Self-Confidence

Good evening fellow bloggers! I hope you will excuse me but I feel like being a bit philosophical tonight, is that alright? Well, if it isn't then stop reading! LOL! Ok, seriously though, I was reflecting tonight after I read this article on public speaking wich I will share exerts of in a moment. I must say that after 32 years of being on this earth, I can finally say that I know who I am and what I stand for and why I'm here on earth. Truthfully, 2008 has been a year of true hardship materially speaking but true riches spiritually and humanly speaking. I find myself finally comfortable with who I am and allowing others to know the true me because I know the true me. I told my hubby the other day that if ever I were to die today, I'd be so happy with the way my life has turned out. No I have not reached my full potential, whatever that may be (only God truely knows cause he made me), but I've lived a full life in Him. Again, were back to the whole perspective thing. I'd like you to ask yourself a few questions: Who's perspective of my life am I living according to? God, myself, the government, my mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, cousin, ex-lover, friend etc...? Is that perspective authentic, true, realistic and positive? How has that perspective affected my life so far? What has it done to me? To my self-esteem and self-confidence? What is self-confidence anyway? Is it important enough to actually ponder on? Here's an exert of the article as promised that might help with that last question:

Assess your Self Confidence

Take this short self confidence quiz and find out where you stand along the confidence radar.
1. Introverted nature, shy (YES/ NO)
2. Feeling battered emotionally, demoralized, indulging in self-pity (YES/ NO)
3. Feeling inadequate because you lack social skills (YES/ NO)
4. Dread being asked to speak in front of a group of people (YES/ NO)
5. Afraid to move outside your comfort zone - stepping off your turf (YES/ NO)
6. Feel overwhelmed by inadequacies, so that inaction seems best (YES/ NO)

How did you score? Read on to find out what your responses suggest.

- Five or six NO responses. You have a high level of self-confidence. You present yourself well and interact easily with others.
- Three or four NO responses. You would benefit from spending some time on self-evaluation and analysis. Challenge yourself to move beyond your comfort zone.
- Less than 3 NO responses. You need to take action immediately to grow your self-confidence. Consider getting training in personal development skills.

Overcoming low self-confidence

a) Step out of your comfort zone and attempt new tasks. Meet new people, visit new places.
b) Develop your knowledge and stay current. Keeping informed will give you confidence.
c) Develop strong thinking skills. This will enable you to think quickly when on your feet (or seat). You will able to respond with ease to questions from people in your audience, journalists or at a job interview.
d) Don't let setbacks/disappointments make you feel depressed. Identify what you've learnt from each negative situation and ensure you don't repeat the actions that caused them.
e) Learn to express your ideas fluently and in a way that holds the attention of those listening.
f) Recognize your own abilities and experience, do not undervalue them. Pat yourself on the back about what you know already. Boost your self-esteem and confidence.
g) Be positive. Focus your thoughts on positive situations and pleasant experiences of life.
h) Visualize yourself in situations where you were comfortable and felt confident.

Article Source: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=124445&q=83210424&lm=7506699&r=106663&qz=31ad93eef29870c65c3a9b9c9cc02309

I leave you with that to ponder on tonight....

Be Blessed, Be Bold, Be Beautiful and stand for the REAL YOU!