Great Self Confidence

...to live the life you want

Need a Boost? Holidays & Empowerment

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twinsI‘ve just returned from a family holiday to Portugal that was over far too quickly.

Whilst we were away my twin daughters hit the magic
age of 18. As with any parent, there are times you wish you could do things without your children. But I’m still glad all three of my
children (the eldest is 21) still wanted to come on holiday with us.

If  left to me to organize we probably wouldn’t go anywhere. I enjoy having a break from everyday routine, focussing on enjoyable activities and the increased company of family or friends. But having not travelled greatly when younger, I’ve always viewed the organization and “getting there” with trepidation. [Read more…]

20 Ways to Build Self Confidence?

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I often look at other sites, articles and blogs in the field of self improvement. Partially for my own interest – I’ve always enjoyed reading and finding new ways to move forward in this area. confident-briefsBut also to point others in the direction of good writing – whether through Twitter, my newsletter or on this blog.

Most people use search engines, particularly Google, to find out information on a particular topic. It’s quite reassuring (and good for the ego!) to still be on page one of Google for the term “self confidence”.

One site, or rather particular post,  that I’ve often come across  first appeared 21 months ago on Pick the Brain. Titled 10 ways to Build Self Confidence – by John Jorgensen – it currently sits at the top of Googles page one for “self confidence”. In other words Google considers it the most relevant page for anyone searching for self confidence.

Now, we can debate the accuracy of the Google algorithm – many do. Make your own mind up, but I don’t think the 10 suggestions are the best ways to gain self confidence:- [Read more…]

Socrates on Self Confidence

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This is going to be a rather weird post. At the bottom is a 24 minute video, I guess 9 years old, about an accident Greek philosopher who died (after being forced to drink Hemlock – as in picture)  in 399 BC.
deathofsocratesAs the presenter Alain de Botton says, Socrates, despite his ugliness, is the only philosopher to have been given the honor of a fridge magnet!

The Socratic path to self confidence is to have confidence in our own beliefs and not be swayed by the opinions of others. He believed humans were like sheep, that we passively follow each other. We assume others, particularly those that lead us, know what they are talking about – we trust those in authority. [Read more…]

Fear is the Key

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I started writing this post about a week ago. My theme of fear isn’t that original, but constantly recurring in our thoughts. Since starting writing, two things have happened to me that have reinforced the stupidity of most of our fears.


Without going into the gory details, I had a biopsy last Tuesday for possible prostate cancer. I’ve had one before, and its precautionary rather than done with great expectation of having cancer. But the mere act of going through a very invasive procedure, and confronting the possibility of a life threatening disease does heighten your awareness of the fragility of life.

14 hours after undergoing the biopsy, my daughter informed us that our car was on fire. So at 4.15am, about 5 hours since last used, we waited for the fire brigade to arrive. This brief clip now on YouTube (where else!)  shows the demise of “Ethel”. [Read more…]

Give yourself an Oscar

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reese1It’s the season for award ceremonies – particularly in the world of entertainment.  We’ve just had the Grammies and Bafta, not to mention SAG, Golden Globes, Emmys… the list is endless.   Tonight things reach a climax with the 81st Academy Awards, the Oscars.

Other industries do have awards, although there isn’t such a song and dance made about them. Good companies also have staff recognition schemes, where individuals or groups/teams have awards for “going the extra mile”. This normally would imply some achievement or additional effort that takes them beyond their basic job description.  Or benefits the organisation in some way in the eyes of its customers. [Read more…]