Insurance Voice Newsletter
July 2009 News >
Self Confidence...Your Most Important Life Skill >
Scott Addis >
Excerpts: >
Self confidence is an attitude that is characterized by a positive belief that you can take control of your life and of your plans. It is a belief in your abilities. Confidence is the state of being certain that a chosen course of action is the most effective given the circumstances. People who are self confident are those who acknowledge their capacity to do something and then proceed to do these things. They do not rely on the approval of other people in order to affirm their existence. It is enough that they know they have the capacity and the potential to do something, and the guts to do it no matter what others may say. People who are self confident take advantage of opportunities that come their way. Self confidence can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, as those without it may fail or not try because they lack it and those with it may succeed because they have it. >
Henry Ford once said, “If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can’t, you are right.” Knowing how to be confident is all about believing in yourself. Learning to be confident starts with small challenges and gradually builds up to bigger ones. Confidence is built one step at a time. You must realize that even those people who appear to be very self confident acquired this trait over time. You acquire confidence through key attributes including:>
1. Knowledge. Education, research, analysis, investigation, observation and, most importantly, first hand experience. 2. Skill. Your ability to effectively utilize this knowledge. 3. Attitude. Your belief that you have the ability to control outcomes. >
Self confidence is about balance. There are people with low self confidence. At the other extreme, there are people who are over confident. Over confident people often take too much risk, stretch themselves beyond their capabilities and eventually run into road blocks. Over confidence is having unmerited confidence – believing that something or someone is capable when they are not. Choking refers to losing confidence, especially self confidence, just at the moment when it is needed most and doing poorly as a result. >
The confident person risks security and comfort to achieve higher levels of growth and independence. They have the ability to see obstacles as opportunities. Each day begins and ends with a sense of clarity, simplicity and a purpose. >
Highly self confident people feel in control. They have the ability to shut out distractions, establish priorities, make sound judgments, create strategies and carry them out effectively. They make good use of their strengths and resources. Most importantly, self confident individuals possess an ability to create value for themselves and those around them. >
Knowing how to be confident is a matter of strategy. Start by acknowledging your abilities and talents, avoid situations that discourage you from gaining confidence and seek opportunities to enhance your self-esteem. Success breeds confidence. Confidence breeds success. Confidence… Your Most Important Life Skill. >
The author, Scott Addis, is the President and CEO of The Addis Group and Addis Intellectual Capital, LLC (AIC). AIC is a coaching and consulting company whose purpose is to transform the process that insurance agents, brokers and carriers use when working with clients. Scott is recognized as an industry leader having been awarded the Inc. Magazine's "Entrepreneur of the Year" Award as well as "25 Most Innovative Agents in America". Scott can be reached at saddis@beyondinsurance.com or 610-945-1019.
Read Full Article: http://www.marketscout.com/voice/july09/addis_7_09.html
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This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.
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