Self Confidence

Ever heard the saying, ‘They put their trousers on one leg at a time, same as the rest of us’?

I have to ask – what on earth does that really mean? Where did I even pick it up from? I vaguely recall it being from a sales course I attended years ago, though the specifics escape me now. The idea behind it was simple: it’s a reminder that we’re all human and no one is inherently better or more important than anyone else. It’s a levelling phrase, the kind of thing you tell yourself when you’re about to have a meeting with someone like the CEO of a major corporation – say, the British head of Cisco Systems – and you need to remind yourself that they’re just like you.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’ve fully embraced this saying and the mindset that comes with it. In fact, just the other evening, I posted it in response to a young lady on LinkedIn. She’s preparing to debate with politicians, which is no small feat, and I thought a little show of support might help ease any pre-debate nerves she might have. But as I read my comment back to myself, I paused for a moment to reflect on the saying itself.

Why do I still use it? What does it really mean to me? It got me thinking about all the other quirky sayings we all have – those little phrases we throw out, sometimes without even realising, that somehow make perfect sense in the moment, even if they’re a bit strange when you stop and think about them.

So now, I’m curious: What are your ‘weird but makes sense in a strange way’ sayings? Come on, admit it – we all have them! Or at least, I hope it’s not just me. Let’s share them and have a laugh about the funny ways we comfort or motivate ourselves.

Is Your Self-Confidence as High as It Could Be?

Self-confidence is an essential ingredient for success, especially in business. Whether you’re attending a sales meeting, pitching a new idea or networking at an event, the way you carry yourself can make a world of difference. High self-confidence not only helps you present yourself in a positive light, but it also reassures those you’re engaging with that you’re competent, trustworthy and worth doing business with.

However, there’s a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance and it’s important not to confuse the two. Self-confidence comes from a place of competence and self-assuredness; it’s a quiet, inner strength that doesn’t need to be loud or overbearing. Arrogance, on the other hand, often stems from insecurity and a need to overcompensate. It’s flashy and often turns people off, especially in professional settings.

So, how do you build and maintain that self-confidence without crossing over into arrogance?

First, remember that preparation is key. The more prepared you are for a meeting or presentation, the more confident you’ll feel. Knowing your material, understanding your audience and anticipating potential questions or challenges will give you a solid foundation to stand on.

Second, focus on your body language. Non-verbal cues are incredibly powerful. Stand tall, maintain eye contact and offer a firm handshake – these small gestures can speak volumes about your confidence.

Finally, embrace a positive mindset. Confidence often comes from believing in yourself and your abilities. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, concentrate on what you bring to the table. Remind yourself of your past achievements, your skills and the unique value you offer. After all, they put their trousers on one leg at a time, same as you!

While self-confidence is a crucial tool for success, it’s important to strike the right balance. Be confident, but also stay humble. Listen more than you speak and let your work and your character do the talking for you. True confidence isn’t about being the loudest person in the room – it’s about knowing your worth and allowing that quiet assurance to shine through in everything you do.