Confidence ahead of time

I have some confident kids.

Recently my Eli (7 years old) went to his first archery "lesson," taught by 11 year old Jack, who is quite an expert for his age.

The first words out of Eli's mouth when he came home were "Mom!  I'm pretty much MADE for archery!"  He was feeling great about his first lesson, and sees even better things in his future!

His confidence is not based on any actual success.  He pretty much just decided he is going to be great at it.  And honestly... with that attitude he probably will be!  His confidence is the thing that drives him to keep at it and makes practicing fun.  He wants to talk about archery all the time, watch videos about it, and schedule lots of time to practice.  

Here is the lesson that is so simply illustrated here: Confidence drives success!

So many of us have it backward.  We think we will feel confidence after we have mastered the skill.

But what if Eli was waiting until he had proven himself in archery before he felt confident?  He would probably show up at his lesson kinda timid.  He might be afraid to look dumb, so he wouldn't try as hard.  He probably wouldn't be as excited to watch all the videos.  He wouldn't be very likely to start saving his money for a nice bow and arrow.  His progress would be much slower.

If you really want to succeed at something new, try choosing to feel confidence first!

If you want to be better mom, (or make new friends, or teach a Sunday school lesson, it works with anything,) try starting your day with the thought "I'm pretty much MADE for this job!"  Notice how that thought generates confidence, energy and optimism.  Those kinds of emotions not only feel great, but actually help you to show up as the very best version of you!

You were pretty much made for this.  You've got this!

Christi




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