March Is Optimism Month

When times are hard, life events can take a tremendous toll on your self-esteem. It’s hard to feel good about yourself when everything seems to be going wrong or when you’re experiencing loss or defeat. Seth Godin recently posted this on feeling incompetent (it’s nice to know that even the big wigs have similar experiences). Unfortunately, taking a hit to your self-concept can often initiate a cycle of negativity that’s hard to break free of, and depression can take hold. One trick to getting back on your feet is to kick your confidence back into high-gear. Follow these confidence-boosting tips if you want to “take it ’til you make it”, so to speak.

Stand Tall and Proud

It’s true. Your posture can have a direct effect on the way you feel. Slouchy encourages mopey or tired feelings, while standing tall and walking with purpose help you to feel strong. Not only will you feel better and more in control, but you’ll also appear more approachable to your customers. The effects can feed off of each other, helping you to gain energy from increased social interaction and to feel genuinely more sure of yourself.

Make Some Lists

Seeing statements in writing can have a great deal of impact on our emotions. They serve as a reminder and as physical evidence of what you may already know, but sometimes forget. I’m a firm believer that writing lists can be therapeutic and healing. Choose your own kind of list or write several. Yours can be a record of your proudest achievements from your past, as we’ve discussed previously. These reminders are a quick way to feel more capable and competent. You may also wish to write a gratitude list to put things into perspective, or even a list of what you’ve done or the clients you connected with today, as we sometimes lose track of the energy we put forth just in our everyday life.

Shut Down Negative Self-Talk

Nothing kills your self-esteem like your own trash talk. Don’t feel bad. It’s common to get down on ourselves during challenging times. We all do it. Like not saying what you could have said to close a deal with a potential client. However, it takes proactive and intentional effort to overcome those thoughts. Take a look at your lists for inspiration on replacing those bad thoughts with helpful ones. Don’t let the negativity become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Channel Your Heroes

One way to add some swagger to your step is to think of the qualities you admire in others and try to exhibit more of those in your own life. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be yourself or that you should put on an act. On the contrary, I recommend choosing characteristics you already possess and simply wish to portray or enhance on a more regular basis. This small exercise can have a big impact on your self-view.

There’s An App For That

For those who carry a digital device close by, check out a few of these app to keep you motivated:

• Shine – Self Care and Meditation (Apple/Google Play)
• Boost Your Self Confidence (Google Play)
• Fabulous – Daily Motivation (Apple)
• Download this FREE Positive Thinking affirmation MP3

While these suggestions may seem insignificant, they truly can make a difference in the way you present yourself to your customers and the world and in how you feel about yourself. Try a few on for size to see if you notice a difference. It’s worth a shot!

Not confident in starting your new business idea? I invite you to join my free support and service group – The Small Biz Society where I guide ambitious go-getters who want to become profitable and successful entrepreneurs so that they can launch the small business they always dreamed of. You’ll find my free FREE 5 SIMPLE Building Blocks For Starting A Business Report and begin to get your head ready for entrepreneurship!

Do you have more tips on how to boost your confidence? Please share your thoughts and ideas directly in the comments. You never know how your words will connect with others that visit my site. Remember, being a business owner doesn’t mean you have to do it alone:)

P.S. – Why not schedule a Simplicity Session with me so we can establish your next steps to self-employ freedom. Or join the new Small Biz Society where go-getters like yourself gather to plan, launch and grow their biz idea!

Don’t miss my next 5 Days To Build Credibility and Visibility Challenge or upcoming Dream Launcher’s Journey masterclass events!