No matter where you work or what kind of work you do, there’s one important factor that determines your chances for achieving success in the way you want – how you view yourself.
I’ve worked with many leaders who think their fate is determined by how others perceive them or their work. While this is true to an extent, the real indicator is their self-perception.
The leaders who fare best keep a consistent inner strength and confidence in themselves no matter what happens.
You are the only constant in a long drama called “work.” You’re the main character. Make your role count!
While you can’t always control the set or other characters, you can take charge of yourself – your thoughts and actions.
How do you view what you do?
Gain objective perspective.
If you’re in a situation where your perception of yourself or your performance differs from others’ perception of you, seek to understand why there’s a difference.
- Ask for specific examples.
- Confirm your intent.
- Clarify any misunderstanding.
At the same time, keep your belief in yourself and your potential strong. (Easier said than done.)
Building self-confidence is a process. In any leadership role, it’s inevitable that something or someone will threaten your belief in yourself.
When this happens, restore your self-confidence as quickly as possible by:
- Talking with other people who believe in you
- Reflecting on the specific successes you’ve had
- Replacing any negative self talk with emphatic commitments to achieve what’s most important to you
With a strong sense of who you are and what you can do, you’ll have much to look forward to as your story continues.