You will often hear that in order to have success, you need self-confidence. The bottom line is that sometimes it’s easier said than done. What does a person need to do to gain self-confidence, especially if they have lacked it for a long time?
When somebody starts a new opportunity like what we have here with RMS, it is a little more difficult to have confidence right out of the gate. Don’t let that discourage you, you have an amazing opportunity. It’s important to be patient but even more important to remain positive. Confidence comes from knowledge. The more knowledge you have about your industry and your products, the more confident you will become.
As I was reflecting on developing self-confidence this week, three areas came up in my mind which will help the process. Make a commitment right away to work on these. This not only applies to the business world, but it also applies to daily living.
1) Repetition
Repetition is the mother of all skill. I took up playing guitar late in life and certainly wish that I started a lot earlier; however, I have made a commitment to play at least 30 minutes a day. I still have a long ways to go but I have to remind myself that I am much better then I was and I’m continuing to improve, even though it may be a slow process. Yes, there are some musicians that when you watch them, you become amazed at their skills and great talent. The reality is, the only reason they got to where they are at today is because of repetition. The same applies to sports. When you watch professional athletes, please understand that it took years and years of practice and time in the gym to get them at a high-level.
The same applies in our business. The only way that you could become a master cold caller is by getting out there and doing it. You’re not going to be great from the beginning but I promise that you will improve. Repetition builds confidence.
2) Persistence
Whenever anybody tells me that they are going to give it the old college try and see what happens, I let them know that they are doomed to fail. The reason being is because of their attitude right from the beginning. As soon as something goes wrong, which it definitely will, they will give up. They end up rationalizing by stating that at least they gave it a try.
When you’re starting something new, you’re not going to be super confident from the beginning. It’s important that you take that repetition and keep going. Persistence is the key to success. Your attitude needs to be that, “I am committed to this 100%. I’m not looking back. I will persist until I succeed. There is no Plan B.”
3) Positive Self-Talk
So many people fail in this area and unfortunately it becomes natural to them. They may look in the mirror and make negative comments about themselves—about being too fat, not attractive, too skinny, etc., etc.
In order to have self-confidence, it is imperative that you are constantly building yourself up. Perhaps in your life, your parents may have put you down or others told you that you weren’t going to make it. Don’t listen to that anymore, you need to be your number one supporter. It’s time to start believing in yourself and your future.
Starting today, make a commitment that there is no more negative self-talk. Everything going forward is super positive. Believe in yourself and build yourself up and watch your confidence grow.
Building self-confidence is a process and it may not happen overnight. You will find also that it is ongoing and that’s why it’s important to make these three practices part of your daily living.
Repeat – Persist – Positive Self-Talk
Today is the beginning of the rest of your amazing life. Enjoy the journey and walk in confidence.
Have a super fantastic week!
RICH NORTON
Regional Sales Manager RMSNPC
