Even the most self-assured of people experience times when we lack confidence. I have written a lot about my own struggles with the dreaded imposter syndrome and how that has led me to think I am never enough – that I always need more qualifications and experience before I can call myself an expert in something. Thankfully this is something I have finally put to bed but nonetheless, there are still moments when I have those feelings so here are my simple confidence hacks that might help you too.
One of the things that has really helped me is to understand my own personality traits and preferences in terms of things like my working style. In business these are called psychometric testing and are often used in recruitment processes to measure a candidate’s suitability for a role depending on their personality traits and personal style.
For me doing these tests helped me to uncover some of my hidden abilities and things that I hadn’t given much thought to, such as when I perform at my best and why. The best free one I have seen is at https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test which I often advise clients to do as a quick and fun way to uncover some of those unconscious things about themselves.
Seeing your strengths in black and white is helpful as a way of reinforcing what it is that you are good at. I personally love to find out more about myself. If you are into checking your horoscope you know what I mean!
Another very simple hack that I was once taught was to have a go-to song that you have in your mind whenever you need an extra boost of confidence. Give it a blast in the car on your way to that interview. Beyonce Run the World works a treat for me!
There are also some simple things you can do through concentrating on and regulating your breathing which can work wonders. 7/11 breathing is a memorable one. You will remember it because it is a convenience store in the US - 7, eleven. Basically, it involved breathing in for the count of 7 and out for the count of 11 – three times. This sends more oxygen to your brain and helps you chill out. The thing I like about this is that you can even do it during a meeting, and it doesn’t involve strange nostril action with your fingers (techniques I also find useful but aren’t always possible when you are suddenly struck with an attack of fear in a meeting or presentation!).
My other go-to is Emotional Freedom Technique or tapping. If you haven’t come across it, it is based on Chinese medicine and is similar to acupuncture, but you can do it on yourself. It involves tapping these energy points and sending signals to the part of the brain which controls stress. You tap whilst repeating a script which ultimately restores balance and reduces your fears about whatever it is that is causing you those feelings. It is used by pro-athletes, actors, and politicians. Just Google Tapping scripts and you will find one for pretty much any kind of feelings you are experiencing.
Another hack is to seek out feedback from people when you have done something well or completed a project. This is one to consider so that you can be prepared for those moments when you’re having a bit of a wobble. Those of you on Linked in will see that I do this through asking for recommendations. Seek out positive feedback from people when you are proud of an achievement and then keep them somewhere safe – it might be an email folder, or like I say those Linked in recommendations. Looking back over positive comments and feedback can give you a boost of confidence.
Whenever you can, remind yourself that you have got this and that it's your time to shine.
If you've enjoyed this blog and would like to read more from me, grab a copy of my book Don't Dim to Fit In and come and join me over on one of my social channels! I look forward to meeting you there.
Love,
Kate x