Do you believe in yourself? I mean more than just the absence of doubt . . . I mean, confidence . . . the complete certainty in ability or outcome. My answer to that is, sometimes yes and sometimes no. I wonder why that is?
Confidence comes from our previous success at something, from encouragement, intense desire, imagination, preparation and from courage. Yes, courage – the ability to make yourself do something even though you are scared senseless. That’s because courage and confidence are not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of the fear.
Having confidence in your ability to do something does not guarantee success, but it can keep you from quitting. Confidence eliminates worry. It can help you enjoy yourself. An I Can attitude will help you visualize success more clearly. So if there is an absence of experience, you must rely on faith and your imagination.
That’s where our affirmations, our visualizations, and those little tapes that play in our head over and over become so very important. Because as you tell yourself that you are willing to do your best; that you are an I CAN DO kind of person; that there is no room for doubt; and that you are filled with confidence and faith in your ability to succeed.
And then an amazing thing starts to happen. Because you have these powerful beliefs propelling your actions, your stress goes down, your mind works faster, solutions and ideas come to you easier. You’ll ask better questions, get better answers, give in less to temptation And then, the magic will happen . . . you will be able to tap into and use more of those talents and abilities you were blessed with at birth.
I almost ended the blog post here. But in being true to myself and flexing my courage muscles, I just couldn’t let it stop here. I’ve really been struggling for the past few weeks with some things . . . self doubt, fear, grief. You see, there are some decisions I need to make, BIG changes, and they are painful and scary. So now is when I flex my courage muscles, I push through and do what I need to do in spite of the emotions, in spite of the doubts, in spite of the fears. Here is when I walk the talk.
Today, I took the first steps towards making those changes. I have a list and an action plan. I’ll share more of this journey later, but just suffice it to say that big life changes are ahead of me, AGAIN! I took the first steps of my journey today, by going through 3 boxes of stuff, throwing most of it away, putting some in the giveaway pile, and putting the rest away. I CAN DO this one day at a time, one step at a time. I’m in a big decluttering phase, my first action plan step, which will enable me to continue with the changes I need to make in my life. It felt good getting rid of the stuff as if it were symbolic of getting rid of the baggage in my life as well. So stay tuned . . . more to come.
Deborah (Debbie) Stevens is an MBA, CPA, Money Maven who offers down to earth accounting, tax and consulting services, is a health and fitness coach, and jewelry designer and re-engineerer. With more than 10 years in public accounting and 6 years in private industry, her boundless energy and talents are now focused on making small businesses successful by analyzing the problems, discussing the issues, and crafting the appropriate solutions. Her strong, personal integrity, hard work, sheer determination coupled with a deep fun-loving view of life are what makes her tick. After having lost 116 lbs in 15 months, she has recently added weight loss and fitness coaching into the business mix. She is passionate about everything she does with a deep desire to help people. She is personable, down to earth, and ready to roll up her sleeves and get started on your business solutions. 
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Its a pleasure to know you Debbie
Remember its the intelligence that you know that will make you pick up the confidence and courage. The people that “don’t know” what “you know” never will take the plunge, therefore you’re one step ahead of the rest. Keep moving forward and you’re very likely to succeed at whatever you choose to do in life. God Bless You!
Hi Curt,
Your comments and support mean a lot. Thanks.
Debbie,
What a timely post. Was just discussing confidence with my 15 year old daughter. She’s worried about one of her friends that seems to lack confidence.
We were talking about how it’s hard to just ‘have’ it, if you don’t. But I will share with her your recommendations to use affirmations.
I think that might really help her friend. Thanks.
Synchronicity strikes again Debbie! It always warms my heart when I can help someone. Thanks for sharing that with me.
Hi Debbie,
I am exciting for you & can’t wait to hear what this new journey of yours is all about!
Thank you for sharing, I know that’s not always an easy thing to do, yet a positive one because I believe that means we’ve accepted it, and are ready to do whatever needs to be done & move forward. Wishing you a fabulous weekend & thanks again for sharing!!!
Christine
Hi Christine,
Thanks for stopping by. It’s not easy to share, but I’m determined because I believe my journey has a purpose – helping others. I can’t help anyone else if they don’t know.
Debbie,
Courage comes in many forms and actions. What some feel is courageous, others may not. But we all know deep down inside when we do something that is courageous for us. We truly feel that sharing the changes you are making in your life is very courageous and we admire and appreciate you.
And not to forget confidence. If you are confident, others will feel it and know it. What a wonderful presence to share with the world!
Thanks for the insight on these two amazing characteristics.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
http://TheCoolestCouple.com
Pat and Lorna,
Yes, I agree. Courage is definitely subjective. But if we are afraid and take action, to me that is courage. No matter how small the steps. And I believe when we take action – flex our courage muscles that supports and brings confidence to us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
this is why it’s so important to believe in our team as networkers… they often lack the faith in themselves they will need to be successful in mlm.
i had a mentor always tell me that i was good enough, and i am forever grateful!
Hi Melissa,
I love your point here that it is important for us to impart that belief to our team. We all struggle with our confidence and the help of someone coming along side us does boost our confidence. Thanks for sharing.
I can’t wait for the next exciting installment! Big life changes are always thrilling to watch – and scary to be in. Your attitude is great, and your strength of purpose will empower you to break through to greater success.
(Sounds a bit like a fortune cookie, but it’s not meant to!)
Keep up the exciting work -
Alan
Hi Alan,
There will be a next installment. I plan to be brutally honest so that others can be helped by this. It is very, very scary; but I’m doing it anyway. Thanks for your support.
Hi Debbie,
You are so right about confidence, it surges and then it wains. There are so many variables that affect how confident we feel. But courage, that is something we can call upon at any time to help us through the scary periods. I recently took several of my tax boxes and old client histories and other stuff that was filling my space and brought it to a new storage room. I also threw out lots of other papers and reorganized my file boxes and the files on my desk. That has helped me to have room to add the new (clients, opportunities, success and money) that is coming to me.
Hi Erica,
Great action steps you have taken here. Doesn’t it feel great to get rid of the old stuff and make room for the new? I actually hadn’t thought about my process that way, but that’s really what I’m doing as well. Thanks for your comments.
Hi Debbie,
I have had many a battle with fears over the years. It seems like whenever I get to a point where I am in the midst of a big change, that is when the fear comes up. Standing in the face of fear and proceeding forward is the only way to conquer it. I have also found EFT helpful. Emotional Freedom Technique.
I wish you success in your changes.
Melodie
Hi Melodie,
I agree, the fears are definitely the worst on the cusp of big change. I have been learning about EFT recently, so it’s awesome that you mentioned it to me as well as I refuse to live my life in fear any longer.