Confidence Is A Game Changer

"Your results can never exceed your self-concept" - Brian Singer

Being fully invested in youth baseball I've often heard a well-meaning coach or parent yell out to their struggling hitter something like “be confident” or “believe you can.” The reason for those words is because the parent or coach understands how much confidence can enhance performance; it’s literally a game changer.

Here’s the problem. Confidence - full trust and belief in oneself - is not a product of the will.

Confidence cannot be mustered up in the on deck circle moments before you step into the batter’s box. The same is true whether we're talking about giving a speech, tackling a work project, or interviewing for a promotion.

Although confidence is not a product of the will it can be increased through education and preparation.

New Information Effects Your Belief

When you invest time in learning and understanding, you realize things are not as difficult as you first thought.

My first physical inventory at work was intimidating and I felt overwhelmed leading my first project of any significance. In the wholesale industry inventory is your lifeblood and thus taken very seriously. Because of this, I took the time to read through all the documented procedures. Once I understood that taking inventory was basically a five step process, I felt much more comfortable. I took time up front to educate myself and a new found confidence accompanied that understanding.

Preparation Boosts Confidence

This seems obvious, I know.  However, many people let procrastination win the battle over preparation.

I was very tense about giving my ice breaker speech several years ago, but to my surprise one of the evaluation comments received was about how confident I looked.  The level of confidence I achieved, a very small level, was because in my nervousness about the speech I practiced it over and over and over again. To this day it is still probably the one speech I rehearsed the most. The upfront investment in practice enabled me to feel a certain amount of confidence giving that first ever speech.

Benefits from Toastmasters

I bring up confidence and self-belief today because of all the benefits that Toastmasters has provided me, I believe a boost in self-belief has been the most valuable.

This boost applies to all areas of my life, not just in giving a speech. I've often shared with family and friends that Toastmasters changes you. It's so much more than just giving speeches. The ability to stand in front of a group of people and deliver a speech is a magical thing. You’re not the same afterward. For me my "if only then’s" and the "someday maybe’s" seem a little more within my reach.

Marshall Lehr, CC,ALB

Photo Credit: Oberazzi via Compfight cc