Although it may be be difficult, leadership is about confidence, and most importantly your own self-confidence. I have also suffered from this in my career, and I have always taken steps to improve myself, although every day is a 'school' day as they say, and so it should be.
Improving your confidence is a personal journey that can involve a variety of strategies. Here are some tips that have helped me along the way:

Set Small Goals: Start with small, achievable goals that you can accomplish. Successfully achieving these goals can boost your confidence and motivate you to tackle bigger challenges.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your efforts, progress, and accomplishments. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that they are opportunities for learning and growth.

Prepare and Practice: Whether it's public speaking, a job interview, or any other skill, preparation and practice can significantly boost your confidence. Familiarity with the subject matter or task at hand can make you feel more secure and less anxious.

Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to challenge and overcome self-doubt. Repeating positive statements about yourself can help change negative thought patterns into more positive ones.

Visualize Success: Visualization is a powerful tool. Imagine yourself succeeding in your endeavours. This mental practice can enhance your confidence and reduce anxiety about future tasks or performances.

Build Skills: Identify areas where you feel less confident and take steps to improve your skills in those areas. Whether through formal education, online courses, or self-study, enhancing your abilities can boost your self-confidence.

Surround Yourself with Support: Spend time with people who uplift you and believe in your abilities. A supportive network can encourage you when you're feeling doubtful and celebrate your successes with you. Find a mentor!

Stay Healthy: Physical well-being can influence your mental state. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can improve your overall mood and energy levels, contributing to a more positive self-image.

Face Your Fears: Stepping out of your comfort zone and facing your fears can be empowering. Start with small steps and gradually expose yourself to situations that scare you, building your resilience and confidence over time. My journey took me to the stand-up comedy stage...yours doesn't have to.

Seek Professional Help: If your lack of confidence is affecting your daily life or mental health, consider seeking help from a counsellor or therapist. Professional guidance can provide you with strategies to build your self-esteem and address underlying issues.

Remember, building confidence is a process that takes time and patience. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and be persistent in your efforts.

The picture is from a stock image - I didn't have the confidence to post the one I took of me in a similar outfit - maybe someday

By Dara Kiernan

Keywords: Leadership, Management, Mental Health