Today's word is: CONFIDENT
To be honest, I am in no short supply of confidence. On the outside, anyway.
Sure, I worry about things and have self doubt. Oodles of self doubt. But when it comes right down to it, I usually have the grit to get things done.
Hard run? You bet.
New social situation? Awkward, but I'm game.
New job or task at work? Git-r-done.
I think that a lack of confidence boils down to two things: fear and excuses.
We all get stuck in our "safe" places - jobs, home life, fitness or lack thereof, and get lazy. I absolutely HATE when someone tells me they can't work out for XYZ reasons. Then complain about it.
No. Just no. Back that truck up.
What you're really telling me is that you're afraid of change, afraid of trying, and you're comfortable in your current situation despite your complaints. That deep down, you're afraid to try for fear of failure.
But if we don't try, we'll never know. Right? That's one thing that has stuck with me over the years. You'll never know if you don't ask. Ask for that raise. Ask for more responsibility. Ask your body to do more for you. Ask for help!
Which circles back to confidence. (Trust me, it does)
When you are more confident in yourself and your abilities, you're not afraid to ask these questions. Even if it's just the confidence that you can handle the no. You can handle the failure, and see it not as failure but as a lesson in what not to try and what to do next.
I know I'm coming off like one cocky SOB, especially since I "can't" run right now. But that's due to an injury and I'm doing everything I can to get myself healthy so that I can get back to it. Because my body still has questions unanswered in it, and I'm not taking no for an answer.
What does confidence mean to you? Link up with us and tell us about it!
You are right. Fear of failure looms large. But a good way to build confidence is to take the leap and give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy life has been nothing but leaps lately!
DeleteI think confidence is like a muscle... the more you work it the stronger it becomes.
ReplyDeleteOh, so true!
DeleteBut if we don't try, we'll never know. Right? RIGHT!!!!
ReplyDelete-Tamieka@fitballingrunningmom
Exactly!
DeleteExactly!
DeleteSo much in life boils down to fear and insecurity. If you don't ask, the answer is already "no".
ReplyDeleteYes, so true! Big leaps of faith have taken me places I've never imagined!
ReplyDeleteSo true! Big leaps of faith have taken me places I'd never imagined. :)
ReplyDeleteGood point! There are definitely a lot of excuses, but when it comes down to it, you have to have confidence you can push through. Running is a good example because no one is making you push harder... You're pushing yourself.
ReplyDeleteInjury stinks. Have you thought about pool running? It's intense. It's insane. It's awkward. It'll do the job. If you don't try, you'll never know (using a really great quote I just recently read!). :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to try pool running! But the only "public" pool we have is at the high school, and they only let the public use it for specific swim times a few mornings each week. I called to ask about it, but they said the swimmers are pretty serious and I'd likely be in their way. :( Small town living for you!
DeleteI would love to try pool running! But the only "public" pool we have is at the high school, and they only let the public use it for specific swim times a few mornings each week. I called to ask about it, but they said the swimmers are pretty serious and I'd likely be in their way. :( Small town living for you!
DeleteYou are absolutely right--it all comes down to fear of failure. But how do you ever get better at anything?
ReplyDeleteTo me, confidence means being self-reliant and resourceful, and having the ability to get things done without second guessing myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up!