Confidence at the Core

Many people have spent the last 2 years working even harder but for less return and recognition. They think they can't move on because another opportunity may not be out there, or fear what they're doing won't provide the level of income.

Their confidence has taken a big hit during these times. Yet some people seem to be doing better than ever. You may wonder "why does it look so easy for them"?

The foundation of their success is confidence.

They 'go for it', 'ask for it', reinvent themselves, and inspire others to follow them. They don't hold back to avoid possible criticism or failure.

Remember, the first sale is always to yourself. If you're not inspired by yourself, if you're not convinced that you should get the business or promotion (or even the personal relationship), how will someone else be?

How much money does your self-doubt cost you?

This Top 10 checklist shows you a few of the ways self-doubt keeps money out of your pocket. Take it as a quiz and see how many opportunities you will have to get ahead financially once you have Confidence at the Core:

10. You've never acted on those 'killer ideas.'

You've had an idea for a business or product that could really be a break out, but get stuck in 'what ifs' and never put your ideas into play.

9. You don't sell yourself effectively.

You pass up opportunities to speak up or, when you do speak you freeze, play down what you do, use boring general words or understatements, gloss over deserved credit, or make self-deprecating jokes. Or you say articulate words out loud, but inside doubt whether you are smart enough.

8. You sell yourself short on fees or you don't negotiate a salary or a raise.

You 'cave' in the moment you start to ask for the higher fee, or you don't ask for the raise when its merited - out of fear the person won't think you are worth that much.

7. You stay in your comfort zone.

You avoid rejection by calling or interacting only with people you know like you, rather than branching out. You second guess by assuming others don't want to talk with you.

6. You remain undistinguished, a commodity, not someone who leads.

You don't introduce new ideas or services; You don't take the lead on a needed reform or speak up when others aren't willing to; You don't write blogs that are thought-provoking and authentic; You are afraid of being judged, or that innovation won't work, so you stay with the status quo.

5. You spend time managing politics.

You try to get senior people to think well of you through people pleasing or by hiding, instead of getting them to think well of you through your effectiveness and big results!

4. You leave opportunities on the table.

You don't follow up on referrals you perceive are at a higher level than you are, or don't volunteer for stretch assignments. You don't ASK for the business, you wait for the other person to volunteer to hire you; You don't raise your hand for opportunities or promotion, you wait for your boss to read your mind or wish that mentors would advocate for you.

3. You don't stand your ground when interacting with difficult people.

You take blame on yourself and believe its 'your fault', thus overlooking all the constructive responses you could have to understand that difficult person and make a better working relationship with them. You fall back on your heels when talking with someone intimidating.

2. You don't own the value of your time.

You let people interrupt you; you let people take advantage of your advice without setting boundaries and then get aggravated; you try to be all things to all people and aren't as effective at one thing; you tolerate others bad behavior because you are afraid of what they will do if you speak up.

And drum roll please...my personal favorite:
1. You don't do things that others wouldn't dare to do.

A realtor who took my Confidence at the Core program handed out his business cards to Lehman Brothers employees on the morning of their bankruptcy - he ended up featured on the evening news, getting a handful of new clients, plus a 5 figure commission for a referral deal he did zero work on! Not bad for 60 minutes worth of work! Would you have the confidence to do that?

Make your confidence work for you. Beat the bad times with self-assurance.

 

For information on Dr. Sharon Melnick's Confidence at the Core workshops and Webinars, go to www.sharonmelnick.com.