Six ways to overcome fear and appear confident

Uncertainty, nervousness, stress. Successful managers and inspiring leaders always come across as so self-confident that it may seem they feel no nerves or fear during meetings and when making decisions. Often, however, this is not the case. All of us feel fear, we all dislike facing stressful situations and we are all nervous when about to speak in front of others. But some people have found a way to overcome their uncertainties, they do not let them show and do not succumb to them. Here are some ways in which you can learn this skill.

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Positive thinking

As PsychCentral states, positive thinking and a good mood are an antidote to fear. Before an important meeting or presentation, successful people keep themselves in a good mood, whatever that means for them: listening to music, talking to a friend, doing sport.

Knowledge and having things under control

When you know what you are talking about, you are generally less nervous. Fear often has a very real basis in a lack of knowledge. Reduce this source of fear by always coming to meetings well prepared and having a deep knowledge of your field.

Accepting the fact some things cannot be influenced

Another common source of fear is the thought that there are things you cannot influence. People then tend to feel they are not in control, and this is where fear sets in. The way out is coming to terms with the fact there are certain things you just cannot change; this, however, does not prevent you doing your best within the powers you do have.

Sticking to rational thinking

Fear and uncertainty are primitive emotions that do not take logic into account but tell us to run away, hide and make irrational decisions. Successful leaders and charismatic, confident people are able to decide rationally to free themselves from such fears, focus only on concrete facts and numbers and see things to some extent dispassionately.

Looking for solutions

Instead of worrying about problems, it is better, both for your business and your own sake, to focus on looking for solutions. Do not waste too much time on problems; seek compromises and suggest solutions.

Crisis scenarios

It is advisable, even if only for your own peace of mind, to plan in advance for any crisis or catastrophic situation that might theoretically occur in your team.

 

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Article source Psych Central - the Internet’s largest and oldest website focused on mental health
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