How badly do you want it?…

For some, writing may seem like the least likely source of self-confidence possible.  With the correct approach, it can be surprisingly effective.
Think about the last time your self-confidence hit a low.  Maybe a co-worker got the promotion you had been hopeful for or a relationship ended.  Remember all of the feelings that got in the way of a positive self-image.  When you are faced with those moments, you need a way to get all of those bad feelings out.  Writing can be the perfect way to clear your mind and increase your confidence.     

Writing a journal can be a cathartic experience, meaning that it allows you to liberate pent-up emotions.  Dwelling on unpleasant feelings can be a vicious confidence killer.  You do not need any special equipment to begin a journal.  Grab a few sheets of loose-leaf paper and a pen and start writing.  You can also sit down at your computer, open a new manuscript and start typing.  The important thing is to get those feelings down on paper.   

After you have written about a particularly disquieting experience or nagging feelings of self-doubt, destroy your words.  Tear the paper into tiny pieces, or use it as kindling in the fireplace.  The more hands-on the process, the better. Writing that focuses on positive experiences can also build confidence in a hands-on way.  Create a list of your ten greatest qualities or five biggest accomplishments.  Write it on high-quality paper using your best writing or print it in a fancy font.  Then post it in a location where you’ll see it every day.     While you write about bad memories and unpleasant experiences to purge the negative feelings from your mind, writing about some of your greatest moments can also have an impact on your self-confidence.  Think of it as a memoir in progress.  Look back on your positive memories whenever you need to boost your self confidence. 

If you’ve just been through a tough time, think about how empowering it would be to help others who are facing the same state of affairs.  You will also gain self-confidence if you are seen as an expert on a topic, whether you’re writing about fishing or finance.  So the next time you feel down, consider picking up a pen for a much-needed self-confidence boost. 

It really works!

Well cash actually, and lots of it!

Or so I thought.

Now there’s no denying the attractiveness of the green stuff and with the onset of the so called “credit crunch” it’s a lot more scarce than it was. For many people, this equates to the inability to borrow, and for some, especially in the long run, this could be a blessing in disguise. Most people never stop to think about what makes them really happy, and you know what when they do, its not money.

Sure it oils the wheels, gives you choices and of course, when handled properly can provide security and ultimately, peace of mind. Note the last part of that sentence.

It’s really important to take stock of what you’ve actually got and the abundance of riches that involves. If you’re lucky enough to have your health, a family (however extended or close that may be) and some close friends on whom you can depend, you are my friend really rich right now. Incidentally, a very wise man (whose name escapes me) once said that you will never have more than five close friends, represented if you like by the fingers on your right hand.

So, take a look around you and determine what’s really important. Trust me, its not cash.

So go on, FeelReallyRich !

Got a presentation to make? Not sure where to start?
It doesn’t really matter what sort of presentation it is. It could be a sales page, or something where you’ve actually got to get up and speak, the principle is the same.
You could try one of these approaches to get attention right away:-

1 Make a really radical statement
2 Get them curious or use humour
3 Engage them with an entertaining story
4 Throw in a famous quote or two
5 Make an analogy, but make it different
6 Go VERY visual-paint an image using words
7 Ask a question-rhetorical or otherwise
8 Drop a troubling or off the wall statistic.
9 Appeal to the “Whats in it 4 me” in everybody

Try each one to see what works best for you in different scenarios, but have fun with it!

If you’re in business, you’re obviously a supremely confident person-right?

Whatever the answer is to that loaded question, the fact is that sometimes we all struggle to meet our own self imposed targets and over time this can affect our self confidence.

Creative visualisation is one popular technique that can help people achieve their goals, the idea being that you repeatedly envision a desired outcome. For example, if you are a golfer, you would visualise yourself sinking a put perfectly.

It’s important to visualise yourself being really successful at whatever it is that is causing you a problem. By touching the thumb and forefinger of the same hand together whilst you are experiencing the positive feelings (in order to imprint the feeling that comes along with the vision), you can at a later time recreate the desired feeling by repeating that small movement.

How well do you take compliments from your partner? Compliments build your confidence in your positive qualities so accept them gracefully and make sure you enjoy the moment!

Sometimes though, the worst feedback we receive is of course that which we give ourselves. In order to maintain your confidence levels, it is important to get rid of all self-defeating thoughts. Take action, why not put money in a jar every time you have a negative thought about yourself or doubt your abilities? Do whatever it takes to remove these negative thoughts from your mind. Negative people on the other hand, are another matter entirely. Avoid them if you can or alternatively question whether you need that person around if they are causing you to be stressed every time you meet them.

Ultimately, it’s all about creating balance in your life. If you focus on positive thoughts and try to remove negative influences, you will be rewarded with renewed levels of energy and drive both on a personal and business level.

Best of luck with that!