Today I want to talk about CONFIDENCE.
How it can help you and how it can hinder you.
First off, when you approach anything in life from the standpoint of “I can do this,” you immediately shift your mindset into accomplishment mode.
Said a different way…I can figure out a way to get through this, get this done, make it through this obstacle, etc.
This isn’t mere puffery either. I’ll use myself as an example.
In my life, I have been in places, low places, and lived through it. Beyond just making it through trying times, I have succeeded and overcome very adverse situations.
Mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually I have been where I don’t ever wish any other human to be or have to experience.
But I was there. And at the time, sometimes for too long, it really, really sucked.
I made it through, and given many of the possible alternatives/outcomes that could have easily happened, I am where I am today.
Luckily, those horrible and miserable situations I endured are just memories now.
Looking back and realizing all of the trying times and situations I lived through, I have confidence to say, with conviction, that I am James Wolfe and I can do anything!
I have confidence and it helps me now. Even if at first I may feel a bit of intimidation when presented new situations or scenarios that I don’t yet have experience with.
I know, based on my experiences with far worse situations that I will overcome. I will triumph. I will succeed.
Now, let me talk for a moment about how confidence can hinder you. Specifically, lack of confidence.
Others who have lived through the very same experiences I have would let those situations define them. They would let those circumstances label them. The situation they experienced would become their identity.
The low place would become a familiar bed they lie in and tell others about. The story would become their life and they will never progress from the bad experience.
For these people, the lack of confidence stops them cold. Dead in their tracks.
But, they too lived through the experience. They made it through the other side. It didn’t physically kill them.
If they only stopped to realize this.
That’s what I want you to take away from this whole thing.
Stop. Think.
Have you lived through some tough part of your life? Maybe at this very moment you are experiencing such a time.
Have you ever in your life experienced adversity? Did you live through it?
Have you too ever been in a terrible, low place that you wouldn’t wish on any other human? Mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually?
If you have, know that you are much stronger than you give yourself credit. Know that you are capable of doing much more.
Know that you can overcome and succeed when faced with any situation. Know that you can do anything you set your mind to.
This is the beginning of “how” can you get through it.
And if you are now living with some obstacle, some life defining moments, even if you’ve been there for longer than you have initially thought…
Have confidence knowing that the time will pass. One day leads to the next. It will pass.
You will overcome this.
Even if you can’t see any way out. During the darkest nights and the most bleak of situations. Don’t lose hope.
Have confidence that you are who you are and you can do anything!