"Being confident is not always the same as being good at something"? That interesting statement appeared recently on another blog, My Life with Angels, which in turn was responding to a post by Maggie Stiefvater. On several occasions I have touched on the issue of whether being good at something is a key way to develop self confidence or healthy self esteem. My favourite, How to Build Self Confidence Through Activity, looks at examples of children being taught karate, ballet and magic tricks. I expressed doubt at the choices of ballet or karate, as many fall by the wayside. Unless you reach a certain level of competence neither activity will develop self confidence. Whilst success at an activity can help with self confidence, the argument from the other bloggers was you don’t have to first attain success or accomplishment to feel self confident.
Is Smiling Good for You?
For some reason there have been a few articles about smiling recently. We all do it from time to time (don’t we?), but for most of us a smile isn’t our natural – or first choice – expression.
A Smile Will Win Over Anyone?
One article I nearly didn’t read was a article entitled “physician job search tips“, which isn’t an arresting title for non physicians.
However, as the author had used a “smilie” to illustrate his “tip seven” it caught my eye:-
“Enthusiasm. Bring an absolutely positive attitude without being too familiar. Negativism is not allowed. Sell yourself. The difference between bragging and self confidence is enthusiasm.
Smile. A genuine heart warming smile can win over anyone…whether you interview for physician jobs or not.”
The difference between bragging (or arrogance?) and self confidence is enthusiasm? I think there is a lot of truth in that. And the advice, like most of of the other tips, applies whether you are going for a job interview or going into work at a job you’ve been doing for many years. [Read more…]
Using Pictures to Solve Problems
Next week I am due to accompany my eldest daughter to Buckingham Palace where she will receive her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award – from the “Duke” himself. Without going into detail about the award itself, its a great achievement and a boost for my self esteem and self confidence, let alone hers!
It goes without saying that this is a smart rather than casual dress event. So with that in mind my wife got me to try out my suit. I’m fortunate in not having to wear a suit to work, as I did in those far off days when I worked for a bank.
To my surprise, my one suit has mysteriously shrunk since I last wore it. Something about clothes you don’t wear often – for some reason I still keep the suit I wore for my wedding, nearly 24 years ago. The trousers on that one have “shrunk” so much they can hardly go above my knees!
Joking apart, such events do remind me that I’m gradually getting larger, especially around the waist. [Read more…]
20 Ways to Build Self Confidence?
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. 
But 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…]
Who are you?
Not just a great Who song, but a pretty good question to ask yourself. Are you a high flier? Or are you cruising just above the tree tops – or stuck on the runway? Or worse, still trying to find the airport!
Today is December 1st and in a months time we’ll have the annual goal setting bonanza called New Year Resolutions. I have discussed goal setting before in different ways, my favorite being the use of compass setting mentality rather than rigid, over elaborate goals. But also, I have stressed that January 1 isn’t the only day, and certainly not always the best day, to set new goals.
If nothing changes where will you be this time next year?
Much of what we do is habit, from brushing our teeth to the side of the bed we sleep. Changing habits isn’t easy. But if you reflect on how your life is now, how you got to where you are now, you should be able to get a picture of how your life will be any time hence (doesn’t have to be a year) if you continue without change.
Look at all aspects of your life, such as work/career, money, health, family, friendships/love, spiritual/personal growth, leisure/fun/recreation/sport, environment.
To be honest, the best way is to give yourself headings that feel right for you and start writing. Don’t just focus on work or income generation. The whole purpose is to look at your life as a whole and not jump to conclusions. [Read more…]
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