Henry Ford said, “whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Which means it is up to us to determine our altitude. We’ve all heard the saying: if you want to achieve it, you must first believe it. This is true for both our personal and professional lives. Over the years, I’ve worked with many individuals; some have been considered extraordinary, while others may be considered everyday people. But one thing I found common in most people is a lack of confidence.
Confidence is defined in a couple of different ways; the state of feeling certain about the truth of something; or a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities. Oftentimes, we don’t trust our own instincts and we don’t value or understand what we possess or bring to the table. There are many reasons why this phenomenon exists. Psychologists believe we get our first level of confidence from our parents as children. If our parents don’t speak life into us and assure us that we can do anything we put our minds to, our confidence will falter as soon as someone comes along to discourage us.
Growing up, I didn’t always have a lot of confidence. People thought that I did because of the way I carried myself, but due to various situations in my childhood, I didn’t always see myself in a positive light. I carried the negative feelings I felt about myself quietly inside, but it caused me to make some not-so-good choices along the way. When we don’t like ourselves, we tend to self-sabotage; sometimes without even realizing it. This is not an uncommon trait. There are many people that cover up how they truly feel about themselves by pouring into their work, drinking, drugs, sex, shopping and other things to distract them from their reality. Some people are good at putting up the façade of confidence when in reality they’re not.
As we bring in not just a new year, but a new decade, let’s stop and check our personal barometers on how we see ourselves. A barometer is something which reflects changes in circumstances or opinions. We can all change how we think about ourselves and we need to rethink our focus for 2020. When we have 20/20 vision, we have clarity or sharpness to what we see. We are all a product of the choices and decisions we’ve made in our lives, but it does not mean we have to stay in a situation if we’ve made bad decisions. God is in the mercy and grace business. Start making better decisions today that allows you to walk in confidence.
If you realize that you’ve made some bad choices, find out why. Is it based on bad information? Is it based on a characteristic flaw? Whatever the reason, decide now to change your focus and to do whatever is necessary for you to get on the right track and begin to make better choices that will help build up your confidence. Making good choices and developing good habits are initial steps to getting you on the right path. I believe it is never too late to believe in yourself and to have the life you’ve always dreamed of. I made the decision to walk daily in this truth. I believe in myself and what I have to offer to the world.
Make 2020 and this next decade your best years ever. Don’t worry about being accepted by others. Be true to yourself and your Maker. Learn from your past and understand your vision moving forward. I believe your best days can still be before you. The best is yet to come. What say ye?
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is an international coach, consultant, trainer, author and speaker.
