If you've been following my podcast or been listening to my videos, you know confidence was something that was in short order in certain areas of my life. I remember a time years ago when I first joined a church I used to attend. There were some people who were nice to me and some who were mean for no reason. I didn't stand up for myself, because I thought a good Christian was not supposed to "ruffle any feathers." I think back to that time and think how far I've come. That's why I use my voice the way I do today and I encourage the women I work with to use theirs the way God would have them to. We're nobody's Christian punks or doormats and there is a way to stand up for what's right in a respectful way. That's what real confidence is all about.
This is what I also know about confidence: When you speak with real confidence, you are more likely to get your point across effectively, gain the respect of others, and achieve your goals. You're able to do all of those things because one day you wake up and you say, enough of this crap. I no longer care what "dem over there and dem over there" say anymore. They can go kick rocks somewhere. I'm doing me and it's about daggone time too.
Anyway, I digress, lol. Sometimes I can get myself worked up when I talk about these things, but as my nephew says, "I'm Gucci" (or used to say; I hear it's an updated phrase, but I don't care, I like it even though I don't own or wear anything Gucci).
Ok, let's carry on.
So, what exactly is confidence, and how can you cultivate it within yourself? Confidence is belief in YOU and what God says about you (Psalm 139:14). Confidence is embracing your God-given gift and abilities. It's about knowing your worth and having faith in your own judgment. When you speak with real confidence, you exude a sense of self-assuredness that is both all-of-that, but not in a bragging way. Real confidence is knowing who you are and not giving a single care about what anyone thinks.
And guess what else? People are naturally drawn to people who are confident, because they are more likely to trust and follow someone who believes in themselves. I would not have been able to create all I've created without gaining confidence. The Women of Movement Speaking Club and the academy would not exist and not even this blog. I would have been too afraid to put myself out there and say what I say the way I say it. I thank God that He is with me in the valley, the mountain top, the city, and the field. He's God all by Himself like that.
So, how can YOU speak with real confidence if that's what you need? Here are a few things that helped me:
- Know your stuff: One of the key components of confidence is knowledge. Make sure you are well-prepared and informed on the topic you are speaking about. When you know your stuff, you can speak with authority and conviction.
- Practice: Confidence is like a muscle - the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. Practice speaking in front of a mirror or with friends or family to build your confidence.
Use positive body language: Your body language can greatly impact how people perceive you. Stand up straight, make eye contact, and gesture confidently when you speak.
- Focus on your strengths: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Focus on your strengths and use them to your advantage. Knowing what you excel at can boost your confidence levels.
The bottom line ladies, is this. Don't be afraid to make mistakes: No one is perfect, and making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growing. Embrace your mistakes and use them as opportunities to improve. And remember, we all have a testimony and you're not alone. Don't try to do too much. Just start where you are.
