I recently had the honor of delivering a major keynote in Las Vegas to over 500 professionals on a topic that's incredibly close to my heart: how to be seen, how to be heard, and how to stay relevant in today's ever-changing world. Whether you're a corporate professional or an entrepreneur, we all share the desire to stand out from the crowd, to be valued, and to make an impact without getting lost among everyone else.
Over the years, Rise Up For You team members have conducted extensive research to understand the challenges professionals face in the workplace. Every year, we survey thousands of individuals around the globe, asking them about their number one challenge in their careers. The results are consistently eye-opening: 83% say self-confidence is their biggest hurdle.
Yes, you read that right—83% struggle with self-confidence, grappling with perfectionist mindsets and impostor syndrome. These are accomplished individuals who, despite their achievements, never feel "enough." They battle self-doubt and often sabotage their own success because of that relentless inner voice—the "monkey chatter"—telling them they can't, even though they absolutely can.
The Impact of Self-Confidence on Your Life
Imagine how your life would change with just 10% more self-confidence. Not just in your career, but in every facet of your life. When receiving feedback from a supervisor, would you interpret it differently? Would you take it as an opportunity for growth rather than a critique of your worth? How many times have we internalized constructive feedback as a personal failure, letting it erode our self-esteem?
With a boost in self-confidence, would you be more likely to ask for that promotion or negotiate for a better salary? Would you speak up more in meetings, sharing your valuable insights without fear of judgment? Perhaps you'd set healthier boundaries, teaching others how to treat you with the respect you deserve. How would this newfound self-confidence ripple out to impact your family, your relationships, your entire world?
The greatest tragedy today is wasted human potential. So many amazing people—just like you—have everything they need to succeed but are held back by their own self-imposed limitations. They tell themselves they're not ready, not qualified, not deserving, and in doing so, they dim their own light.
In 2019, I conducted a survey with 200 college freshmen, asking about their feelings of self-worth. The results were startling: 80% felt less worthy, and 85% didn't believe in their abilities. This is the generation entering our workforce, the future leaders and innovators. If they're starting their professional journeys doubting themselves, imagine the untapped potential we're leaving on the table.
From Micro-Level to Macro-Level Self-Confidence
We've been conditioned to build what I call micro-level confidence—confidence that's tied to specific skills or accomplishments. From a young age, we're praised for good grades, athletic achievements, or artistic talents. We stack up these external validations, but they don't necessarily translate into a deep-seated belief in ourselves. When those external markers fall away—as many did during recent global events like the pandemic—our confidence can crumble because it was never rooted internally.
What we truly need is macro-level self-confidence: a foundational belief in ourselves regardless of external circumstances. This is the kind of confidence that says, "I am enough simply because I exist." It's not about arrogance or ignoring areas for growth; it's about acknowledging your inherent worth and trusting in your ability to navigate whatever comes your way.
The Role of Confidence Coaching
One effective way to build this macro-level self-confidence is through confidence coaching. Confidence coaching provides personalized strategies and support to help you overcome self-doubt and build a strong sense of self. By working with a confidence coach, you can identify limiting beliefs, set achievable goals, and develop the resilience needed to thrive in all areas of your life.
Perfectionism is a major roadblock on the path to this kind of self-confidence. It keeps us trapped, constantly striving for an unattainable ideal and punishing ourselves when we fall short. Remember, perfectionism prevents potential. It stops us from taking risks, from learning through failure, and ultimately, from reaching our full capabilities.
Failure isn't the opposite of success; it's a crucial part of the journey. Consider scientists who spend their entire careers experimenting, often failing countless times before making a breakthrough. They don't view these failures as dead ends but as data—each one bringing them closer to the solution.
Strategies for Building Self-Confidence
So, how do we shift from micro-level to macro-level self-confidence? Here are some strategies to get you started:
Acknowledge and Challenge Your Inner Critic: Pay attention to the negative self-talk that undermines your self-confidence. When that inner voice tells you you're not enough, challenge it. Replace those thoughts with affirmations of your worth and capability.
Embrace Imperfection: Allow yourself to be a work in progress. Understand that mistakes are opportunities for growth, not indicators of failure.
Set Realistic Goals: Break down your aspirations into achievable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way to build momentum and self-confidence.
Seek Supportive Communities: Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Share your goals and challenges with them; their support can bolster your belief in yourself.
Invest in Personal Development and Confidence Coaching: Continuously work on building skills that align with your passions. Consider engaging in confidence coaching to gain tailored guidance and tools to enhance your self-confidence.\
Reflect on Past Successes: Keep a journal of your achievements and revisit it when self-doubt creeps in. Reminding yourself of past successes can reinforce your ability to succeed again.
By cultivating macro-level self-confidence, you empower yourself to take bold steps toward your goals. You become more resilient in the face of setbacks and more open to opportunities that align with your true self.
Imagine the impact if everyone embraced just 10% more self-confidence. Workplaces would be filled with individuals unafraid to innovate, to voice their ideas, to lead with authenticity. Families would thrive as parents model self-assurance and resilience for their children. Communities would benefit from the unleashed potential of their members.
The only person who can truly limit your potential is you. So, I challenge you to step into your power. Believe in yourself—not just in what you can do, but in who you are. Give yourself permission to rise up and be seen, be heard, and be relevant.
Because you are enough. Simply because you exist.
Unlock Your Self-Confidence Today
Remember, unlocking your full potential doesn't require a monumental shift overnight. Start with that 10% boost in self-confidence and watch how it transforms not just your career, but your entire life.
If you're ready to take the next step, consider exploring confidence coaching as a valuable resource on your journey. Through confidence coaching, you can gain personalized support and strategies to build lasting self-confidence and unlock your true potential.
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