Increase Confidence Not Worry or Stress
What would happen if you could increase confidence? Would that mean less worry and stress?
Sometimes the unknown makes us better.
My navigation system may not work in that remote location. I better study it on the map.
I’m giving a presentation to the committee. I should think through every question they might ask.
It’s been a while since I’ve done this. I better practice first.
Under-pressure is sometimes a way to get things done. It does provide a certain amount of motivation, determination, and commitment. However, under-pressure may create anxiety, unnecessary stress, and even panic.
Dress for success, rehearse the obstacles and freshen up on the skills. It’s true for the face-to-face meeting and it is true for the virtual meeting.
It is true for the job interview, how you’ll navigate change resistors, and even the chance encounter with the CEO.
Choose Confidence
Although many would argue that they lack choice, everyone has a choice for how they’ll manage worry and stress.
A simple course of action is preparation. Prepare.
Lacking confidence may mean that you haven’t appropriately prepared.
You haven’t prepared to drive 250 miles to an unfamiliar city and get to your destination on time.
It’s been a year since you created an Excel spreadsheet using complex formulas, and the CEO expects it tomorrow.
You didn’t run through your Powerpoint to consider what you might say about each slide.
Worry and stress.
Increase Confidence
Worry and stress are often built by not preparing.
When you prepare, you improve your confidence. You can rehearse and imagine the unexpected. It makes your work better.
It may be hard to cover every possible angle, yet, the more you cover in advance the higher your confidence.
Appropriate confidence has another perk.
Confidence sells.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
