The title of this post is the title of Chapter 3 of the book “The Magic of Thinking Big” by Dr. David J. Schwartz.  Building confidence and destroying fear are words easier said then done.  The reason why is as Schwartz points out, fear is a very real thing and simply saying “its all in your head” is not enough to conquer it and build confidence.  Schwartz outlines a 5 step process for accomplishing this daunting task and it was so profound yet practical that I had to dedicate a post to it.  Powerful advice.

5 Ways to Build Confidence and Destroy Fear

1.) Action Cures Fear

As Schwartz puts it “When we face tough problems, we stay mired in the mud until we take action.  Hope is a start.  But hope needs action to win victories.”

2.) Put Only Positive Thoughts In Your Memory Bank

Your mind is a memory bank – deposit and withdraw only positive thoughts  As Schwartz puts it “Negative thoughts produce needless wear and tear on your mental motor.”

3.) Put People in Proper Perspective

Develop an understanding attitude for those who bully you and know that everyone is basically alike.  As Schwartz puts it “If the other fellow is basically like me, there’s no reason to be afraid of him.”

4.) Do What is Right – Listen to Your Conscience

“Doing what’s right is a very practical rule for success.”  -Schwartz

5.)  Exercise Confidence Building Activities

• Sit Up Front– Sitting up front builds confidence (there is nothing inconspicuous about success)
• Make Eye Contact – Avoiding eye contract conveys fear
• Walk Faster – “I’ve got places to go!”
• Speak up – Add to your confidence, be the icebreaker
• Smile Big – “A big smile beats fear, rolls away worry, defeats despondency.”