Stand & Deliver: The Power of Presence
Frank Choy
Management Consultant & CFO @ Capstone Consulting | Business Strategist - Growth, Profits & Value Creation
"And what does living come down to but bringing about those changes in ourselves which we have daringly attempted and which can free us to enjoy a richness and closeness with everyone?" Rainer Maria Rilke
Introduction
Can you remember back to when you were young and out at play? How you would pretend to be a super hero or one of your idols or role models, achieving great feats.
Alas, in the transition to adulthood, somehow we lose our way and often our self confidence. Our schooling, our upbringing, our environments all buffet us and too often in ways which misshape our sense of self.
As grown ups, achieving success and well-being often feels like a never-ending race. We juggle multiple tasks, battle distractions, and face constant demands on our time and energy.
In this whirlwind of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of the simple but important concept of "presence" and projecting a confident and true self.
It holds the key to feeling better, projecting better, becoming more effective in life, and getting things done.
The Science of Presence
The past 20 years has seen huge advances in the sciences of psychology and neuroscience.
Amy Cuddy, a renowned social psychologist, explored the transformative power of body language in her book "Presence." Her research illuminated how our physical posture can influence not only how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves.
The simple act of adopting expansive, open postures, or "power poses," can elevate our confidence by increasing testosterone levels (the confidence hormone) and reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone). Other brain chemicals also kick in such as the feel good ones - dopamine and oxytocin.
This hormonal shift is more than just a physiological response; it's a gateway to greater self-assurance, reduced anxiety, and an enhanced sense of presence and feel good in our daily lives.
The power of presence, as Cuddy's work demonstrates, starts from within and radiates outward, shaping how we interact with the world.
Self-Efficacy: Believing in Your Abilities
Albert Bandura, a pioneering psychologist, introduced the concept of self-efficacy, emphasising the importance of believing in our abilities to accomplish tasks.
A strong sense of self-efficacy empowers us to take on challenges with determination and persist in the face of setbacks.
Our presence plays a pivotal role here, acting as the conduit through which we manifest this belief in ourselves.
As we walk tall with an upright and confident posture, we signal to the world, and more importantly, to ourselves, that we are capable and ready to tackle whatever comes our way.
The power of presence helps to fuel our self-efficacy and confidence, enabling us to achieve feats we once deemed insurmountable.
Intrinsic Motivation: The Drive Within
Dan Pink's book "Drive" unveils the significance of intrinsic motivation, where our actions are fueled by internal satisfaction rather than external rewards.
When our presence aligns with our core values and passions, we experience a deep sense of fulfillment that propels our productivity and creativity.
Intrinsic motivation becomes the driving force that propels us toward our goals, ensuring that our efforts are not merely driven by external factors but are rooted in genuine passion and commitment.
Our presence in these moments reflects our deep connection with the task at hand, leading to greater effectiveness and personal fulfillment.
The Alter Ego: Unleash Your Inner Superhero
Todd Herman's concept of the alter ego invites us to adopt different personas to overcome limitations and perform at our best. By embodying the qualities of role models or fictional characters, we tap into a wellspring of confidence and capability.
Being present in our "alter ego" moments allows us to shed self-doubt and embrace our hidden potential fully.
It's a powerful technique that reminds us that our presence is not fixed; it's a malleable force that we can shape and mold to suit our aspirations and goals.
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Beware the Smartphone Slouch
In the digital age, our smartphones and tablets have become extensions of ourselves. Yet, the constant use of these devices often leads to a slouched posture, symbolising our retreat into a smaller self.
This posture not only affects our physical health but also our mental state, inducing feelings of fatigue and diminished confidence.
To counter the digital dilemma, it's imperative to be mindful of our device usage. Allocate dedicated times for checking emails and social media, all the while maintaining an upright and confident posture.
Put away those devices in meetings, family meals and social situations. Be present! Respect your companions.
By doing so, we remind ourselves that our presence extends beyond the virtual world, instilling a sense of control and empowerment.
Are You With Me? Practical Steps
With these insights in mind, let's explore practical steps to integrate the power of presence into our daily lives.
Conclusion
In the grand tapestry of our lives, the power of presence stands as a vibrant and dynamic thread that weaves together physical projection, mindset, and emotional well-being.
It's an intricate dance where our confident posture fuels a positive mindset, which in turn nurtures emotional well-being, creating an unstoppable feedback loop.
Like the tides, presence may ebb and flow, requiring constant practice, learning, and adjustment.
Yet, the rewards it bestows are profound: the ability to get things done with grace, cultivate meaningful relationships, and experience a profound sense of personal fulfillment.
So, as we navigate the intricate web of life, let's remember that presence is not just about how we appear in the world but how energetically and authentically we show up, whether in the company of others or in the sacred solitude of self-discovery.
It's a journey worth embarking on, for in its embrace, we unlock the boundless potential within us.
To your success!
Frank Choy
21 January 2024
Recommended reading:
"Own The Room", Amy Jen Su & Muriel Maignan Wilkins, Harvard Business Review Press, 2013
"Presence", Amy Cuddy, Hachette, 2015
"The Alter Ego Effect", Todd Herman, Harper Collins, 2019
"Self Efficacy", Albert Bandura, Worth, 2023
"Drive", Daniel Pink, Canongate, 2010
Customer Success Manager | AI Implementation Strategist | Transforming businesses through strategic performance optimization.
1 年Absolutely! The power of presence is truly life-changing. ??
Strategy sounding board, Auracle World, Co-Founder, BrandRead.i.y?, Formerly Non-Executive Director, Allevia Limited, Adjunct Fellow, Western Sydney University, Finalist, Outstanding (Courageous) Leader Award 2024
1 年Plenty of sound advice, Frank. I actually started working on my posture a few weeks ago. Need to work through the remainder of the list. On a lighter note, isn't it ironic how education and the world around unlearns a child's intrinsic capabilities?
Energy Therapist enhancing health and wellbeing using Reiki and Massage Techniques | Helping small businesses solving their administrative challenges
1 年Frank Choy What a collection of great tips you have provided here.
Management Consultant & CFO @ Capstone Consulting | Business Strategist - Growth, Profits & Value Creation
1 年Recommended reading: "Own The Room", Amy Su & Muriel Wilkins, Harvard Business School Press, 2013 - articulate your value proposition while influencing and connecting with others. "Presence", Amy Cuddy, Little, Brown, 2015 - on harnessing confidence and poise. "Gravitas", Carolyn Goyder, Vermillion, 2015 - How to communicate with power, poise and confidence