Entrepreneurs need strong self-confidence to run highly successful businesses. Yet, so many do not start out with it! The thought of stepping up and being seen, sharing your story, putting yourself or your work into the world can be both exciting and terrifying. Once you’ve mustered up the courage to step out on your own, it’s natural to second-guess your decision, wondering if you made the right choice. As one of my clients once told me as we worked on a plan for his transitioning to a full-time entrepreneur, marketing your business can conjure up insecure feelings that you have to face in order to achieve your goals.
We stand on the following scripture as a sure fire result of a strong foundation. Philippians 1:6 (KJV) 6 being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
It’s so easy to hide behind others, hide behind your art, and hide behind your work. However, if you’re ever going to make an impact in the world…if you’re ever going to share your greatness in a big way, you will have to step from behind the wall, own your gifts and talents and confidently share yourself with the world.
Here’s why it’s important to own your confidence:
Being confident in your ability helps you launch a business and stick with it during the highs and the lows. Entrepreneurship is no cakewalk. There’s a lot of uncertainty, roadblocks and sometimes failures. However, when you remain assured you always see the light at the end of the tunnel…you always find a way up…there’s always an answer awaiting the confident entrepreneur because you have high expectations for yourself and your business.
Strong self-confidence enables you to recognize opportunities and take quick action. Unlike those who are burdened with uncertainty, possessing a resilient self-belief will motivate you to step out and take risks. I’ve learned more about business and made more money when I started taking fast action—implementing what I learn, going with ideas and trusting my gut. Action breeds clarity and clarity breeds confidence. The more you win… the more action you take.
Being confident empowers you to produce on a high level. You’re more likely to produce products, write books, make sales and convince others to invest in your business when you hold high self-worth.
Here’s how you can start being more confident right now:
Dream big dreams more often! Take time daily to meditate on your dreams. Write them down so that you can crystallize your thoughts on paper. Tell someone you trust about your dream. The more you think about it, write about it and talk about it…the more likely you are to confidently pursue and achieve it.
The reason why is because you’re ignoring the innate desire to own your work and confidently present it before the world as a part of who you are. When you shrink back into the shadows, you shrink back in excellence as well. This may not necessarily show in your work, but it can show in other areas of your life such as your image and your home…all of which negatively affects your confidence.
You can’t hide out and build a business. As an entrepreneur…you’re a leader. Leaders lead, they’re out front making decisions, charging ahead! That’s where you belong…in the front!
In order to embrace confidence, you have to silence the inner critic and eliminate the false humility talk:
I’m in business to touch lives…not make a ton of money NOTE: You can hardly touch lives without revenue. You’re passion for people should motivate you to build a business that can make a difference.
I don’t want to take the lead, I’m a behind the scenes person. NOTE: When you are running your own business, you have to take the lead. You have to lead with a vision and inspire others to rally around your vision so that you can continue to accomplish great things.
I want my work to speak for itself. NOTE: When you’re in business, you have to learn to speak the language of your ideal clients so that they understand the spectacular work that you do.
I’m just a quiet person, I have nothing to say. NOTE: There are times as a business owner when you MUST speak up. You have to speak up to say thank you. Speak up to co-create with others. Speak up to sell your product and services. Yes there are others who can do it for you…but even before they can…they must hear from you.
This kind of talk is just a form of negative confession. The more you tell yourself these things, the more you believe it and perpetuate it into your life. You have to start saying what you want. Speak positively over yourself and your business every single day. Direct your thoughts on succeeding, leading and achieving.
With this being said… Always remember, Philippians 1:6 (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Successfully,
LaShanda
