What to Affirm when you Feel Insecure as a Leader (and how to do it right)

“The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves determine the quality of the selves we imagine we are. The stories we tell about others determine the quality of our relationships with them.”

— Rami Shapiro, Hasidic Tales

One of the biggest challenges that as a leader and founder I (and many others) face/ have faced is how to tell higher quality stories to myself about myself – because like all of us, there are moments when things happen, and I can get down on myself or insecure – especially around my results and my leadership.

To help myself get stronger and more confident, I’ve been practicing self-empowering affirmations for a few years now, and more steadily over time, and they really do help—A LOT.

To be honest, I never thought I’d love affirmations so much. I used to think they were kind of silly – telling yourself nice things, until I found myself desperate for something—anything—that would help me heal for real. Then, I started saying affirmations and quickly, I began to realize that every declaration I make is an affirmation because it’s something I declare to be true for me, and because I genuinely believe that what we believe about ourselves is what we put out into the world, and thus – what we get back.

To help you become more confident and speak victory on your life I am going to walk you through this process, but before I do - here is a very important disclaimer:

Make sure that what you declare to be true for you is something you KNOW to be true for you. You cannot AFFIRM something you do not believe. So begin with general things – like the below, that you know you can get on board with, rather than affirming that you’re “The King of the World.” (sorry, Leo DiCaprio).

When you are ready, here are 5 Affirmations for Insecurity to Awaken Leadership Confidence from the Inside Out:

1. Even though I’m feeling insecure right now, I am willing to love and accept myself anyway.

Appreciating and accepting yourself, flaws and all, allows the energies within to move and transform into something else, a more human leader – a more vulnerable leader – and this will be infinitely more confidence-yielding for you, and more helpful – as humility and vulnerability are key to leadership.

2. My feelings are legitimate, but they are not me.

I notice that I’m feeling _________ (fill in the blank with what you’re feeling). I honor this because it’s here to tell me something. I’m willing to sit with this feeling without identifying with it. I’m so much more than any one sensation, thought, or action. I’m powerful enough to be enlightened by what I’m feeling. Learning to relax around and engage with your feelings rather than to allow them to “conquer” a moment is absolutely key to equanimity, and equanimity is key to leadership.

3. I choose to love with all my might because that is who I am.

When we freak out as leaders, we can lash out in anger. When this happens – use the above affirmation, and tell yourself, further:

This insecurity is telling me that there is a distance between who I think I am and who I really am. To fill in the gap, I must choose love, and so that is what I do. The only person I need to be more like is myself. My true self surpasses every shadow of a doubt. My truth is a shining representation of love.

A call for love is best answered with love; it’s the glue that brings truth back into the light. Now that’s leadership.

4. I am enough just as I am.

When we think we are less than anyone else, we live in horrid comparison – and this is extremely debilitating as a leader and the heart of all insecurity. Call forth your inner Madonna (or Prince. Or Taylor Swift) and remember – we are all uniquely divine and gifted AS WE ARE, and comparison matters not.

5. When I fail, I learn.

Failure only stops losers. Leaders – real leaders – use every stumble to come back stronger and to learn more. Tell yourself when things are going south not only this affirmation, but that you appreciate how whatever is happening can become an awakening, reveal an opening, and offer a gift. And so it shall always be.

The more mindful we are of what we’re saying to ourselves about ourselves, the more empowered we are to make sure those stories serve our best selves. I hope these affirmations serve your confidence from now on.

. . .

Tell me: Which of these affirmations do you need the most today?

Tell me by replying to this email. I read every single one of your emails, and I'd love to know.

And P.S. Never forget how creative, valuable, and powerful you are. If you are ready to work with me towards your highest and best potential, schedule a time to speak here: https://calendly.com/kereneldad/consultation – and let’s strategize together and root for your rise.

To your AFFIRMED success and joy,

Coach Keren

Ready to lead at the next level? Let's elevate your journey – book your coaching consult today: https://calendly.com/kereneldad/consultation?back=1