I am very excited to include a special guest blog from an award-winning business author. I met Blanca in January at the 2012 New England Book Festival where “Empower Yourself for an Amazing Career” won the business category. I found we hit it off and have very similar beliefs and opinions on professional growth. I look forward to a continued partnership–thank you for the contribution. Keep reading to learn how to “Project Confidence,” and check out her website and book. Your opinions and comments are encouraged!
Blanca M. De La Rosa
Empower Yourself For An Amazing Career
(877) 594-9981
Project Confidence
Self-confidence is one of the key ingredients required for a successful career. Projecting a lack of confidence and knowledge will construct barriers that may impede the growth of your career. You need to project confidence and never think that you are not as good as or as smart as the people around you because of your cultural background or education. Have faith in your skills and abilities and do not allow the cultural mantra of the organization or your peers affect your self-confidence.
Some people appear to be born with self-confidence, but most have to work at it. Self-confidence can be developed and nourished. However, getting it right is a matter of striking a perfect balance between low-confidence and over-confidence that is realistic and represents your true ability.
Self-confident individuals:
- Do not waste too much time worrying about what others may think and instead focus on the task at hand.
- Feel comfortable with themselves, their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Are willing to take risks, readily admit their mistakes and learn from them.
- Graciously accept compliments recognizing a job well done without downplaying or exaggerating their role in the situation.
- Know how to set and attain reasonable goals.
- Take the time to appreciate and celebrate their success.
It is human nature to experience an occasional secret fear that one is not good enough. You may feel that everyone else has it all together and that you are the only one struggling to keep it together. Don’t let a false sense of self and the opinion of others affect your self-worth and self-esteem.
You can look up to people, but only if it is not at the expense of your own self-worth and self-esteem. Regard these people as your role models, people you want to learn from and emulate. And, as you grow in knowledge, strength, and status, stand beside them as your peers.
Be presumptuous enough to believe that you are just as good as, as smart as, or better than those around you and that you have a significant contribution to make.
Don’t talk yourself out of greatness. Lord knows that there are probably plenty of people around you who are already working on that.
“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt