Isn’t it curious that there is a designated day of Thanksgiving?
What does this say about our society and culture?
According to a quick Google search, there are 9 countries, in addition to the USA, that have a national Thanksgiving celebration. This, in my humble opinion, is a beautiful expression of graciousness for a nation to its citizens. And, a wonderful reminder for each of us to incorporate thankfulness as a way of being.
Often we gather with family and friends to share the Thanksgiving holiday and this can trigger emotional, mental and physical stress reactions.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, please enjoy Your Confidence Tune-Up…..
Whether you’re stepping into the family dining room, the boardroom or simply stepping into your day, confidence is the key to feeling great, performing your best, living a great life, and inspiring others to do the same.
But it’s not always easy to find your stride and keep that pep in your step, is it? Especially if you’ve recently encountered obstacles, losses or challenges that may have knocked you off track.
Fortunately, we humans are surprisingly simple creatures. As such, we respond well to triggers and cues, especially when it comes to shifting our mindset. So, this Thanksgiving, instead of the same-old sad, bad, or mad story reactions be proactive with positive healthy, uplifting and inspiring tools.
To that end, here are a few quick confidence boosters for you to use any time your confidence needs a boost.
They work. I promise.
1. Sit Up Straight
Your mom was right, good posture is important. But it’s just not a matter of keeping a hunchback at bay…when you sit or stand tall, you feel better. Slumping or slouching inhibits your breath, slows the function of your organs, and makes you feel cruddy. Good posture on the other hand, helps more oxygen flow to your lungs, eliminates body aches, and just plain ‘ole feels better.
And try this – today when you talk on the phone, stand instead of sit. Stand tall, walk around. When engaged in conversations with friends and family, smile. And, notice the renewed power and confidence in your voice.
2. Throw Your Hands Up
Declare Victory! In many cultures winning is usually followed by hands thrust into the sky in a wide V. It’s a natural physical reaction. Who knows which came first, but there’s a direct correlation between throwing your hands in the air and feeling like a winner. Behavioral scientists have identified this posture as “The Power Stance.” Try it right now to get a boost. Hold it for 1 minute and you’ll be unstoppable for the rest of the day.
3. Pump Up the Jams
Cultures all around the world have ritualistic and ceremonial dances. Sports stars plug in their favorite music before the big game. Professional speakers and entertainers play their ‘pump up’ tunes before they go onstage.
Music has a profound ability to physiology shift your mood, so put together a playlist of your favorite tunes and listen to it daily. Add in some movement for an even greater impact on your overall well-being. And for an even greater boost, sing your favorite songs loud and proud. You might get a few funny looks from the ones you love, but so what. Perhaps they’ll join in too!
4. Speak Positivity into Your Day
As you are getting ready for your day be it work, making breakfast, or driving in the car, speak out loud and with conviction of how good you feel, how much you are going to accomplish, how you are going to make a difference for others, how you will show love for your friends, family and colleagues, and, equally important, how you will receive love from your friends, family and colleagues. Speak as if you are a coach in the locker room giving yourself a pep talk to go out and win the game. Declare Victory! Remember: Victory for you is uniquely yours as created and defined by you and you alone.
5. Practice Collaborative Humility
Look for ways to help others and be open and willing to receive help from others. As you Pump Up and Declare Victory, remember that does not mean you are better (or worse) than anyone. Release the temptation of believing that in order to win someone must lose. Rise above, with a humble heart, this dualistic competitive attitude and resulting actions. Be amazed at how much you can accomplish and how good you feel.
6. Appreciate Everything
Start expressing your gratitude every day. Practice the spirit of Thanksgiving every day. If you’d like, utilize the Peace Pages (free resource) to keep a gratitude journal and so much more. Even if you don’t grab the complimentary Peace Pages, write down at least 3 things you’re grateful for every morning or evening. Before long, you’ll have more things to appreciate than you can count.
Whatever you do, get out there, BE who you want to be and share yourself with the world. It’s time.
How will you step into your Thanksgiving confidence today?
Abound in grace,
Karen
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