Building Confidence: A Journey of Personal Growth
The good old accountability group chat challenge is the primary reason for this blog post. I was thinking about what's meaningful enough to write about since the last article and one word came to mind: confidence.
Understanding True Confidence
That's right, confidence. Thinking back to a book by James Smith, strangely enough titled 'Confidence'. He talks about dieting and working out and how in his years as a personal trainer, asking clients why they're there. The answers would vary from losing weight to getting a six-pack, but in reality, they're all looking for increased confidence. You're better off reading the book for the actual, concise version of the story, but that's the gist of it.
My Personal Transformation
Since starting this challenge and pursuing this path of growth, public commitments, content creation and prioritising health, fitness, nutrition and positive lifestyle choices, the thing that's improved the most in the last 10 weeks is my confidence and the lack of concerns I give now. Don't get me wrong, I still overthink things, worry, procrastinate, but nowhere near as much as 10-week-ago David.
It feels like a strong position to be in and I'm looking forward to future dividends being paid. I've written at length about the no booze and focus on sleep, so I won't delve into those themes again, but investing in myself the way I have is leading to new opportunities, deals being done, and I feel like I'm only getting started.
The Monumental Shift
I feel that there's a monumental shift happening. By putting out more content, conversations with people I don't know have opened up. I've felt more likely to talk to random people. I don't avoid challenging conversations anywhere near as much, and overall, it feels like headway is being made.
Getting Started on Your Journey
So the question I'd be wanting answered right now if I was reading is, "That's good for you, but what do I do? How do I get started?"
To which I'd say, the same way you run a marathon - one step at a time. Just keep moving, do stuff, try stuff; momentum is the key. Thinking of a friend who's unofficially challenged me to a race to the £10 million, I love that this challenge has created that type of motivation around my small but really cool circle of friends and connections.
Practical Steps Forward
I think there are some practical steps to take, depending on what you're trying to achieve. If it is running, try running for a minute, then walk, then run another minute. Don't be hard on yourself, just do what you can and try to improve every time you go out. Just build some mileage up; it'll get easier.
Read running books, listen to running podcasts, follow runners on YouTube; there's a plethora of content out there to both inspire you and build technical skills.
For myself and this challenge, my strategy has been a multi-pronged one. I measure and document financial outgoings and incomings. I invest in myself through education, quality clothing, and presenting myself well. I surround myself with positive, driven, capable friends, social media connections, and the content I follow. I'm starting to try and make smaller amounts of money in any way whilst optimising anything currently coming in.
Looking to the Future
I don't have the full 10 years mapped out, not at all. I'm aware that something significant will need to happen to get there, as relying on 'normal' returns, capital growth and increasing my work income/hourly rate to a 'high' rate won't be enough. I will need to use leverage and/or rely on a big payday from something like a business exit or a development.
That's okay though. I don't need to know the exact path right now. As I say before, I'm just putting one foot in front of the other, doing what I can to improve myself every day and being consciously aware of every day, week and month counting.
Taking the First Step
If you're struggling with getting started, read either the 'Confidence' book or 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear. The essence of that book is start with anything, literally anything. If it's the running example, start by putting on your running shoes, that's it. From there you'll likely be able to make it out the door, and from there you'll likely be able to run 500m or so.
I'm pumped about this next phase and love chatting with anyone interested in the challenge, so if you're curious or want to talk, just reach out!
