How can you build confidence when innovating?

Things don't always go to plan, so trusting yourself to get things back on track in these situations is a huge confidence builder. A growth mindset helps you get curious and ask yourself great open questions about how you can move forward, what support you need, and who can help. A growth mindset, starting with curiosity can get you moving forward even from a stuck state. When things don't go to plan, pay attention to the meaning you are making about yourself and others in that moment and shift into a growth mindset.

Trust in your skills to get better and never stop putting in effort. This positive attitude towards growth is the key to your success journey.

We don't plant a seed and expect it to bloom into a flower the next day. Growth takes time, and it takes many steps to get to where you want to be. How can you embrace mistakes as opportunities to grow, and use them as lessons to propel you forward. There's no such thing as failure if you learn from your mistakes, pivot your approach, and continue to move forward.

Being intentional with a growth mindset is key while innovating. Knowing that things are not going to work out perfectly along the way and trusting that your mistakes are room for growth and seeking additional feedback is essential when venturing into new territory.

See life as a see of opportunities to learn. Your mindset can be a really big asset if you look at life this way. But it can run your life if you don't!

You'll benefit from a support system as you pursue success. Seek out those who offer encouragement. But be cautious in choosing whom to rely on. While many mean well, some may steer you off course. Find a mentor who will champion your efforts.

Fail fast and fail forward. There's no room for perfectionism if you want to be innovative. Dyson had created the world's first bagless vacuum cleaner after 5 years and 5,127 prototypes. It's okay if it takes a few iterations (or prototypes!) to get to where you want to be.

Focusing on experimentation and iteration shifts our goals from seeking instant perfection to embracing continuous improvement. A crucial mindset—as real confidence stems from working the process, testing and adapting—not merely from achieving the right results on the first try.

Trying. TRYING. This is the best tools you have ! And it is all around you. Be creative and try new things, new way. And say yes when someone tell you What if you do this or that!

It's imperative to celebrate all of your accomplishments along the way, big or small. We build confidence by keeping the small promises that we make for ourselves along the way... so we may as well celebrate each of those!

Be proud of what you have accomplished and continue moving forward. Innovation is not a straight line to success. There are bumps along the way. Embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, knowing that each obstacle you overcome brings you closer to your goals.

First, identify some of your negative thought patterns. One simple approach is to take a pen and paper and do a thought download. Set your timer for 5 minutes and write for the entire time. Then go back and look at what you've written. For those thoughts that are clearly negative, you can ask yourself if they are "true" or if there is a possibility that they are not always valid. This gentle challenge of the negative thoughts will help you to unlock your habitual way of thinking.

To challenge your negative thoughts, you first have to notice them, which is hard to do when we're running at such a rapid pace. Each time you experience discomfort (anxiety, self-doubt, etc.), think of it as your body's check engine light. Look under the hood to see what just triggered you. When you start to examine your thoughts, you can begin to approach them from a more rational perspective. Ask yourself, "What would make me feel more confident right now?" Or, "What action can I take to feel more in control of this situation?" This shifts your brain into problem-solving mode, which helps you tame your fight or flight response and feel more confident.

I think that for most of us finding the sweet spot of when and how it’s easy and fun is key in being successful and thus confident. - Ease Over Hard Discipline: Focus on finding a balance that stretches you without constant struggle. - Stretch High: It isn't about being lazy. It's about pushing past your comfort zone with ease & enjoyment. - Find Your Flow: When you’re in the flow, tasks become fun and time flies by. - Sweet Spot: Identify your optimal working conditions to make progress feel effortless. - Sustainable Change: Create an environment that naturally fosters your growth with supportive people around you.

Those of us who are perfectionists often look for the one right way to do things. When innovating, there is no right answer. Innovation inherently means that you're creating something new. It's important to notice what "rules" you're following, i.e. "I can't make any mistakes." Or, "I need to get this right the first time." Then remind yourself that those rules no longer apply. In my corporate career, I thought everyone else had it all figured out. As an entrepreneur, I've realized that everyone is just making it up as they go along, which has been incredibly liberating. You can't do your best thinking under stress. Release yourself from the rules and give yourself the space to be creative. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what happens.