From doubt to determination

Regaining confidence in the face of anxiety

I could feel it building all day. That familiar knot in my stomach, the tightness in my chest, and the flood of doubts that seemed to come out of nowhere. Today was important—too important to let this anxiety take over. I had a lot of work waiting to be done and an even more crucial presentation to a client who could make or break a lot of what I’d been working toward. But despite all the preparation, the confidence I should have felt was nowhere to be found.

As I sat at my desk, staring at my notes, I could feel the anxiety creeping in, almost like a tidal wave. My heart started racing, my thoughts going in all directions. What if I messed up? What if I forgot something important or stumbled over my words? What if I wasn’t good enough? Was I even qualified to work with this client? I’ve been in tough situations before, but this time, the weight of it all was almost paralyzing.

I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t let myself be consumed by these thoughts. I couldn’t let this moment slip through my fingers because of fear. So, I did what I’ve learned to do in times like these—I took a step back, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath, and paused.

“Okay, Paul,” I said to myself, out loud, just to make it real. “You’ve been here before. You’ve faced bigger challenges, and you’ve always come out on top. This is just another hurdle, and you’re more than capable of clearing it.”

The words felt foreign at first, almost like I was trying to convince someone else. It almost didn’t sound like my own voice. But as I repeated them, I could feel the tension start to ease, just a little. I kept breathing, each inhale bringing a bit more calm, each exhale pushing away the anxiety.

“I’ve prepared for this,” I reminded myself. “I know my material inside and out. I’m an expert in what I do. That’s why they want to hear from me. I’ve got something valuable to offer, and I need to believe in that, just like they do.”

With my eyes open again, I looked around, grounding myself in the present moment. “This anxiety doesn’t define me. It’s just a feeling, and it’s temporary. I’m the one in control here, not these doubts.”

I started pacing, feeling the energy shift within me. “Even if things don’t go perfectly, I’ll adapt. I always do. I’m good at it. I’ve faced setbacks before and come out stronger. I’m resourceful, I’m resilient, and I don’t need to be perfect; I just need to be myself.”

Gradually, I could feel the grip of anxiety loosening. The doubts that had been so loud in my mind started to quiet down, replaced by a growing sense of confidence. I reminded myself that I’ve faced tough situations before and have always found a way through. This was no different.

Taking one last deep breath, I straightened up, shoulders back, feeling that renewed sense of purpose I knew was there all along. The anxiety was still there, lingering in the background, but it no longer had the power to control me. I had taken back the reins, and with that, my confidence returned.

To regain your confidence:

1. Pause and Breathe: When anxiety hits, pausing and focusing on your breath can help ground you. It’s a simple but powerful way to regain control over your thoughts and emotions.
2. Positive Self-Talk: Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Positive self-talk can be the turning point, shifting your mindset from fear to confidence.
3. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Embrace the fact that perfection isn’t necessary. What matters is progress, resilience, and the ability to adapt and grow from every experience.

Make an impact.

*****

Paul Kearley is a professional leadership, communications and sales coach for businesspeople who are taking command of their career and making an impact. He has worked as a business coach and trainer, Virtual Trainer, and speaker since 1985.

To see eBooks Paul has written, go here: https://payhip.com/PKWalktheTalk