Where does confidence come from? That little bit of difference that supports you when you try something new or scary.
Confidence makes the difference between walking into a networking meeting with a big smile and jaunty step even if you feel icky on the inside.
We all struggle with confidence at times. Sometimes I allow that little voice in my head to whisper bad things in my ear. I hate when that happens!
One of our clients has depleted his supply of confidence. He sounded like Eyore from Winnie the Pooh the last time I talked to him. Even if he tries to hide it, that lack of confidence comes out of his skin like garlic.
If we struggle with confidence sometimes and have it other times, logically that must mean that there is something we can do to boost our confidence.
Barb Z. sent this quote from Little Victories: Perfect Rules for Imperfect Living [i] by Jason Gay that gives a great suggestion:
I don’t reject the idea that style matters… I too like to feel stylish, and sometimes I can allow myself the illusion that I actually know what I am doing. I believe there’s some benefit: a confidence both internal and projected.
The designer Tom Ford has said that a suit is a form of armor, that when a man is well dressed, it provides an aura of invincibility that helps get him through the day. I am with Tom Ford on that, though I know I am not well-dressed enough to be Tom Ford’s cable guy.
What a great idea! We can pretend our way to greater confidence by wrapping ourselves in clothes that make us feel more confident. Could it be as simple as that? I think so.
I feel and behave different when I am dressed in t-shirts and shorts, like I am dressed while writing this, than when I put on a suit, high heels, and nice jewelry. It just makes sense. When I wear that particular necklace from my mom that always gets compliments I feel even more confident, almost invincible!
What clothes do you wear to give you extra confidence? That beautiful power tie? Those great pumps? A beautiful jacket?
I would love to know what works for you! Share your thoughts here or send me a note and I will share these great ideas with our community!!
[i] Gay, Jason. Little Victories: Perfect Rules for Imperfect Living, page 166. Emphasis added.