I found a different approach to developing your confidence. Instead of trying to “pump up your confidence” by attempting to program your mind with positive affirmations, try looking at new ways to increase predictablility in the area in which your confidence is faltering.
Wow, that sounds kind of confusing.
Let me share with you some ideas from Bobb Biehl, in his book “Stop Setting Goals If You Would Rather Solve Problems.”
“Have you ever struggled with wavering confidence? If you are human, the answer is probably yes. Every individual and team needs a sense of confidence to function properly. But where does confidence come from? What conditions are present when you feel confident? What conditions are present when you don’t?
Consider this statement:
CONFIDENCE IS A BY-PRODUCT OF PREDICTABILITY.
“When I first tell people that confidence is a by-product of pedictability, the most typical response I get is a blank stare. The question in their eyes is, “Huh?”
“The best way I know to explain the principle is with a few what-if’s.
What if:
* you were a marathon runner,
* you have won every race you have run for the past three years, and
* you feel 100% healthy?
Your knees are predictable, so you run with confidence!
What if:
* during the marathon your knee pops out at mile marker eighteen,
* you go sprawling into the cinders, and
* you knee is in a brace for the next three months?
Your knee is not predictable, so you run with less confidence.
What if:
* you train hard, and
* a year later you are running again?
Your running confidence returns to 99% of your confidence level before the accident.
What if:
* during your first marathon after the accident you are feeling great,
* on mile marker ten your knee goes again, and
* you fall into the cinders?
You will never run with the same degree of confidence. You have knees with limited predictability; therefore, you have limited running confidence.”
Now does this phrase make more sense?:
CONFIDENCE IS A BY-PRODUCT OF PREDICTABILITY!
There are several ways to develop predictability in life.
The attached spreadsheet will give you some pretty clear-cut examples:
Just click on the “gg_Predictability” link on the attachment page:
gg_predictability
“In what area is your confidence faltering right now? Do not try to pump-up your confidence.
Look at new ways to increase predictability in that area, and your confidence will return automatically. If it is a new area, develop your predictability and watch your confidence grow!”
Let me know if this has helped you in some way.
I am eager to hear your comments,
Bill
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