, badass professionals experience these feelings from time to time. This is universal. Absolutely no one escapes this. Sorry.
Having those feelings from time to time IS normal. Staying in those feelings is optional.
What can you do?
Are you willing to give it a try?
Let's get to it...
Your challenge for the next week...
Is this you?
You're working to build your confidence, thinking that when "you have enough" (experience, credentials, etc.), you'll have the courage to get out there to do “that thing”, that you've been meaning to do.
Maybe it's time to flip the whole thing around?
What if you, gather the courage first and put that thing out there? It's risky for sure, it means you're probably not going to do it perfectly. However, you will learn and build your confidence.
Let's take that role that you're hesitating about. What if you did apply for it? By taking the time to prepare for an interview, you're building the skills and the confidence. When you focus on the courage to take a chance, you may discover that you have exactly what it takes, or, you may discover some gaps to be filled. Either way, you'll know where you stand and you’ll move ahead. This is faster than waiting and waiting to build confidence until...
Ready to take a step? Contact me You have all of the skills, strengths and capabilities you need. Let’s work together and reconnect you with them!
Stay safe and well.
Cheers,
Ann
Is it about courage, or confidence?