️Episode 140 – Managing a Dip In Your Self-Confidence as an Independent Consultant

Confidence is a crucial asset for any independent consultant, but it’s not always a constant. 

As an independent consulting business owner, you’ve chosen a path that continually tests your confidence. It’s essential to acknowledge that dips in confidence are a normal experience and that they’re not a sign of failure; they’re a sign of growth and pushing beyond your comfort zone.

In today’s episode, Melisa presents three practical and relatable approaches to help you rebuild and grow your self-confidence from the inside out. 

By implementing these tangible strategies and learning from the real-life examples that Melisa shares, you can navigate through uncertainties, rebuild confidence, and reach your business goals with more ease.

These are the strategies that you can leverage to create that confidence ahead of time and get where you want to go faster and more effectively:

1. Take Action Despite the Lack of Confidence:

Waiting to feel confident before taking action can hinder your business growth. The key is to take action even when you’re grappling with self-doubt. Waiting for confidence to magically appear can suppress your results. Instead, push forward, generate leads, and actively participate in networking, even if you’re not feeling completely confident.

2. Learn to Create Confidence Ahead of Time:

Building confidence doesn’t have to be a reactive process. Rather than relying on positive affirmations, implement the “It’s Possible” method. Shift your mindset by acknowledging that it’s possible you have the knowledge and skills needed. Replace unrealistic self-talk with practical thoughts like “It’s possible I know what I’m doing.” This method lays the foundation for a more gradual and authentic confidence build-up.

3. Create Confidence on Demand with the “Just the Next Step” Method:

If you’ve encountered setbacks or uncertainties, focus on mastering one step at a time. The “Just the Next Step” method involves breaking down larger tasks into manageable components. Ask yourself, “Can I just schedule calls for next week?” or “Can I just feel curious for the next 30 minutes?” By conquering smaller steps, you gradually build the confidence needed for more significant milestones.

KEY POINTS IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:12] Update on my self-imposed writing retreat
• [02:55] Intro to today’s topic
• [04:36] Two companion resources to support you with a dip in confidence
  • The Independent Consultant’s Toolkit – IC Toolkit
  • Strategy Call – consultMelisa.com 
• [06:09] Episode agenda
• [07:05] Why you may experience a dip in confidence
• [09:56] Learn more about imposter syndrome and how it is holding you back in your business by listening to Episode 131 – Managing Imposter Syndrome In Your Consulting Business.
• [10:23] 3 Tools to rebuild & restore your self confidence
  • [10:47] 1. Take Action Despite the Lack of Confidence: Waiting to feel confident before taking action can hinder your business growth. The key is to take action even when you’re grappling with self-doubt. Waiting for confidence to magically appear can suppress your results. Instead, push forward, generate leads, and actively participate in networking, even if you’re not feeling completely confident.
  • [12:02] 2. Learn to Create Confidence Ahead of Time: Building confidence doesn’t have to be a reactive process. Rather than relying on positive affirmations, implement the “It’s Possible” method. Shift your mindset by acknowledging that it’s possible you have the knowledge and skills needed. Replace unrealistic self-talk with practical thoughts like “It’s possible I know what I’m doing.” This method lays the foundation for a more gradual and authentic confidence build-up.
  • [12:38] 3. Create Confidence on Demand with the “Just the Next Step” Method: If you’ve encountered setbacks or uncertainties, focus on mastering one step at a time. The “Just the Next Step” method involves breaking down larger tasks into manageable components. Ask yourself, “Can I just schedule calls for next week?” or “Can I just feel curious for the next 30 minutes?” By conquering smaller steps, you gradually build the confidence needed for more significant milestones.

• [13:25] Three Real-Life Consultant Stories
  • [13:48] 1. Overcoming a Consulting Business Setback: One consultant faced a series of losses, leading to a significant dip in confidence. By implementing the “It’s Possible” method, she shifted her mindset from self-doubt to openness. This allowed her to rebuild her confidence, start networking again, and diversify her pipeline, ultimately leading to successful business closures.
  • [20:46] 2. Returning as a Consultant After Corporate Setback: A seasoned professional pushed out of a corporate role faced immense self-doubt when returning to consulting. Leveraging the “Can I Just” method, he focused on small achievable steps like scheduling calls and mastering descriptions. Over time, this approach helped him regain confidence and successfully relaunch his consulting business.
  • [26:38] 3. Starting as a Brand-New Consultant: A potential consultant struggling with indecision applied the “Just the Next Step” method. Breaking down the process into smaller, manageable tasks, she gradually built confidence in networking, describing her services, connecting with others, and turning calls into opportunities. This step-by-step approach allowed her to overcome initial uncertainties and move forward with her consulting venture.
• [30:49] Next steps to put this into action
  • Download The Independent Consultant’s Toolkit – IC Toolkit
  • Book a Strategy Call – consultMelisa.com

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE —

• I invite you to book a Strategy Consultation call with me. On this call, we’ll dive into your business, get clear on your goals and challenges and determine an action plan for you so that you can create the business impact, income, and flexibility that you desire. To book yours, click here.
• The Independent Consultant’s Toolkit – IC Toolkit.
• Learn more about imposter syndrome and how it is holding you back in your business by listening to Episode 131 – Managing Imposter Syndrome In Your Consulting Business.

FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —

1. Discuss working with me as your coach – Click here to schedule your consultation
2. Watch my YouTube Podcast Channel 
3. LinkedIn 
4. Website 

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