Science-Backed Ways to Build Confidence When You Feel Like You’re in Over Your Head

byMikeGhibaudi

1.7K followers

1 year ago

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Whether you are about to take on a task, a new job, or a big project, like building a successful online business here in WA, dozens of everyday challenges can shake your confidence.

So how do you do it?

Here is what I have found to be successful whenever taking on a significant challenge that I knew was above me and my skill set (at least at that time, it was) during my professional career.

PRACTICE POSITIVE SELF-TALK

Our brains are hardwired to defend ourselves. We often scan for worst-case scenarios or danger instead of seeing something as an opportunity. Instead, put an upbeat talk track in your head to get in the game.

Get rid of thoughts like, 'I'm lucky to be here' and 'I hope I do well.' Instead, say to yourself, 'I've got this and can manage this project - sports players do this all the time.

Research published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that self-affirmation does boost confidence. 

"Any time you have low expectations for your performance, you tend to sink and meet those low expectations," writes lead researcher Sonia Kang, an assistant professor of organizational behavior and human resource management. "Self-affirmation is a way to neutralize that threat."

BASK IN YOUR SUCCESSES

Whenever I gave an excellent presentation or accomplished something new that pushed me to expand my knowledge base, I always took the time to experience the success - and if I failed, I reviewed the situation(s) and turned it into a learning experience.

Celebrate what you're doing well, and take the time to acknowledge and experience your achievements.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE

We all encounter hostile people or those who aren't supportive, but we can choose whose opinion we allow to influence us by the company we keep.

Not everyone or anyone should have a say in how you feel about yourself - be purposeful about who you choose to surround you.

MANAGE CONFIDENCE-KILLING THOUGHTS

I've learned that it's natural to feel fear or worry when doing something you've never done before, so dare to push through this fear; it's action despite fear.

USE BODY LANGUAGE

Another way to boost your confidence is to pay attention to how you hold your body. In her viral 2012 TED talk, Amy Cuddy shared the concept of "power poses": Making yourself bigger by stretching your body to take up more space.

The practice, which takes just two minutes a day, increases your testosterone levels and decreases the stress hormone cortisol released into your brain, making you feel more powerful and confident throughout the day - try it. I found it to be beneficial.

In another study, Richard Petty, professor of psychology at Ohio State University, researched the link between posture and confidence. Petty found that sitting up straight and pushing out your chest can boost positive beliefs in yourself as opposed to being in positions of slouching or looking down, which can lead to negative thoughts.

Whenever I need a confidence boost, I use meditation, yoga, go for a long walk, or sit by myself in a room reading a good book - these things go a long way.

Also, remember that just like happiness leads to smiling, smiling leads to happiness.

What do you do to boost your confidence?

I wish you all a very productive and prosperous rest of your week ahead!

Thank you for reading my blog and for your continued support.

-Mike