What’s the Worst That Can Happen?

Hello!

Have you ever hesitated to take action because you weren’t ‘ready’ or ‘good enough’?

Ugh, it can be the absolute worst. I have a fairly long list of times where I’ve put in the work, but I still have a pit in my stomach, and I haven’t felt complete confidence in how things will play out. There are a few instances that come up, maybe you can relate: A big presentation, starting a new role, launching a personal business, or having a difficult conversation. Here’s the thing, the pit in your stomach doesn’t necessarily mean that you aren’t ready, it just means that you care. Confidence isn’t about eliminating nerves, but it is about moving forward even though they’re there.

Think about this way, create evidence that you are capable. Your confidence can grow when you can prove to yourself that you can navigate discomfort. Take time to practice skills that you want to improve. It’s so important to have a growth mindset and chase progress over perfection. Having a standard to what you do and how you do things is phenomenal and realize that every small step forward reinforces that you’re moving in the right direction.

I like to consider things this way even in my own life. Quite frankly, most of the time our fears are exaggerated. A tough conversation, a work event, maybe even a first date, but acting despite some uncertainty is a major key to confidence. Now, will there be a second date? I’m not sure, but at least you’re showing up and preparing yourself for the best. For starters, re-frame your inner dialogue. Dr. Brené Brown talks a lot about ‘the story you tell yourself.’ Meaning, our brains naturally try to fill in the gaps when we don’t have all the information, and what happens is we create negative or fear-based narratives. As I’m sure you can imagine, these stories shape our confidence, our actions, and our relationships—sometimes in ways that hold us back.

She encourages people to reflect and ask, “What is the story I’m telling myself?” when they feel fear and doubt creeping in. When we assume the worst— “They didn’t respond to me because they don’t think I’m ready” or “I’m a failure, I’ve been told no, therefore I’m not capable,” we limit our possibilities, and our self-confidence and self-belief take a deep dive. Remember the real story, and act from a place of confidence. Do we all tell ourselves stories? Of course! But we have the power to rewrite them.?

You are more capable than you know. Keep proving yourself right. After all, what’s the worst that can happen? As always, I’m wishing you the best.