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‘That was very courageous of you,’ said the main speaker after the last session of the day. I was a Master of Ceremonies at an event recently, and my job was to introduce all speakers and performers.
The audience consisted of about 120 people. I have stood for larger crowds as a speaker, facilitator, and trainer for many years. Standing before a crowd is always exciting, but this time, it was different. I was among friends and like-minded people. That made it even more exciting.
In a previous blog, I wrote about courage, which is following your heart’s path. In another blog, I gave you my favorite techniques for more courage. In this new article, you’ll find twelve tips to help you boost your courage and face life’s challenges with more confidence:
1. Start Small
Begin by taking small steps outside your comfort zone. Gradually increasing the difficulty of these steps will help build your confidence. If you want to become a better speaker, begin by giving a talk to a small group of people you know. You’ll quickly discover what works for you and needs to be developed. To become a better negotiator, negotiate with your loved ones first. That is already hard enough but still safe. Then, start to negotiate about things you buy, with colleagues and prospects.
2. Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations help reinforce a courageous mindset. I did a fartleg run this morning, alternating fast and slow running. This is part of my training for a Half-Marathon race in October 2024. When running fast, I repeat phrases like “I am in control” and “I am strong.”
Before or during a talk and workshop for a large audience, you can use phrases like “I am brave” or “I can handle this,” which can be empowering. I say, “I like myself,” while I watch myself smiling in a window.
3. Visualize Success
Picture yourself succeeding in situations that require courage. You can visualize success in different ways: people giving you a standing ovation after a talk, people cheering for you as you run a Marathon, your boss congratulating you on a job well done, or when your article reaches many readers. I visualize success as fulfillment or happiness after completing a challenging task. Visualization can help reduce anxiety and increase your inner belief in overcoming challenges.
4. Embrace Failure
I have failed so many times in my life. I still have a stomach ache when I think of my biggest failure when I worked at an engineering company. My intention is to write an article every two weeks. I have failed that twice in the last ten years. That can feel like a failure. You will fail, too, once in a while. Failure is a part of the journey. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embracing this mindset can reduce the fear of failure. A question you can ask yourself after failure is, “What do I have to learn from this experience/failure?” and then move on by saying “sorry,” for example. That takes courage, too.
5. Stay Present
Focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the future. When you worry about the future, you will likely stay frozen and do nothing. You’ll get trapped in thoughts like: “They won’t like/accept me,” “There’s not enough time,” or “I am not good enough,” which will only enforce procrastination. Mindfulness practices like meditation can help keep your mind centered and reduce fear. Slowly breathing in and out helps me to stay present. When I (or my audience) get lost during a talk or workshop because I am too enthusiastic or in flow, then I stop talking. Silence helps me (and my audience) return to the present.
6. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Spend time with people who encourage and support you. I love to spend time with Pieter, Marius, Annemieke, Elise, Jonker, Harrie, Madelein, Lucas, Cyril, Sandra, and Fabian. Although I do not see some of them often, their positive influence helps boost my confidence.
7. Learn and Prepare
Knowledge can reduce fear. If I face a specific challenge, I gather as much information as possible and prepare myself. I have the tendency to overprepare, but it makes me feel more equipped to handle a certain situation. I look through all previous correspondence and agreements to prepare for a tough conversation. When I meet a new client, I look at their website and their feeds on social media to find out what they are currently doing. Next to identifying business opportunities, it is also information to break the ice at a first meeting.
8. Practice Self-Compassion
I am pretty hard on myself, especially when I get feedback. This week, I received feedback from a valued client. They rated my workshop with an eight on a scale of ten. I ought to be happy about that, but the tips and advice I got made me sad. I work hard to prepare well. But, I tend to be hard on myself when things are not perfect, and when some people are unhappy with me.
Be kind to yourself. There will always be people who are not happy with what you do, especially when you say “No.” That takes courage, too. Everyone feels fear, and having moments of doubt is okay. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend.
9. Set Clear Goals
Of course, I want to be the best trainer in my field, an acknowledged writer, facilitator, and speaker. These are big, scary goals. I can also imagine you have less courage when setting big goals. Breaking down your goals into smaller steps can make them feel more manageable and achievable.
Define courage and set clear, achievable goals aligned with your WHY or purpose. Courage, for me, is following my heart.
10. Take Care of Your Body
Physical well-being affects mental well-being. It helps me to exercise regularly (I run), eat healthy (and to snack in moderation), and get sufficient sleep. As for my night routine, I do not eat 3 hours before bedtime (10:00 pm), drink nothing 2 hours before bedtime, and no screen 1 hour before bedtime. After a good workout and some reading, I fall asleep quickly. Sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet can all contribute to a more confident and courageous mindset.
11. Seek Inspiration
Read about or listen to the stories of others who have demonstrated courage. I love to listen to podcasts, especially those by Simon Sinek. His podcast A Bit of Optimism often features a guest who has done and does something courageous in their life. There is even a podcast on living a courageous life. Of course, you can read a fiction book or watch a movie with a courageous character. Their experiences can provide valuable insights and motivation.
12. Practice Gratitude
Focus on what you have rather than what you lack. I am grateful that I can reach so many people with my workshops and writing. I am grateful for the opportunities I get from Jet, Robert, Iric, Jonker, Kim and Marius to follow my heart. A gratitude practice can shift your perspective and make you feel more empowered.
Reading tip: Experience Gratitude more intensely
You can use these tips for any task. Not only when you have to talk in front of a large group but also when you have to call a prospect or an unhappy client or when you have to write a challenging report or email.
What does courage mean to you? How do you boost your courage and face life’s challenges more confidently? Let me know in the comment box below. I, and other readers of this article, look forward to read from you!
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Source:
–ChatGPT: This is the first time I’ve asked ChatGPT to help me with tips. The content and experiences are my own.
