Confidence and You

by Rachel Dungan

This week, I am joining three pharmacists and eight coaches (from Ireland, Holland, Italy and Israel) at an advanced training for coaches and healthcare professionals in Medical Coaching. 

Medical coaching is a powerful client-centred process of mental and emotional support to help patients get the best from their medical care.  As I joined this new group of people, it started me thinking about confidence... Confidence to be exposed to new ideas.  Confidence to explore difficult emotions.  Confidence to be vulnerable.  Confidence to make a request to have our needs met.  How confident do you feel in new situations, or when exposed to new ideas and situations?   

Think of a recent conference, CPD event, social or business gathering you attended. Who were the people that projected confidence? You probably remember them well because confident people radiate a warmth and enthusiasm that draws people toward them. They approach these occasions as opportunities to meet, greet and grow. Less confident people often hide in the background or stick closely to people they know.

We all yearn to have confidence – to feel as if we belong. Here are a few tips to help you feel confident no matter what you're doing or whom you're with:

Smile. Confident people smile - they smile with their mouth and their eyes. Their energy is positive. Even when they’re nervous inside, they don’t show it on their face.

Breathe. If you feel a little anxious around people or situations that are unfamiliar to you, take a few deep breaths to relax. Slow, mindful inhales and exhales lower anxiety and nervousness immediately. 

Show Interest.  Take the focus off yourself and put it on others by asking thoughtful questions and listening with interest. People with confidence care about others. So always ask, listen and learn. 

Use Positive Self Talk.  Give yourself positive messages, reminding yourself of your strengths, talents and successes.  Recite a simple mantra for when you are feeling anxious or uncertain.

New situations can make anyone feel a bit anxious and uncertain.  By applying these simple tips, you will feel less nervous, more empowered, and more confident.