Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage and confidence in the doing.
Theodore Roosevelt
Now that we are clear about what True Authentic Self-Confidence is, we understand what it is not. We also know where it comes from. We understand that we all feel a lack of confidence at times. This often happens when we try something new. Fear can cause us to stop moving forward, yet, we can have fear WITHOUT fear having us! Confidence is not the absence of fear – it is continuing to grow and move forward despite the fear. We can grow and strengthen our confidence muscles by doing things that scare us. And we can also learn to step into fear, and actually befriend it.
We gain new strength when we understand what fear really is. We also gain strength by understanding what confidence really is. This strength overcomes doubts and worries. These are the doubts and worries that have kept us stuck in our current circumstances. Knowing confidence is NOT the absences of fear. Self-Confidence is growing and moving PAST FEAR, and towards our calling from the Infinite.
We recall moments of achievement. These arise when we look back over our lives. This happened because we took that risk, and we SUCCEEDED! Taking action is sometimes the greatest satisfaction, especially when we are doing it afraid. Fear is a real part of life. No one doesn’t face fear in their life. We must understand, fear is not just a phobia of spiders, snakes, bugs, etc. Fear can be a fear of heights or confined spaces. It can manifest in being in front of people or even driving on an unknown road. The fear we experience most of the time is much more subtle. It steals our confidence. Sometimes we aren’t even fully aware of it. It keeps us stuck. It causes us to question ourselves, thoughts of “what if I’m not good enough?”, “What if I don’t like what I learn about myself?”, “what if others don’t agree?”, “Is this really even possible?”. We MUST REMEMBER we are NOT ALONE feeling this way.
As we pursue our passion and purpose in our life, we long to live a life we love. We will face new territory. There will be new people, new places, and different ‘things’ we have never experienced before. This can make us feel afraid to take the next step. The TRUTH is, we ALL feel a lack of confidence when trying something new. Fear creates a physical and emotional response. These responses can cause us to stop moving forward. Unfortunately, up until now, we have let them. Now that we have a better understanding of Self-Confidence, we realize it is our connection to the Infinite. We KNOW we have CONFIDENCE already WITHIN US. We can befriend fear, move beyond it, and continue moving forward with passion and purpose. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US HAVING FEAR, AND FEAR HAVING US!
This my friends is how we GROW CONFIDENCE muscles! We do the things that scare us. Continually pushing through challenges. By doing so, leading us to a higher version of our SELF. When we step into our greatness, we will undoubtedly have fear. Still, we CAN make friends with that fear. This creates another stepping stone in our path or a brick in our foundation. The One breathing us will ALWAYS help us find the confidence and courage when WE SEEK IT.
Here is a recap of what I have learned, utilizing myself and also want to share with you so you can do the same:
- I grow MY CONFIDENCE by feeding MY FAITH and starving my fear.
- The voice of fear is ALWAYS the voice of contraction, living a smaller version of myself.
- Knowing and believing that Confidence is my birthright.
- To pursue my purpose and passion, is not only reaching for the goal, it is achieving strength in my confidence.
- I can feel the fear and do it anyway!
- Fear is in the future. Doubt is from the past. Worry is the misuse of my imagination. CONFIDENCE IS IN ME ALWAYS!
- Fear is actually the border of the reality that I know.
- With my growing, expanding confidence, I have learned the difference between having fear and fear having me.
- I must be aware that fear speaks through distraction, dissuasion and distress.
- Fear is my companion as I grow, and I CAN make friends with that voice of fear!
There are a couple of things that were suggested that I do when I feel that fear is “moving in”
- Write down my fear thoughts, and ask myself “Is that actually happening RIGHT NOW?”
- Engage with gratitude! Which choices can I be grateful for in THIS MOMENT?
I will share the next step in the Confidence #3 post: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities. We have identified our Authentic Self-Confidence. We know it’s a trustworthy source. Fear has absolutely no hold on us. Ask yourself this: Can we take our experience of “failure” and use it for growth? Can it expand our confidence to pursue our purpose and passion? Failure is nothing to be ashamed of; it is nothing less than a stepping stone. Were you a failure every time you fell down while learning to walk? Absolutely not! We can be inspired by some of the most famous failure-to-success stories out there.
Here’s to learning to FEED OUR FAITH, and starve our fear!!
Holly
A Splendid Life Now! 