Have you ever stopped yourself from doing something because you lacked confidence? I think we all have. I believe that confidence can be cultivated. It takes a shift in our perception… and a conscious choice to allow ourselves to live our dreams… no matter what.
A great place to begin is by self acknowledgement… of who you really are… all you know, all you are already good at, the wisdom you possess from a lifetime of living, your talents, strengths, values, qualities… the amazing and exceptional woman that is you.
Then let go of all comparisons and judgments. A quote I love is: “Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy” by Theodore Roosevelt. When we compare ourselves and our skills with others, we forget that we are only seeing the ‘tip of the iceberg’ so to speak. What is hidden is the dedication and hours spent learning and perfecting their particular craft and skills.
Another important step in cultivating confidence is adopting the belief that you possess gifts and talents within you that you may not have developed and actualized. Yet! Everyone is born with their unique and wonderful gifts. Anything that you truly love is a clue to what yours are. Remember… talent is inborn, but know-how is acquired.
What would change for you if you decided to have the confidence to do what you love? What if you did not care about looking like a novice or beginner, or what anyone else thinks? What if you even set aside your own judgments or fear of disappointing yourself and just went for it… with a sense of playful adventure and joy? Immerse yourself in what you love. Keep yourself passionate and inspired. Just start! Do not allow a lack of confidence to stop you one moment more. Instead cultivate your confidence and boost yourself with optimism and positive self talk… just as you would for another.
Confidence allows you to step out into the world and have a richer experience of life. It lets you share yourself and your gifts with others, and it propels you forward to realize your dreams and actually do what you love to do. You can do anything you truly desire… and no one else can do it the way you can. Believe in yourself and all things are possible!
Don’t Hide Your Light Under A Bushel