I've been thinking about the uncertainties some people are feeling about reintegrating back during this time. Whether it’s returning to work or finding work for those who lost their jobs. There’s a lot to consider.
What comes to mind is something Madonna said during her speech at the 2016 Billboard Music in Women Awards: "...in life, there is no real safety except self-belief." I don’t think Madonna was referring to physical safety (something needed for a global pandemic), I believe she was talking about the feeling of security that comes from self-belief.
The quote resonated with me then, and it still does now. While growing up, a lot of people did not believe in me. However, thankfully, I believed in myself and overcame a lot of challenges and setbacks because I did so. Decades later, my unwavering belief has culminated in a great career in coaching and a life with an amazing partner.
Self-belief is about self-trust and having expectations for yourself. I believed, and continue to believe, I can handle whatever comes my way. When I felt challenged, I learned to adapt, pivot, become resourceful, and sometimes ask for help. I also had expectations for myself. When others' expectations of me were low or non-existent, mine were high. Both were definitely a process, however. This said you too can take whatever situation you are currently facing and find a way to make the best of it.
Speaking of making the best of it and adapting, I think about all the businesses that transformed what they usually do to create or supply relevant items and services during this time, e.g. breweries making sanitizers. Sure you can say it is out of necessity, which may be mostly true, however, it could also be that they believe they can continue to contribute.
Charles Duhigg, in his book The Power of Habit, mentions self-belief as the single, most important ingredient to sustain habit change. You can change if you believe you can, you can't if you don't. In other words, "you get what you expect." Self-belief and expectation are the distinguishing and defining pieces to any success.
Take Michael Jordan, most would say he’s successful. Yes, he had great skill, drive, and work ethic; however, I believe he was also a master of self-belief. I don't think he had an innate belief in himself, I think his confidence grew with his experiences and success. I believe self-belief can be developed like any other skill or mindset. It takes practice, something Jordan continuously did.
If you want to develop more belief in yourself, here are a few suggestions:
Think back to a time in your life where you had self-belief. What was happening, and why did you have it? Dissect it and try to recreate it.
Start a log and track your success or accomplishments daily. List all the things -big or small- you have been successful at, e.g., finishing the report due, fixing the printer, etc.
Journal or talk through all the blocks to self-belief and work them out.
Expect more of yourself and trust you can handle whatever situation comes your way.
Developing self-belief will help you to navigate these uncertain social and economic times. You will get through it if you believe you can. Self-belief is the only real security in life.
Best,
Ps. If you are struggling with self-belief and would like to develop it, you can contact me here for a complimentary Get Acquainted Call to see if I can help.