Believe it or not, even confident people don’t feel confident sometimes!

Have you ever known somebody who always acted as though they were ready to take on the world, regardless of the challenges they faced at the time?

Well chances are, they may have been freaking out on the inside, even though on the outside their confidence seemed unshakable.

A few years ago I was asked to present at a seminar, and I enthusiastically agreed to do it and everybody assumed that for me it would be a piece of cake (ok, I kind of talk a lot!).

On the inside however I was totally freaking out!  I had never presented at a seminar before, and definitely not in front of that many people!  I had NO idea if I’d do a good job, and even though I knew the topic well, I was scared I’d be standing up there in front of all of those people, with absolutely NOTHING to say!

Many people fear public speaking more than they fear DYING, and I finally understood why!

So the big day came, and I was unbelievably nervous and really just wanted it to be over. So I was called on stage, and I began my presentation.

I was shaking so much that I needed to hold onto the podium to stop myself from falling over, and about 10 minutes into my presentation, things started flowing a little better, and I was talking so fast that my presentation ended 10 minutes early but I was happy – and I received positive feedback from many of the attendees too.  Phew!

I had finally accomplished something that totally scared the life out of me!

So why did I even want to put myself through that??

Many people asked me that question, and the answer was easy:  I wanted to put myself through that so it wouldn’t be as scary next time.

And you know what?  I was right!

I’ve been on stage several times since that fateful day, and I am happy to say that the shakes are gone, and I actually enjoy getting up there!

For me, accepting this speaking opportunity was more about stepping outside of my comfort zone than anything else.  I really didn’t want to get up on stage and present to these people – but I knew that I needed to do it if I wanted to move one step closer to my goal of reaching millions of women all over the world so I could give them the tools and the knowledge to help them build their confidence and self esteem.

My talk had absolutely NOTHING to do with confidence or self esteem, but my actions did.  I definitely did NOT feel confident, but I knew I had to do it if I ever wanted to feel confident with public speaking.

It’s like most new things you learn.  At first it seems difficult and sometimes you don’t think it will ever become second nature.  But before you know it, you’re practically able to do it in your sleep!

The concept of public speaking does not scare me anymore and I don’t shake uncontrollably either.  A little bit of nervousness creeps in, but overall I feel good.  The pic I posted here was taken just after I was called to go on stage with one of my mentors, David Cavanagh.  He had asked me in the break if he could call me up and I gladly accepted.  I did not feel an ounce of nervousness on this occasion.  How good is THAT???!!!  :)

What I did by accepting that first speaking gig is one of the many keys to building your confidence and self esteem – I just got out there and I did it, despite my fears!

Where do you sometimes lack confidence?

To attract what you want in your life, you must first appreciate what you already have.  Even if life seems terrible right now, it is vital that you still look for the positives to feel grateful for.

In fact, when things aren’t going so well, this exercise can really shift your vibe to a more positive one, and this is how miracles happen!

Here are my suggestions about how to really acknowledge your gratitude each day:

1. Buy yourself a notebook. You can decorate it if you like – treat this notebook like it’s very precious to you.  This notebook is going to change your life – trust me!
2. Every morning before you get up (you can do this at night if morning doesn’t suit you), write a list of seven things you are grateful for in that moment.  Your list can include absolutely anything, from how grateful you are for your family, or for how you are able to make money from your job, to the fabulous new shoes you bought recently.
3. Next, in the second half of your notebook, start  ”future gratitude” section.
4. In the “future gratitude” section (you don’t have to call it this or even label it – as long as you know where to find this section), write down how grateful you are for something you want in your life but have not yet manifested.  For example, if you have a goal to own a beautiful new home, but you don’t yet own this home, express how grateful you are for your new home. (I’ll give an example in a moment).
5. As you write down these gratitude statements, be sure to let feelings of gratitude course through your veins.  Really experience the gratitude!

If you can, try to write in your new gratitude journal every single day.  Remember to feel your feelings of gratitude, and begin to take notice of the positive changes happening in your life!

Ok, so here’s my gratitude list for tonight:

1. I am grateful for reverse cycle air conditioning so I am able to heat my home!
2. I am grateful for my two beautiful daughters.
3. I am grateful for my fabulous new pair of boots.
4. I am grateful for the wonderful and inspiring people who are in my life right now.
5. I am grateful for my life experiences which will help me to help other women all over the world.
6. I am grateful for all of my wonderful clients.  They make my day!
7. I am grateful for my mentors. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you!  xxx

And my future gratitude item is:

I am so happy and grateful now that I am helping millions of women all over the world to build their confidence and self esteem.  :)

Ok, so now it’s your turn!

I had the BEST day today!  I was lucky enough to attend an event called The Passion Test, and oh boy do I feel WONDERFUL and EXCITED!!!  This picture here is of myself and Janet Attwood, one of the authors of the book titled The Passion Test.

Janet talked to us today about identifying our passions, and she took us through the process of identifying what these were.  I am now sooo clear about what I want and I’m so happy!

Janet was kind enough to autograph my book with the following note of encouragement:  “Michelle, May you light the hearts of women worldwide!!”.  Awww!  Of course this is in reference to my identified passion to help women all over the world to build their self confidence and self esteem.  This has been a passion of mine for a long time now, but as of today, I have so much clarity about how I’m going to get there!

I think most people struggle to identify their passions and as a result, they don’t get what they want.  As noted in Chris & Janet Attwood’s book, The Passion Test, “The number one reason people don’t get what they want is that they don’t know what they want.”

Now, if you don’t know what you want, it’s likely your life has very little or no direction. And if this is the case, it’s very likely your self confidence is suffering too.

By identifying your passions (and I mean your true passions!), you will finally have some clarity and direction in your life!  You will be excited about what’s to come, and you will begin to live your life like it means something!

If you don’t already have The Passion Test, then I suggest you go and get it now – it’s probably one of the best books I’ve read, and because it offers practical advice and instructions on how to identify your passions, you will soon be well on your way to living the kind of life you always dreamed of!  :)