Confidence is Key

Alexa Bricker

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If you believe something long enough, it will actually come true. It might sound like fiction, but there is a little bit of scientific truth to the idea of faking it until you make it. Nearly everyone has arrived to a presentation feeling blatantly underprepared—some public speakers might even say they prefer this “off the cuff” approach—but with a little false-confidence you can transform an unrehearsed performance into a pretty convincing speech.

Though this strategy might not work in every case (we don’t necessarily recommend showing up for meetings unprepared) it can be highly beneficial for those who find themselves shy in social situations, unable to close a deal because of hesitation, or missing opportunities because of a lack of self-assurance.

You can start practicing this theory by first identifying the elements of your personality you feel are holding you back. Once you are able to figure out exactly what your walls are, you will feel better prepared to take them down.

For instance, many people find it difficult to strike up conversation with others, and will avoid socializing at any cost. But communication is integral in business and sometimes it’s not enough to send an email or to make a phone call—you need to meet with people face-to-face.

Like public speaking, faking confidence in this area can pay off big, as people will be more likely to approach you and trust you. Practice in situations that might not be as important to your career, like speaking to a stranger at a party and attending social gatherings you may otherwise be inclined to skip. Building confidence in social situations is all about putting yourself out there, and growing over time. Your newfound skills will eventually translate to business meetings and presentations, and you’re guaranteed to see a difference in your workplace confidence, too.

Hesitation on decision-making can be another major bump in the road with business. Opportunities don’t come around all the time, so it’s important to seize them when they do, which is sometimes a challenge for people who have trouble making judgement calls. But flakiness and backpedaling on decisions are not a good look for a leader, and are two characteristics you’ll need to shake in order to be successful.

Most of the time, our hesitation in making choices doesn’t come from fear of the decision itself, but what may happen after the decision is made. The more confidently you make a decision, the more people are likely to place trust in you and believe in your mission. Solid, assertive decision-making is a mark of a strong individual, and, really, the worst thing that can happen is that you got it wrong. Dust yourself off, and approach the next opportunity with even more confidence, knowing you have the experience to back it up.

It’s easier said than done, we know. Most people aren’t born with one-hundred percent confidence in themselves—confidence takes time. Even the most confident person you know feels doubt in themselves from time to time, but the difference is their ability to project their conviction to others. Once you learn how to do that, whether your coolness is real or mimicked won’t matter.

Written by Alexa Bricker

Creative writer who believes in the power of a well-told story and helpful content.