There are many ways for people to rebuild their confidence. One approach is for them to focus on a specific activity where they can build on their strengths.
They can clarify what they can control in the situation and set specific achievable goals. They can then follow strategies that work and do their best to achieve success.
Different people follow this approach in different situations. They may be aiming to feel more in control, recovering from a setback or shaping a more satisfying career.
Regaining confidence is often a by-product of success. Bearing this in mind, a person may focus on the following steps to increase the chances of achieving this goals.
Strengths
Imagine that a person is recovering from a setback. They may start by spending time in their chosen sanctuary to regain their energy. They may then want move forward and begin shaping their future.
One approach is for them to focus on a specific activity they want to pursue in their personal or professional life. When doing so, it can be useful for them explore the following questions.
What are my strengths? What are the kinds of activities where I can build on these strengths? When do I feel in my element – at ease and yet able to excel?
What are the specific activities that give me positive energy? What are the activities I feel passionately about where I can deliver positive results?
What are the kinds of work I find most satisfying? How could I translate this into doing something where I could achieve success? What would be the benefits of taking this step?
Let’s assume that a person is doing a specific activity where they can build on their strengths. They may then focus on the next theme.
Specific Goals
Imagine that a person has experienced a setback. The next step will be for them to set an achievable specific goal. Much depends, of course, on the kind of situation where they want to rebuild their confidence.
A person who has been mugged whilst jogging may aim to go for a short run with a friend.
A person who is in a role that does not play to their strengths may choose to take another role where they can make the best contribution to an organisation.
A person who has tried to introduce new ideas to people who aren’t interested may instead aim to plant seeds in more fertile ground.
A person who has been abused in a relationship may eventually dare to begin a relationship with somebody who affirms and supports them.
A person who wanted to study the arts at university but was persuaded to study sciences may change their course to one where they can excel.
Different people will focus on different goals. Whatever their aims, however, some people begin by studying what works in such situations. They may then take the following steps.
They clarify the key strategies they can follow to give themselves the greatest chance of success.
They rehearse how they can translate these strategies into action and get some early successes.
They rehearse how they can manage any challenges along the way towards achieving their goals.
Imagine that a person has taken these steps. They may then focus on the following theme.
Success
People often rebuild their confidence by getting successes. Bearing this in mind, some aim to move into action and get some quick wins. This helps to build momentum.
Such people may then aim to follow their chosen strategies. They may do this when aiming to pursue a specific project, perform satisfying work or do another activity. Sometimes this calls for taking the following approach.
The One Day At A Time Approach
People who take this path follow good habits. They aim to do this one day at a time. It is a route taken by many people who want to improve their lifestyle, stay sober or achieve a particular goal.
People who take this this approach need: a) to believe in the route they are taking; b) to be persistent and patient; c) to build on what is working and also tackle any areas for improvement.
Such people may also need to feel they are making progress. Some keep a daily journal to record their activities along the way. Some do this under the following headings.
People who are persistent and patient may also need to also build in times for reality checks. Bearing in mind their short and longer-term goals, they may need to ask the following questions.
What do I feel is working – even if it may take time to see the results? How can I keep doing these things? How can I encourage myself on the journey? What else can I do to increase the chances of achieving success?
Doing such reality checks can reinforce a person’s belief they are on the right road. Sometimes these check may also provide the opportunity explore other strategies that can increase the chances of achieving success.
There are many ways for people to rebuild their confidence. One approach is to focus on a specific activity where they can build on their strengths. They can then set specific achievable goals and do their best to achieve success.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of this approach? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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