(Entrepreneurial) How to Boost Your Confidence 150%

*This post is dedicated to the Scroupies - The Screw the 9 to 5 Community and Josh and Jill Stanton. I've finally found a home. - Dr. Rob

CONFIDENCE BUILDING 101

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As entrepreneurs, we have to endure a much higher degree of scrutiny then the average person. Despite being creative, taking chances and pushing forward to the lifestyle of our dreams, we are laughed at, talked down to and sometimes openly made fun of.

For some of us, especially the quiet, nice types, its a rough road. So in true life coaching fashion, I am going to share four ways for you to grow your confidence, interact with others in a far more aggressive, yet effective manner (No Jill, I'm not going to teach people the Road House Larynx Removal Tactic).

Why do we need confidence? It has several overlapping benefits, in fact, if you tried all four suggestions I mention, you might be SHOCKED at how much it changes your day to day life. Confidence draws others to you, both in business and romantically. It makes people want to be around you, and to seek you out for advice and counsel.

Confidence is especially important to entrepreneurs because you have to be a self starter, in many cases like the pic above, leaving your security and safety behind and relying on your equipment and wits to survive.

As you increase your confidence, you will seek out mentors, offer better goods and services, and interact on a much more effective level with others.

1. Improve Your Body Language

"You want to sell me WHAT?"

"Gosh Rob, tell me more about University of Phoenix"
(Note: No girl this hot has EVER looked at me like this without psychedelic drugs)

Looking at the two examples above, you can clearly see what each pose indicates. the first means that this guy is clearly annoyed, arms crossed means hes being defensive and wants you off the property ASAP. The second pose shows that this guy is rapidly approaching "Netflix and chill" territory for date 2. Shes smiling, leaning in, head cocked, and shes so comfortable that she is resting her head on her hand.

When you interact with others, think about how you are reacting.

1. Shake hands with some light pressure, smile openly when greeting.
2. Walk with confidence and poise, none of this head looking downward, shoulders slumped BS.
3. Look people RIGHT IN THE EYE, do not drift off in conversations, it shows you are disinterested in them.
4. When you walk through a crowded room, make eye contact with others and try to imagine if you were a movie star, an athlete or a leader among others, BECAUSE YOU ARE.

2. Change Your Image

Your image as an entrepreneur speaks volumes about your professionalism. At times, we need to adjust it accordingly. We can change our hair, our wardrobes, even our thinking styles. I had a chance to go up in front of a military commissioning board a few times. Someone took me aside and said, "You ARE going to lose some weight, right?" It was necessary. I've always struggled with weight stuff and I needed to look professional in uniform. I adopted what would become the Skinny Dragon Diet, lost about 15-22 pounds, and got selected for the board. In this case a change of image definitely helped.

(Before) God Bless my ex gf for having bad eyesight

(After) 20 pounds lighter

Some ways you can change your image:

1. Get a new haircut

2. Buy a new wardrobe that is form fitting

3. Burn a lot of fat

4. Gain a lot of muscle (I went from a fat 222 to a lean 196 to a muscular 232)

5. Have a professional photoshoot done (this was mine, I imagined it for YEARS. I went to the beach, ran 3 miles, and jumped in the ocean at 7am. YES IT WAS COLD)

Early pre shoot a few years back with friends

3. Create a Result

As entrepreneurs, we have periods where NOTHING changes. We don't get new clients, we don't make sales, we don't see any results. There is only one solution:

GET OFF YOUR ASS

Sorry for the ice water in the face approach, but I'm not here to be nice, I'm here to make some really amazing things happen in your life. You chose this life, so act like someone that deserves to make money.

I needed to jumpstart Blue Dragon so I did the following:

1. Walked into a charter school and offered to work for free as a consultant
Result: Met the district coordinator and was offered access to 13 schools and a regular speaking gig

2. Tracked down a morning news producer and pitched my teen book
Result: An appearance on the San Diego Living Morning Show. Book sales increased

3. Joined several large groups
Result: Paying clients, new allies, a radio appearance

All of these great results came from me being bold and going where no man has gone before.

Creating a result will bolster your confidence and add to your entrepreneurial "resume"

4. Adopt a Fitness Routine

I'm a big proponent of fitness. It has literally changed so many aspects of my life. It increases endorphins, puts me in a better mood, allows me to be social, and more. Even if you don't have a regular method of fitness, I suggest you try something new. Its a great way to blow off steam and decompress.

When I was going through my Ed.D program, fitness was the only way I could really decompress. Imagine writing a 60 page paper, getting it back with 15-25 mistakes on EVERY PAGE. That's called a revision. It means you've just lost 3 weekends in a row. I had at least 5 revisions. The gym and beach running kept me sane.

If you need a new fitness routine, you can try Zumba, Crossfit, Spin Bike, or just go for regular walks. JUST DO SOMETHING NEW.

With those 4 steps, you can revitalize your confidence, create a new you, and be on your way to a better image. As always, I am here for you guys anytime. www.bluedragonent.com

BEST. Shirt. Ever.