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Bridging the confidence gap requires effort and personal action. It will never happen if you wait and hope it will magically appear.
If you want to achieve consistent, lasting self-confidence, know this. It doesn’t happen passively – it requires a conscious effort and proactive steps to cultivate inner strength. Boosting self-confidence requires an internal shift in perspective and attitude.
When this rock-solid foundation is developed from within, it’s much less likely to be shaken by external forces. That is why focusing on inner work, such as positive self-imaging, is fundamental to strengthening self-confidence and bridging the gap.
The result will be a solid foundation that allows one to remain confident despite external pressures.
Positive self-image
Having a positive self-image is an essential factor in developing self-confidence. I know this from my life experience; growing up, I was shy and tended to stay out of the spotlight. To the degree that I felt uncomfortable walking into any room filled with people and would always find shadows in order to hide.
The confidence gap is the difference between how we see ourselves and how we want to be seen. Clearly as a shy child I didn’t want to be seen at all! But after putting in the time and dedication to practice spiritual principles, I built up my self-esteem. And with these steps forward, I created a much stronger sense of self-worth and no longer felt a need to hide myself away.
Inner makeovers
Why not start working on your self-image from the inside out? Give yourself an “inner makeover” by swapping old negative beliefs about yourself with new, more positive, and encouraging ones.
This is possible even if you don’t necessarily believe them initially; over time, these new thoughts and beliefs will become ingrained in your self-image. So why not boost your confidence and bridge any gaps in your self-esteem by starting an inner makeover right now!
Here are seven approaches that I have used that you may not be familiar with which can help you in this process:
Practice all or any of these approaches, and you will build up an unshakeable sense of self-confidence and open up a world of possibilities.
1. Feed your confidence and bridge that confidence gap
The “confidence gap” is the space between our actual capabilities and what we think we can achieve. Bridging the confidence gap starts with self-reflection and believing in yourself.
Begin by re-framing negative thoughts, remind yourself of your strengths, and be like Muhammad Ali by embracing a powerful statement about yourself.
His was, ‘I am the greatest – I said that even before I knew I was.’
Most importantly, take small steps to boost your confidence and gradually build courage enough to challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone. Each success will motivate you and help establish an unwavering sense of self-belief that makes you a more confident person.
2. Accentuate small wins
One strategy to bridge the confidence gap is to focus on small wins. Even Olympic athletes could suffer from a lack of confidence. So to help build their self-assurance, many athletes employed the “small wins” method to set achievable goals and work towards them incrementally.
This technique helped competitors develop feelings of success and security, giving them the courage to tackle increasingly challenging objectives. Ultimately, by repeatedly experiencing these mini accomplishments, elite athletes can achieve unimaginable heights. As can you.
3. Focus on Contribution
The confidence gap can be a restrictive force that prevents people from reaching their true potential and being the best version of themselves. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Assisting others can have a positive impact on your sense of self-esteem. The mesolimbic system, the area of the brain responsible for reward and pleasure, becomes active when you are helping those in need. This activation triggers the release of feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters which then helps you find joy in your life and purpose.
It sounds like a pretty good deal to me.
By contributing positively to the world around you, you break free from unnecessary self-consciousness, worry less about your flaws, and increase your self-confidence. You will never regret doing the things that put you in the energy of giving.
4. Permission is not required
Need more confidence?
You are not alone.
Building up intuition and trust in yourself can be tricky, but it is possible with a few small steps! And today is the perfect day to begin your journey and take control of your ability to grow rather than waiting for the ideal moment.
Start now, and slowly you will find your self-confidence blossoming; don’t wait for permission, as it’s never required – you’ve got this.
5. Learning anything you want
Do you feel you lack the natural talent to excel at a particular skill? That’s ok! According to Dharmesh Shah, co-founder of HubSpot, those with natural talent can acquire skills faster than those without.
But still, anyone can achieve them with enough practice.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that students improve academically at the same rate regardless of their initial knowledge. So don’t let your lack of ‘talent’ hold you back – with effort and dedication, anyone can learn anything they want.
6. The right tools
The confidence gap can seem daunting, but it is possible to bridge it with the right tools.
Start by clarifying what you are trying to achieve and the type of person you want to be.
Next, work on developing an unwavering belief in yourself and your capabilities. You can begin by using an affirmation, much like Muhammad Ali, one that confirms your belief in you.
Commit wholly to pursuing your goals no matter what the cost, and remain consistent in your efforts day after day until you arrive at your destination.
Then with these elements aligned, you will possess the fundamental ingredients for true self-confidence.
7. The Warren Buffet approach
Ultimately achieving greater confidence and, consequently, success in life is not something that can be judged by outside or external standards.
Instead, Warren Buffett advises that those seeking success should use their “inner scorecard,” or measure of personal values and goals, to define success for themselves. T
his principle comes from the legendary investor’s late father, who taught him to listen to what he profoundly believes in and express his truth.
To bridge the confidence gap, focus on your own growth and development and rely on yourself for the true confidence that lies within.
By staying true to your own unique identity, you foster an authentic sense of confidence that and bridge that confidence gap.
Encourage one another.
Love Elle
xox
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2 Comments
Ellen,
Great tips both on inner work and practical steps. I especially like the idea of keeping our own “inner scorecard” instead of trying to meet the expectations of others.
I like the Muhamid Ali example. It’s a good example of ” you have to believe it to see it.” I’m a firm believer in celebrating the small accomplishments. It keeps your brain motivated.