Episode 6 - Overcome Self-Doubt, Build Unshakable Confidence!

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Episode 6 - Overcome Self-Doubt, Build Unshakable Confidence!

Eric: Welcome back to Effortless English Podcasts!
Eric: This is the place where we talk about how to improve your life in simple and practical ways.
Eric: Before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
Eric: It’s the easiest way to stay updated with all our new episodes.

Tina: Yeah, seriously, just hit that subscribe button already.
Tina: Okay, Eric, let’s get into it.
Tina: Today’s topic is something that I think a lot of people struggle with.
Tina: We’re talking about building self-confidence.

Eric: That’s right.
Eric: Self-confidence is one of those things that everyone needs, but not everyone knows how to develop.
Eric: It can affect your career, your relationships, and even how you feel about yourself.
Eric: And, of course, we’ll break it down for you in a fun and easy way.

Tina: So true!
Tina: But, you know, when we talk about confidence, it’s not just about standing tall or speaking loudly.
Tina: It’s more than that.
Tina: Confidence is about how you see yourself and how you deal with challenges in life.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: And we’re going to cover a lot in today’s episode.
Eric: We’ll talk about what confidence really is, why some people struggle with it, and how to avoid falling into that trap.
Eric: Plus, we’ll share some practical tips to help you start building your own confidence step by step.

Tina: And we’ll even dive into how confidence plays a role in the workplace.
Tina: Because, let’s face it, if you don’t believe in yourself, it’s hard to convince anyone else to believe in you, especially at work.

Eric: Good point, Tina.
Eric: Confidence in the workplace is a big deal.
Eric: But we’ll get to that later.
Eric: For now, let’s start with the basics.

Tina: Yes, let’s.
Tina: Oh, and if you’ve got thoughts about today’s topic or want to share your experience, leave a comment below!
Tina: We’d love to hear from you.

Eric: Absolutely!
Eric: So, are you ready to dive into the world of confidence?
Eric: Let’s get started!

Eric: So, let’s start with the basics.
Eric: What exactly is self-confidence?
Eric: Simply put, it’s the belief in your ability to handle life’s challenges.
Eric: It’s not about being perfect or knowing everything.
Eric: It’s about trusting yourself to figure things out and move forward.

Tina: Right, but I feel like people often confuse confidence with arrogance.
Tina: Confidence is not thinking you’re better than others.
Tina: It’s about knowing your worth without needing to compare yourself.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: Confidence is internal.
Eric: It comes from within, not from external validation.
Eric: For example, studies show that people with genuine self-confidence are more likely to achieve their goals.
Eric: They’re not afraid to take risks because they trust their ability to adapt and learn.

Tina: That makes sense.
Tina: But I think for many people, confidence feels like a mystery.
Tina: It’s not something you can see or measure, so it feels hard to define.
Tina: What do you think makes someone truly confident?

Eric: Good question.
Eric: I think true confidence comes from experience and preparation.
Eric: When you’ve put in the work and faced challenges, you naturally start to trust yourself more.
Eric: Think about athletes, for example.
Eric: Their confidence often comes from hours of practice and discipline.

Tina: That’s a great example.
Tina: I’d also add that confidence isn’t a constant state.
Tina: It’s normal to feel confident in some areas of your life but not in others.
Tina: Like, you might feel totally secure at work but unsure in social situations, right?

Eric: Absolutely.
Eric: Confidence can vary depending on the situation.
Eric: But the key is to recognize that it’s a skill, not a personality trait.
Eric: That means anyone can develop it with the right approach.

Tina: And I love that idea!
Tina: Confidence is not something you’re just born with.
Tina: It’s something you can build, step by step.
Tina: But I also think people have a lot of misunderstandings about confidence.

Eric: Oh, definitely.
Eric: For example, some people think confidence means never doubting yourself.
Eric: But even the most confident people have doubts.
Eric: The difference is, they don’t let those doubts stop them from taking action.

Tina: That’s so true.
Tina: Another big misunderstanding is thinking that confidence means always being outgoing.
Tina: But you can be quiet and introverted and still be confident.
Tina: Confidence isn’t about how loud you are; it’s about how comfortable you are with yourself.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: It’s about self-acceptance.
Eric: When you know who you are and you’re okay with that, it shows.
Eric: People can sense that, and it makes a huge difference in how they respond to you.

Tina: That’s such a good point.
Tina: Confidence isn’t just about how you see yourself; it’s also about how others see you.
Tina: When you believe in yourself, it’s like giving others permission to believe in you too.

Eric: Right.
Eric: And that’s why confidence is so powerful.
Eric: It affects every part of your life, from your relationships to your career.
Eric: So, now that we’ve talked about what confidence is, let’s move on to why so many people struggle with it.

Tina: Yes!
Tina: Because, honestly, confidence isn’t always easy to have.
Tina: Let’s break down what holds people back and how we can overcome it.

Eric: So, why do so many people struggle with self-confidence?
Eric: It’s actually more common than you might think.
Eric: Studies show that over 60% of people deal with self-doubt on a regular basis.

Tina: That’s a lot of people!
Tina: But it’s not surprising.
Tina: I think part of the problem is that we’re constantly comparing ourselves to others.
Tina: Especially now, with social media showing us these “perfect” lives all the time.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: Social media can be a huge factor.
Eric: When you see everyone’s highlights but never their struggles, it’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough.
Eric: But comparisons aren’t the only reason people lack confidence.

Tina: Right.
Tina: I think past experiences play a big role too.
Tina: If someone’s been criticized a lot growing up, or if they’ve faced failure repeatedly, it can really shake their confidence.

Eric: Absolutely.
Eric: And research backs that up.
Eric: Negative experiences, especially in childhood, can create lasting insecurities.
Eric: For example, if a teacher or a parent made you feel like you weren’t smart or capable, that message can stick with you for years.

Tina: That’s so sad, but it’s true.
Tina: And it’s not just what people say to you.
Tina: Sometimes, it’s the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations.
Tina: Like feeling you have to be perfect all the time.

Eric: Yes, perfectionism is another big issue.
Eric: When you set impossibly high standards for yourself, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll fall short.
Eric: And every time you do, it chips away at your confidence even more.

Tina: It’s such a vicious cycle.
Tina: You fail because you’re trying to be perfect, and then you feel worse about yourself, so you stop trying altogether.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: And let’s not forget about fear of failure.
Eric: A lot of people are so afraid of making mistakes that they don’t even try.
Eric: They stay in their comfort zones, which might feel safe but doesn’t help them grow.

Tina: That’s such a big one.
Tina: Fear of failure is like a trap.
Tina: It keeps you stuck and makes it harder to build confidence because you’re not giving yourself the chance to succeed.

Eric: Right.
Eric: And then there’s also the impact of criticism.
Eric: Whether it’s from others or from yourself, constant criticism can be incredibly damaging.
Eric: In fact, studies show that self-criticism is one of the biggest barriers to confidence.

Tina: That makes sense.
Tina: When you’re always beating yourself up, it’s hard to believe in yourself.
Tina: So, Eric, what can people do to avoid falling into these traps?

Eric: That’s a great question, Tina.
Eric: I think the first step is awareness.
Eric: Recognize what’s holding you back—whether it’s comparisons, perfectionism, fear, or criticism.
Eric: Once you know the problem, you can start working on it.

Tina: That’s such good advice.
Tina: And I’d add that it’s important to be kind to yourself.
Tina: Treat yourself the way you’d treat a good friend.
Tina: You wouldn’t tear down your friend for making a mistake, so why do it to yourself?

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: Self-compassion is key.
Eric: And we’ll talk more about how to avoid these traps and build lasting confidence in the next part.

Tina: Perfect.
Tina: Let’s get into it!

Eric: Now that we’ve talked about why people struggle with confidence, let’s focus on how to avoid falling into those traps.
Eric: Confidence isn’t something that just magically appears; it’s something you can actively protect and build.

Tina: Totally.
Tina: One of the first things I’d say is to stop comparing yourself to others.
Tina: I know it’s easier said than done, but comparison is like poison for your confidence.

Eric: That’s so true.
Eric: And there’s actually a psychological reason for that.
Eric: When you compare yourself to others, you’re usually looking at their strengths and comparing them to your weaknesses.
Eric: It’s not a fair comparison, and it’s not helpful.

Tina: Exactly.
Tina: Instead, focus on your own progress.
Tina: Ask yourself, “Am I doing better today than I was yesterday?”
Tina: That’s the only comparison that really matters.

Eric: I love that mindset.
Eric: Another way to avoid losing confidence is to learn how to handle criticism.
Eric: Criticism is inevitable, but how you react to it makes all the difference.

Tina: Right, because not all criticism is bad.
Tina: Some of it can actually help you grow.
Tina: But if you let every little comment get to you, you’re giving away your power.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: One way to handle criticism is to separate the helpful feedback from the noise.
Eric: Ask yourself, “Is this something I can learn from, or is it just negativity?”
Eric: If it’s useful, great—use it to improve.
Eric: If not, let it go.

Tina: That’s such a good tip.
Tina: And I’d add that it’s important to be careful about how you talk to yourself.
Tina: Negative self-talk can be just as damaging as external criticism.

Eric: Absolutely.
Eric: Studies show that people who practice positive self-talk are more likely to feel confident and achieve their goals.
Eric: So, instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” try saying, “I’ll figure it out.”
Eric: It might feel a little silly at first, but it really works.

Tina: I agree.
Tina: And I think it’s also important to stop chasing perfection.
Tina: Perfectionism is a confidence killer.
Tina: Nobody’s perfect, and trying to be will only set you up for disappointment.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: Instead, focus on progress, not perfection.
Eric: Celebrate the small wins along the way.
Eric: Every step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.

Tina: That’s such a good point.
Tina: I also think it’s important to surround yourself with supportive people.
Tina: If you’re constantly around people who criticize or bring you down, it’s hard to feel confident.

Eric: Absolutely.
Eric: Your environment plays a huge role in how you feel about yourself.
Eric: Spend time with people who encourage you and believe in your potential.

Tina: And if you don’t have those kinds of people in your life, be that person for yourself.
Tina: Cheer yourself on, even when it feels hard.

Eric: That’s a great mindset, Tina.
Eric: Lastly, I’d say, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Eric: Growth happens when you challenge yourself.
Eric: The more you face your fears, the more confident you’ll become.

Tina: Yes, it’s like building a muscle.
Tina: The more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Tina: So, don’t wait for confidence to come to you—go out and create it.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: And that brings us to the next part of our discussion: how to start building confidence from scratch.
Eric: Let’s talk about that next.

Eric: Now that we’ve talked about avoiding the traps of low confidence, let’s get into the practical part.
Eric: How do you actually start building confidence from scratch?

Tina: Yes, because knowing the theory is great, but it’s the action that really makes the difference.
Tina: So, Eric, where should someone start if they feel like they have zero confidence?

Eric: The first thing I’d say is to set small, achievable goals.
Eric: Confidence grows when you prove to yourself that you can succeed, even in small ways.
Eric: For example, if you’re shy in social situations, start by saying hello to one person each day.
Eric: It might seem simple, but small wins add up over time.

Tina: I love that idea.
Tina: It’s like you’re building a foundation.
Tina: Each small success gives you a little more confidence to take on bigger challenges.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: Another tip is to keep track of your progress.
Eric: Write down your achievements, no matter how small they might seem.
Eric: When you look back and see how far you’ve come, it can be a huge confidence boost.

Tina: That’s such a great tip.
Tina: I think people forget to celebrate their wins because they’re always focused on the next thing.
Tina: But taking a moment to acknowledge your progress is so important.

Eric: Definitely.
Eric: Another key step is to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Eric: Confidence doesn’t come from staying where it’s safe; it comes from facing challenges and proving to yourself that you can handle them.

Tina: Yes, but I think that’s where a lot of people get stuck.
Tina: Pushing yourself can be scary, especially if you’re afraid of failing.

Eric: That’s true.
Eric: But the key is to start small.
Eric: You don’t have to take a giant leap; even a small step outside your comfort zone can make a big difference.

Tina: That’s a great point.
Tina: And I think it’s also important to remind yourself that failure isn’t the end of the world.
Tina: It’s just a part of the learning process.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: Failure is actually one of the best ways to build confidence.
Eric: Every time you fail and get back up, you prove to yourself that you’re resilient.
Eric: And that resilience is a huge part of confidence.

Tina: I completely agree.
Tina: I’d also add that practicing gratitude can help.
Tina: When you focus on what you’re grateful for, it shifts your mindset from what you lack to what you already have.

Eric: That’s a great tip, Tina.
Eric: Gratitude helps you see your strengths and the positive things in your life, which can make you feel more confident.

Tina: And don’t forget about self-care!
Tina: When you take care of yourself—whether it’s exercising, eating well, or getting enough sleep—you feel better overall, and that helps your confidence too.

Eric: Absolutely.
Eric: Taking care of your physical and mental health is a huge part of building confidence.
Eric: When you feel good, you’re more likely to believe in yourself.

Tina: Exactly.
Tina: And, Eric, I think we should also mention the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people.

Eric: Oh, definitely.
Eric: When you’re around people who support and encourage you, it makes a big difference.
Eric: They can help you see your strengths when you’re struggling to see them yourself.

Tina: Right.
Tina: And if you don’t have a supportive circle, that’s okay too.
Tina: You can still work on being your own biggest supporter.

Eric: That’s true.
Eric: At the end of the day, confidence starts with you.
Eric: It’s about taking small steps, celebrating your progress, and challenging yourself to grow.

Tina: And remember, it’s not about being perfect.
Tina: It’s about learning, growing, and becoming the best version of yourself.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: So, now that we’ve talked about how to build confidence, let’s move on to the next part: how confidence can impact your career and workplace success.

Eric: Now let’s talk about confidence in the workplace.
Eric: This is such an important topic because your level of confidence can really affect your career.
Eric: It impacts how you’re perceived by your colleagues, your boss, and even your clients.

Tina: That’s so true.
Tina: I think we’ve all seen situations where someone less qualified gets ahead just because they appear more confident.
Tina: It’s frustrating, but it shows how powerful confidence can be.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: There’s actually research on this.
Eric: Studies show that people who appear confident are more likely to be promoted and trusted with leadership roles, even if their skills aren’t the strongest.

Tina: That’s wild.
Tina: It just proves that sometimes how you present yourself matters more than what you know.

Eric: Yes, but confidence in the workplace isn’t just about getting ahead.
Eric: It’s also about how you handle challenges, like giving presentations, leading meetings, or negotiating for a raise.

Tina: Right.
Tina: If you’re not confident, even asking for what you deserve can feel impossible.
Tina: So, Eric, what are some ways people can build confidence at work?

Eric: Great question, Tina.
Eric: First, preparation is key.
Eric: When you’re well-prepared, you naturally feel more confident.
Eric: For example, if you’re giving a presentation, make sure you practice ahead of time.
Eric: Know your material inside and out.

Tina: That’s a great tip.
Tina: It’s hard to feel confident if you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: Another tip is to work on your communication skills.
Eric: Speak clearly, make eye contact, and use confident body language.
Eric: These small changes can make a big difference in how others perceive you.

Tina: Oh, body language is huge.
Tina: I’ve read that even standing or sitting up straight can make you feel more confident.
Tina: It’s like tricking your brain into believing you’re more confident than you are.

Eric: That’s a great point.
Eric: It’s called the “power pose” effect.
Eric: When you adopt confident body language, it can actually boost your mood and mindset.

Tina: I love that.
Tina: But I think confidence at work is also about being authentic.
Tina: Pretending to be someone you’re not might work short-term, but in the long run, it’s exhausting.

Eric: Absolutely.
Eric: Authenticity is important.
Eric: People can sense when you’re genuine, and that builds trust.
Eric: Confidence isn’t about pretending to know everything; it’s about being honest about what you do know and being willing to learn.

Tina: That’s so true.
Tina: And I think part of being authentic is admitting when you don’t know something.
Tina: It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out.”
Tina: That shows confidence and humility at the same time.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: And let’s not forget the importance of feedback.
Eric: Asking for feedback can be scary, but it’s one of the best ways to grow.
Eric: When you know where you stand, you can focus on improving and building your skills.

Tina: That’s a good one.
Tina: And I’d add that it’s important to celebrate your wins, even the small ones.
Tina: When you acknowledge what you’ve done well, it reinforces your confidence.

Eric: Absolutely.
Eric: Confidence isn’t just about big achievements.
Eric: It’s about recognizing the little steps you take every day to improve.

Tina: And let’s not forget about relationships in the workplace.
Tina: Building strong connections with your colleagues can help you feel more supported and confident.

Eric: That’s a great point.
Eric: When you feel like part of a team, it’s easier to take risks and step out of your comfort zone.
Eric: So, to sum up, confidence at work is about preparation, communication, authenticity, and building strong relationships.

Tina: Exactly.
Tina: And remember, confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about believing in your ability to learn and grow.

Eric: Well said, Tina.
Eric: Now, let’s wrap things up with a quick summary and invite our listeners to share their thoughts.

Eric: Alright, let’s quickly go over everything we talked about today.
Eric: Confidence is a skill, not something you’re born with.
Eric: It starts with how you see yourself and grows through small actions and consistent effort.

Tina: Right.
Tina: We explored what confidence really is and why so many people struggle with it.
Tina: Whether it’s comparisons, fear of failure, or criticism, there are a lot of reasons why people lose confidence.

Eric: Exactly.
Eric: But the good news is, there are so many ways to build it back up.
Eric: We talked about setting small goals, celebrating wins, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Eric: And let’s not forget the importance of self-compassion and surrounding yourself with positive people.

Tina: And then there’s the workplace, where confidence plays such a big role.
Tina: From handling challenges to building relationships, confidence can make all the difference in how you’re seen and how you feel about yourself.

Eric: Absolutely.
Eric: The key takeaway here is that confidence isn’t about being perfect.
Eric: It’s about believing in your ability to learn, grow, and handle whatever life throws at you.

Tina: I love that.
Tina: And remember, it’s okay to have doubts sometimes.
Tina: Confidence isn’t about never feeling uncertain; it’s about taking action despite those doubts.

Eric: Well said, Tina.
Eric: And now, we’d love to hear from you, our listeners.
Eric: What do you think about today’s topic?
Eric: Do you have any personal experiences or tips on building confidence?

Tina: Yes, share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Tina: We’re always excited to read what you have to say.
Tina: And who knows, your comment might inspire someone else who’s struggling with confidence.

Eric: And if you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button.
Eric: It’s the best way to stay connected and make sure you never miss an episode.

Tina: And tell a friend!
Tina: If you know someone who could use a confidence boost, share this podcast with them.

Eric: Great idea.
Eric: The more we share these ideas, the more people we can help.

Tina: Alright, that’s it for today’s episode of Effortless English Podcasts.
Tina: Thank you so much for joining us, and we’ll see you next time!

Eric: Take care, everyone, and keep building that confidence!