“Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.” (Vince Lombardi)
Has your confidence been hit? Are you feeling overwhelmed about the future? A few months ago, did your future looked bright but now looking bleak?
Well you are not alone. Over the past six months many thousands of people have had their lives turned upside down. Changes in life, whatever they are, can have a devastating effect on the way we feel. A sense of feeling useless, undervalued or just appearing to have no light at the end of the tunnel. All these underlying feelings result in a total lack of confidence.
I am a great believer that confidence is not on the outside of us, but on the inside. It is a state of mind. Understanding your state of mind is key to getting your confidence back. Concentrate on the positives. Reflect and list down all your achievements both personally and professionally. Look around you and think of all the people you have helped through life and on those that rely on you. Relish in your greatness.
At Blue Turtle we specialise in life and career coaching. Getting you to understand who you are and what you have achieved. This is key in helping you get back on track.
Building your confidence is so important. Yes, life changes, but we must all stay positive and start planning our futures.
To help you reflect on your greatness I have listed four questions you should ask yourself whenever you are feeling challenged or overwhelmed
1. When was the last time you learned something new or developed a new skill? Did it make you overcome a challenge you did not think you would overcome?
2. When was the last time you helped someone else, or contributed to something you didn’t need to?
3. What is the biggest challenge you have overcome in recent times? Maybe you were under pressure but you got through it?
4. When was the last time you felt naturally confident in your own skin? How did that make you feel?
Review these questions as many times as you like. The answers will make you feel great and start to restore your confidence.
If you are committed to getting back on track and need support, we are offering a free 30 min, no obligation, video call consultation. Just email me at:blueturtle@caterhamindependent.com or call Steve on 0208 617 8111.
Alternatively, you can email your questions to the same address and we will try to answer them within this monthly column.
Stay positive and keep your confidence.
Here are two questions from this month’s emails.
Dear Steve,
I have worked for the same company for over 15 years which I have loved. However, in the past six months they have lost all respect for their staff and I hate going into work. Its almost like they have stopped caring about the people that work there.
Is it time for me to look for another job?
Graham. Caterham
Hi Graham,
Unfortunately, I am hearing this more and more. I believe some companies are doing their best trying to stay afloat, but are losing sight of the one thing that keeps them going. Their employees’ company values, in some cases, have changed, or even gone. If your own values do not align with their’s, then you will find it difficult to work with them. My advice would be, speak to your line manager if that’s possible. Give them time as they go through this transition and hopefully stabilise. If nothing changes, it may be time for you to work for someone with your same values. At Blue Turtle we work with businesses to help them through this difficult time by reviewing staff morale and the working environment. We then suggest ways to team-build, which improves morale and ultimately productivity.
Steve
Dear Steve,
I have been told in the past that I have Imposter syndrome. I am also told this is just in my head and not real. Its holding me back as I’m thinking about it every time things happen at work. Can you help please?
Kerry. Caterham
Hi Kerry,
Sorry to hear that. Let me start by giving you the definition of Imposter syndrome. (IS)
“(IS) is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments or talents and has a persistent internalised fear of being exposed as a ”fraud” “.
I have had many clients who think they have IS, but after doing some simple tasks in identifying your successes and achievements and then celebrating how brilliant you are we can soon get you into a different mindset. Give me a call or drop me an email if you want some help. In the meantime, read the four questions earlier in this article and answer them honestly. The answers will help you.
Steve
