There's only one way to build your confidence.

There's only one way to build your confidence.

I'm writing to you from a plane. I'm returning home to Phoenix from Atlanta.

I'm celebrating because I did something I'd never done - I coached a stranger on a stage in a room full of strangers.

I was nervous, excited, and scared.

Now, I'm confident and see opportunities in front of me that I couldn't see before.

The only way to build your confidence is through action. Nervous, scary, excited action.

You might be wondering how I created this opportunity.

Let me take you back:

A friend of mine, Rod, was talking to me about a big annual conference his team was responsible for creating. He was a bit concerned because they didn't have enough people to lead the workshops. He knew about my work as a coach and asked if I would be willing to lead a workshop.

The thought of doing this made me a bit nervous, a bit excited, and I had almost no fear about it. This was my clue that I wasn't playing big enough. This was not a hell yes for me. I felt indifferent, unenthused, and sort of blah.

I paused and thought about what might make this a hell yes for me: Giving people the experience of my coaching on a stage.

The thought of doing this terrified me, and made me both nervous, and excited.

Here was my opportunity to play a bigger game and model being courageous for myself and my clients.

I said I'd do it, but only if I could have a stage, two chairs, and two microphones.

He agreed.

At that moment, my heart started racing and dropped into my stomach.

I immediately started to doubt myself, to question my ability to deliver a meaningful, impactful experience. 

My energy shifted in less than a second. I began to think: What did I just commit to? What if I mess up? What if I don't provide an incredible, memorable experience? What if I don't deliver and damage the relationship?

I caught myself.

I was focusing inward on myself instead of outward on them.

The only way to build your confidence is through action.

If you'd like support to create more confident, authentic, and visible leaders, reach out, and let's collaborate.

Be More You.

Shermain.