4 Ways to Make Yourself Feel Braver
Now that Baby Jet is eight months old, I’ve been able to take a few deep, cleansing breaths and look around. I feel like I haven’t looked up in weeks. If you have ever brought a newborn home from the hospital, you know what I’m talking about. There is a special mix of euphoria and sleeplessness that lends itself to operating in survival mode for the first six months or so. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining at all. I have loved getting milk drunk with my newest soulmate and I am extremely thankful that owning my own business allows me to work crazy hours and pull back when needed.
And now that the baby is eating a bit of baby food and sleeping through the night, I have the flexibility to start chasing my next dreams.
This season of dream chasing involves a lot of “putting myself out there.” I am looking to fill my speaking calendar and I’m looking for the opportunity to become a brand ambassador for a brand or two. This involves a lot of pitching and asking.
Asking and pitching is scary, y’all. I spend a lot of energy waffling between hoping they say “yes” and hoping they at least say “no” nicely.
Over at my company, Flight Attendant Career Connection, I work with aspiring flight attendants and I coach them as they get ready for big, scary, possibly life-altering interviews. The thing I run into most often is candidates let their nerves get the best of them. Bright, bubbly personalities disappear in the face of interview questions. As normal as this feeling is, it has to be overcome for the applicant to shine.
If you are chasing a dream, you probably feel this way from time to time, too. There are things you can do to boost your confidence and overcome the fear that is holding you back. Here are tips I give my clients and use myself. I have been feeling more like a shrinking violet and less like myself lately. Time to start practicing what I preach.
4 Ways to Feel Braver
- Think What You Want to Feel
Think about what makes you feel inspired and keep these words in the front of your mind. Whether you use scripture or motivational quotes to keep you pumped up, words are powerful. Pump yourself up with encouraging thoughts, remember times you have been successful, and focus on your “why,”
- Use Body Language Techniques on Yourself
You have probably heard that our body language and non-verbal clues can have an impact on the people we are talking to, but did you know that your body language and non-verbal clues can have an effect on the way you feel and perform? Higher testosterone levels have been shown to make you feel braver and you can increase your testosterone levels by standing like Superman. I know, I know, but try it. Stand up nice and tall with your feet shoulder width apart and put your hands on your hips. Stick your chest out and hold you head high. Feel the power.
- Give Yourself a Pep Talk
When I have clients that are especially wound up with anxiety, I stop and ask, “Do you know you are going to be a good flight attendant? Do you know in your heart that your passengers will be well served and kept safe in your care?” When the answer “Yes” come strong and passionately, I remind them that’s what really matters and their only goal is to communicate that “knowing” to the recruiter.
- Eat well and exercise
This one is hands down the hardest for me. When I get stressed, I eat. When I get scared, I have a snack to take my mind off my troubles. A few weeks ago, I had the (amazing!!!!) opportunity to be on the set of The Pursuit as Kelsey Humphreys interviewed Marie Forleo. Marie said something I had never heard before. She said a healthy body comes from what you eat and a healthy mind come from exercise. Exercise is magical when it comes to stress relief and mental clarity. I have also committed to drinking a green smoothie every day to fill in the gaps between mindless Pringle munching sessions.
Feeling afraid is normal and should be expected but don’t let fear control your actions. Remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s being brave in the face of fear. And I know you are brave!
