Confidence Builders

Any time you try a new task, your confidence level is at a low point.  The more you practice, the more confident you become.  Sadly, many people avoid trying new things because they fear failure or they lack confidence they will improve.  Achievers have one thing in common – they believe they will eventually get it right as long as they don't give up.  Here are some ideas to help you build confidence:

1. Make a list of the top ten significant things you have done in your life.
2. Think back to the learning curve you went through to accomplish those ten items you listed in #1.  Write down the specific obstacles you encountered in the process.
3. Make a list of your top ten failures.
4. Next to your top ten failures, write down a reason why you failed.
5. Compare the two lists and look for patterns of behavior.

I don't know what's on your two lists but I have a feeling your reasons for succeeding or failing have to do with one thing – your self-confidence.  When you believe in yourself and your abilities, you don't give up.  When you lack self-confidence, you give up too soon, before you have a chance to learn something new.

It's not too late to turn those failures you listed in #3 into successes.  All you have to do is apply the same resolve you demonstrated to achieve your desired results with your "successes" to your other list.  Failure is never failure unless you give up.  Change your attitude about your failures.  Stop calling them failures.  Label them as "incomplete" or "work in process."  Change your approach.  Break your work down into smaller pieces and stay with it until you master it.  It's all about staying in the game.  You can do this.  Believe in yourself.