How To Create Self-Confidence

Do you have the confidence to write a book or create something from a vision in your brain? Answering that question can be as difficult as answering the question: “How do I know he – or she – is the one?”

The Big Picture

Let's look at the big picture. The late Arthur Ashe, as great a human being as he was a tennis champion, once said: "One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation."

How much confidence would Eli or Peyton Manning have in their ability to win football games if they sat around drinking beer and watching TV instead of attending football training camp?

Athletes know the value of preparation. Preparation is why golf pros hit hundreds of golf balls just about every day as well as lift weights and run. It’s why Venus and Serena slam tennis balls around every day. Look at any professional athlete and see how they prepare to compete.

Let's break down what Arthur Ashe said. To be successful, you must have self-confidence. To be self-confident, you must prepare.

To write those sentences in a pseudo mathematical formula:

Preparation = Self-confidence

Self-confidence = Success

Therefore, Preparation = Success.

Now, ask yourself, are you prepared? What have you done to lay a foundation? You can apply this to any endeavor, not just writing. Substitute the words or phrases that speak to what you are trying to achieve in asking these questions.

Have you prepared by learning your craft? Have you mastered grammar and the narrative elements necessary to tell a story? Have you learned how to write a synopsis? Have you sufficiently studied the body of work from past and contemporary writers?

Have you practiced your craft on a consistent basis to develop a good work ethic? Have you completed at least one manuscript? Have you written enough to know how long it takes you to write a manuscript?

Have you studied the business end of your chosen career? Do you understand contracts so when you're offered one you'll always read it before signing? Do you have a working knowledge of the standard contract clauses? Have you obtained agent representation? Have you joined professional organizations to educate yourself about your chosen career and also to take advantage of benefits they offer?

Takeaway Truth

Preparation is a process of building a foundation of belief in your ability to achieve. That foundation is called self-confidence. In the end self-confidence makes you believe in the inevitability of success. Your success.