Be Confident!

     Full disclosure: the three scenarios in the first half of last month’s blog post are based on (my) true stories.  The three scenarios in the second half are what I should  have said.  And what I wished I had said!

     I know first hand how difficult it can be to be confident in all situations, especially with a communication challenge.  Speaking up is easier said than done, but it does get easier with practice.  Still don’t feel that confident?  My teacher found this amazing Ted talk by Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist at Harvard.  Her theory is that anyone can ‘fake’ confidence until you actually feel confident.  She has some simple suggestions in this video that I have tried.  For example, I pretend I’m Wonder Woman – kind, but strong.  You should try it!

http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are?language=en

     Here are some fabulous quotes I found that also help inspire confidence.  I hope some of them will resonate with you:

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.  You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror.  I can take the next thing that comes along.’ ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Inaction breeds doubt and fear.  Action breads confidence and courage.  If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and thing about it.  Go out and get busy. ~ Dale Carnegie

Life is not easy for any of us.  But what of that?  We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves.  We must believe that we are gifted for something ant that this thing must be attained. ~ Marie Curie

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.  Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. ~ Helen Keller

To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence. ~ Mark Twain

     Sadly, I did not get the cheesecake that was passed around my office in last month’s blog.  Luckily, in order to take the picture for the blog, I did convince my mom to get a cheesecake!  Next time I will be confident and speak out “What did you say?” and get the cheesecake in the first place.  My point is simple – have confidence in yourself and speak out.  I am better about that now, you can be too!