14-20 March 2016

Confidence – Characteristic / Virtue of the Week

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Confidence – What does this card say to you today?

Confidence in yourself, your colleagues, your leaders, your life – there are so many areas in life that require confidence and benefit from it when it does exist.

Having confidence in yourself is of the utmost importance as you need to know that you matter in this world and that the world needs you. You have a purpose and the world benefits and evolves when you share your gift. Your confidence grows as your skills and abilities grow & you develop both personally & professionally.

Confidence in your relationships, whether it be with a partner, friend, colleague – including managers – is necessary when you work, and play together – knowing that regardless of the purpose of your connection that trust, support & respect is essential if you are to move forward together.

When you lack confidence it affects so many areas of your life – you know that. Confidence doesn’t mean that you have to know everything and be everything to everyone. It means have the confidence in yourself to know when you need to ask for help – that’s wisdom – you have that also. Have the confidence to know that you know what to do at all times – you just need to trust yourself.

How to practice Confidence:

For young adults & adults:

• Make a list of what you do and don’t do well – then look at how often you do both those things. You’ll notice that you are confident regarding the things you do frequently. The things you aren’t confident with just require more practice.

• Know yourself – be aware of when you are confident and when you are cocky – there’s a difference

• Be confident, yet humble

For child care centres & schools:

• Speak to children about how to practice confidence – say hello and greet people with courtesy & respect – get them to practice it with each other

• Let children know that when things that aren’t so good happen that it’s a life lesson and we learn from it so it’s a win/win either way

• Discuss trusting their instincts and having confidence in themselves regarding stranger danger

For families:

• Support each other by asking each other about self-limiting beliefs once they are expressed

• Let each other know that you are grateful for the confidence you have

• Recognise the challenges that family members have overcome and how they have strengthened as a result

For businesses & organisations:

• Listen to other people’s opinions – confident people are open minded & humble in themselves & others

• Build employees self confidence – they are happier & more productive as a result

• Ensure all staff provide positive feedback and constructive comments (not criticism)