Do you know someone who exudes so much confidence that it’s sickening?

Don’t think of that person.

Now, think of someone who shows (in your opinion) the ‘just right’ amount of confidence.

What is it about them?

Is it the way they carry themselves?

Is it what they say?

Is it the quality of their output?

It may be all three, and lots more.

But often, it’s about the first one – the way they carry themselves.

Reminds me of the movie The Paper. There’s a scene when journalists played by Michael Keaton and Randy Quaid need to get into a police precinct to get a quote… They enter the precinct and approach the front desk as Keaton’s character, with clipboard in hand, gives a wave and keeps on walking by. He turns to Quaid and says:

“A clip board and a confident wave will get you into any building in America.”

• The Paper (1994 movie)

That’s carrying yourself with confidence.

Of course, substance is critical.

But confidence is key. Especially if you’re leading change. New strategy, new system, new product.

You’re not sure anything will work before you try it.

One thing that is for sure, if you don’t give it a try, it won’t happen.

“When you’re trying to level up, it’s easy to psych yourself out by focusing on everything you don’t know. But you’ve got to have faith in your ability to figure it out. You’ll never advance if you always turn around to find the easier trail.”

• Unreasonable Hospitality (2022 book)

The takeaway?

Find a way to muster your confidence. It often comes from your experience, knowledge, and preparation. And faith has a role to play too.

Also, surrounding yourself with people who are positive, optimistic, willing to take a chance, motivated to help, and even smarter than you on topics that can help you learn and grow.

A little confidence goes a long way toward being able to make change happen.

Because “nobody really knows what they’re doing before they do it.”

Have a great week!