Ready for Change? How Breaking Your Comfort Zone Unlocks True Confidence
Last week I stepped out of my comfort zone. I realised that if I was to progress my business and grow personally and professionally I had to do things that I‘m not good at, at least that was my perception of my abilities.
I’m a type B personality, I’m enthusiastic, motivating, a starter not necessarily a finisher and notoriously impatient.
So when Emma McQueen signed me up for a challenge of 2 weeks worth of business development activity I enthusiastically hit the ‘I’m in’ button!
The thing is I do this a lot. I sign up for things and I am genuinely ‘in’ at the time of passing go. However, I tend not to show up after a while. Ever do that? Come on, I know I’m not alone in this…
It’s not because I’m lazy or can’t do it. It’s because I’m fearful, my imposter kicks in and I tell myself I couldn’t possibly call someone and ask them if they are interested in my services, are you crazy?! What if they said no? What if they said yes and I had to actually follow through? What if?
And then I realised I could continue to sit on the sidelines and wonder or, I could get in the game and turn up every day. So I did. I showed up every day, even when I hadn’t accomplished anything. I made calls, I had a lot of ‘not right now’ but I also had a couple of requests for quotes and conversations that I will revisit in the future.
I realised that by showing up in the community I wasn’t doing it alone, I was sharing similar stories to other women but also learning from other women too. I picked up some absolute gold like, see every no as a ‘next! And you’re not selling, you're serving.
I had tools and better still I had a community I could share my experiences with. Combine that with the compound interest of small steps everyday, equals a boatload of confidence to let go of the proverbial hand and continue to build.
So how do we continue to build confidence?
For many of us, especially when navigating a crossroads in life, confidence can feel elusive. Whether it's doubting your abilities, fearing judgement, or struggling to make bold choices. Building confidence begins with recognising the power you already have and making decisions that align with who you are.
Confidence and Decision-Making: Owning Your Choices
A significant part of confidence is learning to make decisions with conviction, pressing that go button enthusiastically! Start by understanding what truly matters to you—values, goals, and personal priorities. When decisions align with these core beliefs, they carry more weight and give you the reassurance to stand behind them.
In practice, this could mean advocating for yourself at work, speaking up in your relationships, or setting boundaries that prioritise your well-being.
Remember, each decision builds momentum; as you see the positive impact of your choices, your confidence grows, creating a cycle of strength and self-trust. Just like in my challenge!
Overcoming Fear: Taking Calculated Risks
Fear often holds us back from making changes or pursuing what we desire. But confidence doesn’t come from staying in your comfort zone—it grows when you stretch beyond it. To begin, take small, calculated risks that feel manageable.
This might mean volunteering for a project you feel unqualified for or, sharing your aspirations with a supportive friend. Start small, and as you experience success, challenge yourself with bigger steps. With each risk, you’ll find that your resilience and confidence grow, reminding you of your capability.
Tips for Staying Resilient
Lastly, resilience is key in maintaining confidence. Rejection, setbacks, or even self-doubt are inevitable. Rather than viewing them as failures, consider them learning experiences. Remember a ‘no’ is just a ‘next’.
When challenges arise, reflect on them, learn what you can, and move forward.
Developing confidence is an ongoing process, and each challenge helps you become stronger and more certain of who you are and what you want.
So what tools, strategies, communities or resources do you need to get out of your comfort zone, build your confidence and achieve your dreams?
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