Action Brings Clarity & Confidence

How cautious are you when learning something new? Do you prefer to feel 100% competent before trying it out in the real world or do you like to wing it and see what happens?

I’ve noticed many of us—myself included--like to be super-prepared before we take a new skill out for a test drive. We are cautious when learning then using everything from new software to our colleagues’ preferred pronouns. We don’t want to embarrass ourselves or anyone else.

I’ve been there. Years ago, I was asked to develop a day-long workshop on grant writing. Even though I knew the written part well, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure I could lead a live training. I accepted the challenge anyway, as it felt like a growth opportunity. I can’t say it was a huge success, but it went okay, and I discovered that I really enjoyed the experience. Now training and teaching are a big part of my work. Looking back, I wonder how long it would’ve taken me to become a competent, confident teacher/trainer if I’d let the fear stop me back then.

Katty Kay and Claire Shipman write in their bestselling book, The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance - What Women Should Know, most women and many men are reticent to try on new behaviors, particularly beyond a certain age. But the authors’ research shows that trying out a skill in a mildly risky setting BEFORE we feel entirely on top of it—and surviving--is the most effective way to boost confidence.

I love this quote from Slaughterhouse Five author Kurt Vonnegut: 

"We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down."