Everyday I watch women (including myself at times) downplay their strengths, doubt their abilities and almost hide their talents. They deflect compliments, undershoot for jobs and hold themselves back far too often.
Below are a few tips to help women when in comes to confidence and compliments:
1. Own your strengths: If you are good at something, acknowledge it. Chances are you’ve worked hard to get good. Stand behind your skill set with confidence and do not try to underplay it.
2. Do not hide: Hiding out so others don’t see you is uncomfortable for those around you and toxic to your sense of self. Walk in the world as though you belong…because you do.
3. Listen to yourself: One of your greatest assets is your instinct; learn to listen to it. Don’t look to others for answers you have within yourself.
4. Accept compliments graciously: The greatest response to a compliment is “Thank You”. Do not deflect someone’s compliment of you either to fish for more or to manage your anxiety. Take it in and be appreciative.
5. Trust yourself and push yourself: There will always be someone telling you what you are and are not capable of—don’t listen. Only you determine what you’re capable of. Set your sights high and trust you can reach them.
Over the years, I’ve seen many of these lessons play out in my own life as well as the lives of many women. I have doubted myself, deflected compliments and even changed my thinking because of the thinking of others. None of these have helped me or any woman. Learn to trust yourself, own your gifts and stand tall in the world. Playing small does not serve you or others.
Acknowledge your talents and share them with the world. Your strengths are a gift to you and to the world at large. Share them don’t hide them.
Challenge: Look over the list above with an honest eye. Choose one tip on the list and work it until you have it down. Move on to the next one only after you have mastered the first. Notice what happens.
