Why Leaders Need Confidence

Over the years, I’ve learned that confidence is a powerful force that shapes your perceptions, decisions, and actions, both personally and professionally. As we head into a series on confidence, my hope is that you gain a deeper understanding of how important it is to the way you lead those around you. Confidence isn’t just a mindset, it is cultivated through experience. Understanding the power of confidence can have a transformative impact on your life!

Understanding Confidence:

Let start with understanding what it is. Confidence is often described as a belief in yourself and your abilities. It encompasses a sense of self-assurance, courage, and optimism that enables you to face challenges and pursue opportunities with determination. While some people seem naturally confident, confidence is actually a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time through practice and experience.

Where it comes from:

Confidence is a result. It’s a result of experience and achievement. Experience plays a crucial role in shaping your confidence. As you navigate life's ups and downs, you accumulate a wealth of experiences that contribute to your sense of self and your perceptions of your capabilities. Positive experiences, such as achieving goals, overcoming obstacles, and receiving validation from others, bolster your confidence and reinforce your beliefs in your abilities. Conversely, setbacks and failures can also be valuable learning experiences that, when viewed through a growth mindset, contribute to your personal growth and resilience.

For today, I want you to think on your past experience in your field. Identify 3 challenges you’ve overcome. Take a few minutes to journal about what these challenges were, how you overcame them and how you’d feel about navigating them if they came your way again. Chances are, they would be less and less scary the more you encounter them, right? That’s building confidence! Think on this today and I’ll see you right back here next week.