Building Self-Confidence

''I am as good as any — I am a point of light in the darkness of ignorance.''

by Mike Corthell

Confidence cannot be learned like a list of rules, it is a state of mind — a state of being. It not only takes a positive mind set, it also is an accumulation of knowledge, practice and training. You need to know what your doing and when to do it. Not that you can't be spontaneous but knowing and 'know that you know' is all important.

''Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.''

— Dale Carnegie

How to change your mind set? Here's a guide.

Prepare by planning. We often feel less confident about new or potentially difficult situations. So by planning and preparing for the unknown we feel a whole lot more secure.

Accumulate facts and assimilate them into your skill set. Learning and research help us to be more confident about our ability to handle new situations and jobs.

Positive thought is the most important part of living with confidence. Positive thinking doesn't cost a penny but being negative about your life can and could take it.

Finally, just say KNOW!

Know your strengths and weaknesses, know that we all make mistakes. Know that it's okay to accept compliments and to compliment yourself. Know that criticism by others is a learning experience. Know that you need to be an actor, that is to take ACTION!

''Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.''

— Vince Lombardi

The very last thing to remember in this 'confidence game' is FAITH. Having faith, believing in a thing, materializes everything. Take your strong faith and apply it to your curiosity, your confidence, your courage, and your constancy, — again remembering that the greatest of all these things is confidence. When you believe in something, and believe in it all the way, the 'magic' happens!

~