When facing the future, it can seem like there are lots of hurdles and barriers in the way – some are externally imposed yes, but sometimes we need to look inwards. Sometimes we are getting in the way of ourselves. What do I mean? Well, some of you will empathise when I mention that little voice in your head, that little voice that seeps in and makes you doubt yourself.
- The one that pops up when you consider saying something in a meeting, and tells you not to as it is stupid; only for someone else to then say it, and it be lauded as a great point.
- The one that tells you others will be far better at the job you are going for; so much so that your own interview is then awful as you don’t do yourself justice because you are riddled with self-doubt.
- The one that tells you not to volunteer for a project as you don’t have all the answers or know all the detail; only to then watch people who have less experience than you get the opportunity.
That little voice has a lot to answer for! It makes you doubt yourself, it makes you smaller, it limits your opportunities. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Two of my Mum’s phrases are: “There is no such word as can’t” and “when in doubt, take a deep breath, smile and do it anyway”. Great advice, and yet I know for some, easier said than done!
I’ve found the key is to:
- practice projecting confidence even when you don’t feel it;
- spend time developing your self-awareness so you can really harness your strengths; and
- look after yourself so you can maintain your resilience.
If you have that little voice, do take time to think:
- When do you feel at your most confident? How can you harness that feeling to project it at times when you feel less confident?
- Are you really clear on what your strengths are? Do others agree?
- As you look at your diary for the last couple of weeks, where have you gained energy and where have you lost it? How can you amend your diary for the next couple of weeks to help ensure you get the energy you need?
As leaders, we can show our people that we are role modelling the changes that all of us want to see. Let’s be better and be the change – contact [email protected] if you would like help to do so.
For more articles, encouraging you to think and be the change – visit here.