Summary: In today’s episode of The Prosperous Life Podcast, host Braiden Belnap sits down with Shi Bassett, a successful entrepreneur and mother who has struggled with issues of worth and confidence but has recently found her voice and is now committed to helping those around her reach their potential. Shi’s journey resonates with many of us who may feel unsure of our worth or lack the confidence to speak up and live authentically.
Building confidence and finding your voice isn’t something that happens overnight, but it’s a process that anyone can work toward. Whether you're trying to boost your self-worth, feel more confident in your personal or professional life, or simply want to assert yourself more effectively, here are steps to help you on the path to empowerment.
Step 1: Identify Your Limiting Beliefs
The first step toward building confidence is recognizing the limiting beliefs that hold you back. These are the thoughts that tell you you're not good enough, smart enough, or capable of achieving your goals. Limiting beliefs often stem from past experiences or societal conditioning and can manifest as fear of failure, imposter syndrome, or a constant need for validation.
How to Start:
Write them down: Take a moment to write down the negative thoughts that regularly cross your mind. Identify the root of these beliefs—are they based on facts, or are they assumptions you’ve carried from past experiences?
Challenge your beliefs: Once you’ve identified your limiting beliefs, question their validity. Ask yourself, “Is this absolutely true?” Often, we realize these thoughts are not based on reality but on our own fears and insecurities.
Step 2: Set Small, Achievable Goals
When building confidence, it’s important to start with small, manageable steps. Setting goals that are too ambitious right from the start can lead to feelings of overwhelm and discouragement. Instead, focus on small victories that gradually build your sense of accomplishment.
How to Start:
Break it down: If your ultimate goal is to improve your confidence in social settings, start by setting smaller goals like making small talk with a colleague or initiating a conversation with a friend. These small wins will help build your confidence incrementally.
Celebrate your progress: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small. Celebrate each victory, as this will help build momentum and reinforce your sense of self-worth.
Step 3: Cultivate Positive Self-Talk
Our internal dialogue has a huge impact on how we view ourselves. If you constantly tell yourself that you’re not good enough, you’ll start to believe it. On the other hand, practicing positive self-talk can help you shift your mindset and build a stronger sense of self.
How to Start:
Reframe negative thoughts: When you catch yourself thinking negatively, try to reframe the thought into something more positive. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m terrible at public speaking,” reframe it as, “I’m working on improving my public speaking skills.”
Use affirmations: Incorporating daily affirmations into your routine can help reinforce positive beliefs about yourself. Simple affirmations like “I am capable” or “I am worthy” can go a long way in shifting your mindset over time.
Step 4: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Building confidence requires you to step outside your comfort zone. It’s natural to feel uneasy when trying new things, but growth happens when you push beyond what feels safe and familiar. The more you challenge yourself, the more resilient and confident you’ll become.
How to Start:
Take small risks: Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, sharing your opinion in a group setting, or trying something new in your personal life, taking small risks helps you practice stepping outside your comfort zone.
Learn from failure: Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a natural part of growth and an opportunity to learn. Instead of seeing failure as a setback, view it as a stepping stone toward improvement.
Step 5: Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Who you surround yourself with can greatly influence your confidence. Being around supportive, uplifting individuals who believe in your potential can help you build a stronger sense of self-worth. On the other hand, toxic or negative relationships can reinforce feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
How to Start:
Seek out positive influences: Make an effort to spend time with people who encourage and support your personal growth. Whether it’s a mentor, a close friend, or a colleague, having people in your corner can make all the difference.
Set boundaries: Don’t be afraid to distance yourself from relationships that are draining or negative. It’s important to protect your energy and surround yourself with people who uplift, not tear down.
Step 6: Practice Assertiveness
Finding your voice is about learning to assert yourself in a way that’s respectful and clear. Assertiveness isn’t about being aggressive or dominant; it’s about communicating your needs and boundaries with confidence.
How to Start:
Speak up for yourself: Practice expressing your opinions, desires, and boundaries in situations where you might typically stay silent. This could be as simple as voicing your preferences in a group decision or standing up for yourself in a disagreement.
Use “I” statements: When communicating, using “I” statements helps you express yourself without sounding confrontational. For example, instead of saying “You never listen to me,” try saying “I feel unheard when I’m not given a chance to speak.”
Step 7: Focus on Personal Growth
Building confidence and finding your voice is an ongoing journey of personal growth. As you continue to work on yourself, you’ll discover new strengths, passions, and abilities that you may not have recognized before.
How to Start:
Invest in yourself: Whether it’s through learning new skills, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in self-care, take time to invest in your personal development.
Reflect on your progress: Regularly reflect on your journey and recognize how far you’ve come. Personal growth is a continuous process, and each step you take brings you closer to living authentically and confidently.
By incorporating these steps into your life, you can begin building the confidence you need to live authentically and embrace your full potential. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you develop through self-awareness, perseverance, and a commitment to personal growth. Just like Shi Bassett, you too can find your voice and empower yourself to become the best version of you.
Connect with us!
Shi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibassett/
• Braiden’s Website: https://www.braidenbelnap.com/
• Braiden’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braidenbelnap/
• Braiden’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraidenBelnap
• Braiden’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@braidenbelnap
•Braiden’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braiden-belnap-09075a146/
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