When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, you’ve probably heard the advice, “Be more confident!” But where does confidence come from, and how can you get more of it? Here are three easy tips to boost your confidence.
Watch the beginning of the video (00:00-01:32) and fill in the gaps in the excerpt with missing words:
When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, maybe you’ve heard this advice before. Be more confident. And most likely, this is what you think when you hear it.
If only it 1. ……….. that simple. But what is confidence? Take the belief that you are valuable, 2. ………. and capable, also known as 3. ………… . Add in the optimism that comes when you are certain of your abilities, and then empowered by these, act 4. …………..to face a challenge 5. …………. .
This is confidence. It turns thoughts into action. So where does confidence even come from? There are several 6. ………. that impact confidence.
One, what you’re born with, such as your genes, which will impact things like the balance of neurochemicals in your brain. Two, how you’re 7. ………. . This includes the social pressures of your environment.
And three, the part you have control over, the choices you make, the risks you take, and how you think about and respond to challenges and 8. ……….. . It isn’t possible to completely untangle these three factors, but the personal choices we make certainly play a 9. ………… role in confidence development. So, by keeping in mind a few practical tips, we do actually have the power to 10. ……….. our own confidence. (…)
Key: 1. were; 2. worthwhile; 3. self-esteem; 4. courageously; 5. head-on; 6. factors; 7. treated; 8. setbacks; 9. major; 10. cultivate
Glossary
- to lurk – to wait somewhere secretly, especially because you are going to do something bad or illegal
- to untangle – to make a complicated subject or problem, or its different parts, clear and able to be understood
- to persevere – to continue trying to do or achieve something despite difficulties
Fill in the gaps in the article extract with the words in bold below:
harsher accomplishments daunting doubting
approach nagging master intent
Confidence is one of those things in life that seems easy to 1. …… until you’re expected to master it. We’ve all been there—one day you’re nailing it at work, and the next you are 2. …….. every single decision that you take. The truth is that confidence isn’t a state of mind you are born with. It’s a skill that you can learn and can get better at—all you need is the right 3. ………. . Here are five ways you can boost your confidence and self-esteem right now.
- Don’t discount your success.
The promotion you got? It didn’t just fall into your lap. The client you wowed? They were only wowed because you prepared for that opportunity. It’s easy to become a victim of imposter syndrome at one point or another, that 4. ….….. feeling that you’re a fraud and everyone around is in on the joke. Remember that you are the creator of your own results, (…). Claim your success; it’s yours.
- Remind yourself of your value outside of work.
It is important to note that your value as a person is not contingent on your last quarterly report or how many 5. ………. you have listed on your LinkedIn profile. Professional success is important, of course, but it isn’t the whole picture. The people who truly matter in your life (family, close friends, and mentors) will see you beyond your productivity as a human being. Surround yourself with people who love you for who you are, not just for what you do. (…)
- Dress the part.
I’m not saying that you should put on a suit you feel uncomfortable in just because “that’s professional.” What I’m saying is that you should choose the clothes that you will wear for the day with 6. ……… and purpose. Your confidence will instantly increase if you feel good in what you’re wearing, (…). The key here is to be yourself and wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself, not what you think the office expects.
- Stop negative self-talk.
The voice in your head is probably much 7. …….. than it needs to be. Criticizing yourself is healthy to a certain extent. It allows you to review your mistakes and learn from them. (…)
- Step out of your comfort zone.
Comfort zones are the enemy of confidence. When you’re doing the same thing over and over again, it’s easy to feel like you’re going nowhere and lose faith in your abilities. The cure for that is to find new challenges to set for yourself. Take that 8. ……… project, learn a new skill, and have that hard conversation you’ve been avoiding for weeks. The more you push yourself to succeed in the unknown, the more you are building a file of evidence that yes, you are capable of succeeding.
In order to read the whole article/check your answers, go to: https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/how-to-build-confidence-and-boost-self-esteem/91210609
Key: 1. master; 2. doubting; 3. approach; 4. nagging; 5. accomplishments; 6. intent; 7. harsher; 8. daunting
Discuss
- Which of the tips from the video and the article did you find most useful or interesting? Why?
- The article says we shouldn’t discount our successes. Why do people often ignore or minimize their achievements?
- How can reminding yourself of your value outside of work help boost your confidence? Can you give an example?
- Do you believe that dressing well or “dressing the part” can change how confident you feel? Why or why not?
- Have you ever tried to stop negative self-talk? What helped you do it—or what made it difficult?
- Can you describe a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone?
- How do confidence and self-esteem influence our daily decisions or actions?
- What’s the difference between being confident and being arrogant? Can someone be too confident?
- How can failure or mistakes help someone become more confident? Have you had an experience like this?
- What do you think are the most common reasons why people feel insecure or lose confidence?
- Do you think culture affects how people express or develop confidence? In what ways?
- How do you usually prepare yourself before a big challenge or stressful situation to feel more confident?
Watch and Revise!
Boost Your Confidence
Easy Tips & Tricks
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