Let’s face it: we’re often our own harshest critics. We hold ourselves to impossible standards—standards we’d never dream of imposing on our friends, colleagues, or loved ones.
We berate ourselves for mistakes, dwell on missteps, and downplay our successes. Over time, this takes a toll on our confidence, self-image, and even the way others perceive us.
Why Confidence Matters
Your level of self-confidence directly impacts:
- The goals you pursue.
- The energy you project.
- How others experience and respond to you.
If your inner dialogue leans toward self-doubt or harsh judgment, it’s time to recalibrate your confidence meter. A great starting point? Lean on those who know you best. Friends and trusted colleagues often see your strengths and value more clearly than you do.
The Confidence Recalibration Exercise
Step 1: Gather Insights
Choose two to four trusted friends or colleagues and ask them to answer a few key questions about you.
Ground Rules:
- Ask your question, then listen. No interruptions.
- Don’t justify, explain, or diminish their feedback.
- If you need clarification, ask politely, but avoid “pushing back.”
- Always thank them for their insights.
This will take about five minutes per person. Here are the questions:
- What do you think is my greatest strength?
- When do you feel I’m at my best?
- What do you wish I focused less on, for my sake?
- What do you think I could let go of?
- What do you think I could celebrate more or give myself credit for?
Step 2: Reflect and Reframe
Take the answers and turn them into first-person statements, such as:
- “My greatest strength is…”
- “I’m at my best when…”
- “I will work to replace…”
- “I am proud of…”
Write these statements in a letter format to yourself. Date it, sign it, and keep it somewhere you can revisit when you need a boost.
Remember: you’re stronger, more capable, and more valuable than you give yourself credit for.
Step 3: Embrace the Shift
Confidence is developed with practice and rooted in how you see yourself. By trusting those who know and care about you, you can rewrite the narrative you tell yourself. At the same time, you are also rewiring your brain to more consistently acknowledge your best self.
This exercise had me see myself through the eyes of others which changed me. I’m confident it can do the same for you.
Take the leap to ask, recalibrate, and step into a more confident version of you.
Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!
Are you interested in having a conversation to explore how you can define your personal brand and accelerate your growth as a leader, individually or as a team? Send an email to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation.
