All of us lack self-confidence at certain times, even the Top CEO’s, Entrepreneurs and World Class athletes.

How is it, then, that we think they are so self-confident? Don’t we all wish we could be like them? Well the good news is that you can! They have just learned to master their ability to generate self-confidence more effectively than the rest of us.

You Can Master Confidence

Self-confidence is not a static trait. Rather, it’s a “frame of mind” that takes effort to maintain when the going gets rough. It can be learned, practiced and mastered just like any other skill.

Once you master it, you will be able to call up your self-confidence faster, easier and more effectively.

Here are three, quick ways to generate your own self-confidence. You will find yourself beginning to master these skills just like all those successful people we admire and desire to be like.

LEARN to think and act positively

Avoid negative, self-talk that makes you feel less confident. Tell the negative voice in your mind to take a break. A positive mindset makes it easier to achieve positive outcomes, so chose a “can-do” attitude when facing any situation. Surround yourself with happy, positive people and chose to smile, laugh and find fun in the day to day events. You’ll feel better and the people around you will enjoy your company more.

One great way to ensure you think and act positively on a regular basis is keeping a gratitude journal. Writing in your gratitude journal will help remind you of the your accomplishments and the high points of your day. It serves to capture those positive moments that are so easily forgotten when the road gets tough. You can’t help but be in a positive frame of mind when writing or reading it. You’re grateful state of mind helps develop more peace and confidence in the moment.

PRACTICE by Taking Action

There’s more to being confident than just your mindset or what you are thinking. You need to take action to really practice being self-confident and soon it will become second nature.

Here are some quick ways to start taking action today. Walk up to a stranger at a networking event and introduce yourself. Be the one to start the conversation. Chose to take on an event, project or situation you’d normally decide to avoid, reject or find a way to turn down.

Avoidance, procrastination and resistance generate fear and doubt in our abilities. While taking that first step into action you may be uncomfortable. Know that with each step your courage and self-confidence grows.

A lot has been written about how to improve upon our weaknesses, but what if you were to leverage your strengths instead? Putting more energy into your positive traits is not only easier to do, it helps you to master your confidence quickly.

MASTER being prepared

Just like in the scouting motto, “Be Prepared,” anticipating life’s unexpected glitches is key to helping you generate more self-confidence in the moment. The more prepared you are, the more competent you are and with that competence comes self-confidence.

Make it a common practice to learn as much as you can about whatever topic, project or goal you want to achieve. Knowing more about your goals, the steps and processes to get there and what drives your sense of success will help you to reach them more quickly. Don’t try to accomplish too much at once. It is succeeding at each step along the path that will help grow your confidence. Remember to break projects and goals into small, bite-sized, manageable pieces.

You are well on your way to generating more self-confidence already!

For more information about Confidence and Courage, give me a call at 513-800-7233.