The Importance of Self-Confidence

Today’s inauguration of America’s  first black President  marks a symbol of freedom, new beginnings and new found confidence for, not only the United States, but countries around the world.

Without confidence, growth and success are hard to come by. Confidence is a component of success, even if it can be tough at times to gain it.

It took me quite a long time to find confidence within myself, in my daily activities and in my interactions with people. I am insecure by nature so when I go outside of my comfort zone I tend to feel nauseous. Going outside of my comfort zone includes cold calling, public speaking,  and attending networking events and parties involving people I don’t know.

Although I can be insecure, I have a history of pushing negative feelings aside and plunging into situations I may not have done otherwise if I thought about it for too long.

These situations have included:

• Going against the ‘pack’ after grade eight to attend an arts package high school because I thought I would meet new and interesting people and at the same time, be free to explore my creative mind.
• Going against the ‘pack’ once more after high school to attend my local University and live on campus so I could meet new and interesting people.
• Graduating University, only to attend College in Toronto; a city where I knew few people, again to meet new and interesting people.

My limits have not stopped there; I went on to move in with complete strangers, which developed into lifelong friendships, while attending College and again while working in Mississauga. It’s funny that for someone who is quite intimidated by networking events and public speaking, I sure have taken a few leaps. My most recent leap has been opening my own business.

I did have a stable job, with a great pension and benefit plan, however my desire to become an entrepreneur has always stuck with me. When I was in school, I remember dreading the day I would graduate. I wondered how on earth people can stay in the same office for 30 years and still be considered sane. I was not looking forward to the daily ‘drudge’ however saw no other option.

So what does all this storytelling have to do with the importance of self-confidence?

Simply put, you must believe to succeed. If I didn’t believe I would be OK on my own, I wouldn’t have met the friends I have today. I wouldn’t have met my husband. I wouldn’t have opened my business. While marketing is ongoing and some days I need a little emotional push, I am happier now than ever. I am confident my business will be a success and this is exactly what keeps me going.