How to Build Your Confidence.

"I can't do this sales stuff". "Sure, you can." I hear this often, and I always use this as an opportunity to step back with my client and talk about confidence and how it's essential we know the basic steps to building our confidence. A 300-page book written by some self-professed guru to show you how to build your confidence is not going to get you fully there.

You need to start with yourself and decide to challenge your beliefs and norms.

Building confidence takes time and effort, but there are several things you can do now and every day to help increase your confidence:

1. Know your Strengths. Take time to reflect on what you're good at and enjoy doing. Make a list of your skills, accomplishments, and positive traits. Focusing on your strengths can help you feel more confident in your abilities. Make a list. Buy a journal and use it.
2. Set achievable goals: Setting challenging but achievable goals can help you build confidence as you work towards them. Start with small goals and celebrate your progress along the way. I constantly coach salespeople to look at the full-year goal as a series of small mountains to climb. If you look at the entire mountain, you will psych yourself out.
3. Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental health can help you feel more confident. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and take time to do things you enjoy.
4. Challenge negative self-talk: Pay attention to the negative thoughts you have about yourself and challenge them. Instead of focusing on your weaknesses or mistakes, remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.
5. Not everyone is a fan. Thats ok. If someone is not helpful or supportive, then cut that tie. Now. Walk away and find your fans. They are out there. I promise.

The hell with the naysayers. They have their own set of problems.

1. Take action: Even if it's a small step, activity can help you build confidence. Whether speaking up in a meeting or trying something new, taking action can help you see that you're capable of making progress.
2. Learn something that scares you. Improv or public speaking, do stand up or read a book that intimidates you ( War and Peace come to mind).
3. CELEBRATE every success, no matter how small. Buy yourself a present, tell your best friend, yes, brag about yourself. Do it. You will always be your own best supporter.

Building confidence takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and focus on the progress you're making. Give yourself a break - and make something amazing happen. Trust your instincts. You got this.

Todd Cohen, CSP, has been inspiring and motivating audiences for over 15 years, teaching them to sell themselves to achieve goals and incredible success. His sales culture keynotes and workshops are in demand from audiences from every background, including salespeople! Delivering approximately 90 appearances every year worldwide, Todd leaves people with a story to tell and feel great about themselves!

Todd has just released his third book,?"Mastering the Sales Mindset."