Great Self Confidence

...to live the life you want

How to Solve a Problem

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Most of us worry, or have worried, at some point. Some people do it constantly. A worry is yet another example of a negative thought getting in the way.
problem solving Unfortunately, as worries circulate in our mind they gain momentum, increasing in size and magnitude. What worrying doesn’t do is solve the problem.

Here are seven steps to solve any problem…

1) Identify and define clearly what the problem is.

Firstly – do it on paper (or a computer screen). Especially if you have a significant concern, its easier to get facts clear if you write things out. When you try to define your problem(s) you may find there isn’t actually a problem at all. If there is more than one, go through this process separately for each one. Be as specific as you can.

2) Generate possible solutions

This used to be called brainstorming – I think we’re now supposed to say “blue sky thinking”. Basically write down any ideas that occur to you without editing. Be as creative and as imaginative as possible. Get as many ideas down as you can. [Read more…]

Confidence at work

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I have just updated the About this site page, which previously had said very little about what this blog was about and my underlying philosophy. Please have a read some time and let me know what you think.

Last week I was on a 5 day, 8.30 – 5.30, course – the first time I’ve been on such an intensive course for many years. Despite this intensity – it was interesting that the 45 of us on the course attended everyday, no-one going off sick, and everyone arriving on time and staying till the end of the day. Usually on one day courses starting at 9.30 and finishing at around 4.00 you don’t get that dedication!

The reason for the 100% attendance? It was clear from the outset that we were going to develop a huge amount professionally. One of the course tutors said:-

“with the new skills and insights you develop during the course, your confidence is enhanced, and you have a new language to advocate the service can deliver.” [Read more…]

Confidence making bread

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Harvest workshop
Yesterday was a good day. OK, every day should be viewed as a good day as we will never have that day again. I can’t remember who said it (probably Zig Ziglar) but “never judge the day by the weather” is a favourite quote of mine. Likewise today – October 7th 2007 – is still a good day, even though there is nothing (currently) for me lined up that is going to make it significant.
Yesterday was significant (and good) for two reasons. In the morning I took part in a Harvest Workshop, helped by one of my daughters and my mother in law. This is at our local church (the one I got married in twenty two years ago!) and, in our case, involves bread making with the young children who attend. I say “making”, but I get up at 6.30am to make the dough for the children to shape and then paint with egg wash. [Read more…]

Confidence in your environment

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improve confidenceI recently joined a new forum – Personal Development Partners – which, although in its infancy, does seem to have the makings of a very useful place to share ideas. Do check it out (its free, although you can pay for more enhanced features). This post was inspired by a thread I contributed to this week, as I realised I hadn’t mentioned an important element in improving self confidence.

One of my previous jobs involved working in a prison that had been built in 1856. Working with the prisoners was generally fine, but the building was incredibly noisy and dirty, overcrowded and cramped. I also commuted by train – and my journeys were also in an environment that was noisy (occasionally dirty), overcrowded and cramped! This gradually wore me down and took away other satisfactions from the job. [Read more…]

Affirmations

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self confidenceAn affirmation is a positive self talk statement. They are usually goals – such as tangible things (to earn $xxxx a year) – where you can clearly say yes or no whether they have been achieved. But affirmations can also cover personal qualities – “to be a positive person” or “to have great self confidence”.

An affirmation is always stated in the present tense – “I am a positive person”, “I earn $200,000 a year”,” I have great self confidence”. The logic behind affirmations is that giving yourself positive messages, the mind starts believing it to be so. This is exactly the same principle as how negative thinking undermines us – being told repeatedly “you’re useless”, we believe it to be true.

Affirmations won’t work unless you [Read more…]