Confidence in Action: Thriving in Professional and Personal Life

Now that we’ve covered the inner workings of confidence and how to overcome barriers, it’s time to focus on putting confidence into action. How do you apply confidence in real-world situations - whether at work, in relationships, or while pursuing personal goals?

Confidence in Success: Confident people often achieve more because they are willing to take risks. According to research, people who rate themselves as more self-confident tend to be 31% more likely to take on new challenges and 27% more likely to bounce back from setbacks compared to those with lower self-confidence.

I remember a time when I was hesitant to take on a leadership role in a major project – the launch of a European conference with more than 7,000 attendees. Self-doubt crept in, and I questioned if I was truly ready. However, by trusting myself and taking the plunge, I not only succeeded but also gained invaluable experience. That risk pushed me beyond my comfort zone and built my confidence for future challenges.

Communicating with Confidence: Confidence isn’t just about what you say but how you say it. Here are a few ways to project confidence:

• Body Language: Stand tall, keep eye contact, and offer a firm handshake.

• Assertive Communication: Speak clearly and use “I” statements to own your position without sounding aggressive. For example, say “I believe” instead of “You should.”

Handling Criticism and Rejection: Even the most confident people face rejection or criticism, but the key is how they manage it:

• View Criticism as Constructive: Don’t take it personally - use it to improve.

• Bounce Back from Rejection: Every “no” is one step closer to a “yes.” Resilience is the secret weapon of confidence.

  
  

Leadership and Confidence: Confidence is essential for leadership. In fact, 80% of employees say they are more likely to trust and follow a leader who demonstrates confidence in their decisions. This demonstrates how confidence in leadership not only helps the leader succeed but inspires others to excel as well.

Think about leaders you admire - whether in your workplace or on a larger stage. What is it about their presence that inspires confidence in their teams? Confident leaders make decisive choices, take responsibility for their actions, and empower their teams to do the same. Confidence in leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about having the belief that you can navigate any challenge together.

“With realisation of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” - Dalai Lama

Confidence in action is about showing up authentically and embracing both your strengths and vulnerabilities. When you do, you not only achieve more but inspire others to do the same.

What’s one way you can show confidence in your work or personal life this week? Perhaps it’s taking the lead on a project or initiating a difficult conversation. Take that first step, and you’ll be surprised at how your confidence grows. After you take that step, I’d love for you to share your experience - what did you do, and how did it feel? Let’s celebrate your progress together!