Confidence is really
important when you get serious about meeting your goals. Here are five free and
easy ways that you can boost your confidence in the morning and be ready to
meet the challenges of the day.
1. Dress Well.
One of the fastest ways to think you’re successful is
to dress like a professional. Take the time to look like someone should trust
you to do a great job. This is called “working from the outside in.” You may
not FEEL like a success. But if you LOOK like one, it relieves some of the
work.People will respond better to you. You’ll be more apt to take charge and
complete things. You look great and it gives you a different energy.
One client objected, “I work with these people every
day. I don’t need to get dressed for them.” (You don’t need to be an eyesore
either). Looking your best is not solely to please other people. It is intended
to make you more comfortable so that your appearance is not a distraction,
rather an A-ttraction. Give it a try.
2. Arrive Early.
Are you diving to your desk before your boss walks by?
Do you walk in 3minutes before the interview time? Do you purposely come 10
minutes late to class because the instructor just talks anyway?
You are in charge of your time. So don’t squander it
by thinking you can cheat a start time. By the way, start times are designed so
that you START at that time. They are not “walking in times.”Get to your
appointments early. This gives you time for mental calm and preparation. If the
rest of your team doesn’t practice this habit, then you have permission to set
the example. Your clients, your students, your employees will appreciate it.
3. Smile.
Start this immediately when you get in front of a
mirror. Consider it practice for what you’ll be doing throughout the day. It is
good exercise for your facial muscles, your spirit and it starts you off doing
something positive.
4. Talk to Yourself – Nicely.
Rush hour commute and morning delays can really
aggravate you. The day hasn’t started yet and already, several things are
wrong. You must control your self-talk. Pretend that a satellite radio station
will be broadcasting your every thought. How do you want it to sound? Reassure
yourself that it’s going to be a good day, that you’ll get to work early, that you
look good because you took the time to dress well. Tell yourself you’re doing a
good job.
5. Pay someone a compliment.
Doing something nice for someone else is a great way
to boost your own confidence. Compliment your kids before they go to school.
Compliment your spouse before you part ways for the day.Compliment the person
who serves you at Starbucks, the lobby security guard, your assistant, the baby
sitter, the cleaning crew, the bank teller. Say good morning. Nice shirt. I
like your hair. Nice tie. Great shoes.
Say something nice. Say something simple. Kindness is
an interesting currency. We never run out of it. So pay it out.
Practice these habits for 5 consecutive days. Use them
if you work at an office, work from home or looking for work. These habits are
universal to men, women, even college students.
These habits only require your time and attention.
Just remember that these activities are investments in your energy. You will
create a pattern of excellence by injecting a shot of discipline into your day.
You will treat yourself kindly and double your kindness to another person. Your
hesitation will diminish and your daily regimen is more refined. You’ll be
closer to your goals – all before 9AM.
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in
due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal 6:9
