2 Ways To Build Genuine Confidence

Natalie is a talented, respected mid-level manager in a multi-national. She's respected by her team and wants to make a difference.

But also feels the need to constantly prove herself.

She finds it hard not to say “yes” to another project or request, even when she has too much on her plate.

Natalie knows that additional work helps her gain recognition, share her ideas and demonstrate her value.

But her "always on" approach to work is driven by insecurity and a lack of confidence, which people around her can sense.

She recognizes working at this pace is affecting her; It's unfulfilling and isn’t sustainable. It impacts her relationships and leads to her feeling exhausted and resentful.

But what's the answer?

How can we reset and create a more sustainable, satisfying vision of success for ourselves, within the constraints and demands of expat, multi-national, corporate life?

I have found that when we're off track, taking a step back is the only way forward. That often involves honest reflection and creating more self-awareness.

There are no shortcuts to sustainable confidence.

Building Confidence in Your Real Value

When you build a deep foundation of self-awareness and confidence, you know that your value isn’t only about what you get done; the deals closed, the projects and products launched. These are important, but they are not the whole picture.

It's also about YOU; your energy, your perspective, the way you communicate and relate to others, your belief in what makes you unique, the influence and impact you create just by being in the room.

This is confidence on a different, deeper level and it needs to be nurtured.

2 Habits That Build Solid Foundations of Confidence.

Here are 2 proven ways to build genuine confidence. When they become habitual, you'll feel calmer and more optimistic.

1. Rewrite Negative Self-Talk.

Many of us have negative self-talk. ✋🏼

It’s part of being human, but pay attention to your inner dialogue. When your confidence is low, it’s likely that you’re getting sucked into negative beliefs.

Examine these thoughts. Often they are fears, not facts. When we bring our fears into the light, they often aren't as powerful as we thought.

I've noticed that no matter how senior the leader, sharing your fears with someone you trust and who has a valuable perspective, always brings relief.

So allow your fears to be challenged and cultivate the counter perspective in a deliberate way.

2. Internalize Your Strengths

What are your gifts? What makes you unique? Can you clearly name it?

Do you dismiss what you’re good at? Brush it aside to focus on what’s wrong. or could have been better?

To go where you want to go, you need confidence. The foundation of that confidence is realistic self-belief.

You don’t have to brag. But you do have to know your strengths and internalize them. Be honest. Be objective, but own your successes.

Make a list. Create a success file. Review your achievements.

Don’t only rely on others to give you a boost. Internalize your strengths and you’ll create your own quiet confidence.

It's natural to lack confidence at times. We all have doubts and fears. But when we are deliberate about re-writing negative self-talk and can internalize our strengths, we begin to build a more solid, genuine confidence that will allow us to flourish and help others too.

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