Your confidence
Confidence comes from within.
Each and every one of us has unique traits and a unique story that sets us apart from the others around us.
Understanding your unique value isn’t about being arrogant or self-important; it’s about self-awareness.
When you’re in tune with your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and passions, you can communicate more effectively…and authentically.
So let’s start this pack with an exercise to find that authentic ‘you’.
Warning: you might find it hard looking so deeply at yourself here, but stick with it; we promise it’s going to be worth it.
Exercise: The “Mirror Exercise” – Reflecting on Your Unique Traits and Stories
What You’ll Need:
- A mirror (yes, really!)
- A quiet, comfortable space
- A notebook and pen or device (make sure it’s on silent!)
Setup:
Find a space where you can be alone for about 20 minutes. Stand or sit in front of a mirror. Take a few deep breaths to bring yourself into the moment.
The Exercise
- Look at the Person in the Mirror: Take a good look at yourself, but don’t worry about your hair! It’s not about vanity; it’s about acknowledging who you are, not what you look like…
- Talk to Yourself: Begin talking to your reflection about your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and passions. Yup, it might feel a bit strange at first, but stick with it. Start to talk about the big life experiences or stories that have shaped you into who you are today.
- Listen and Observe: As you’re talking, focus on more than just the words. Observe your facial expressions, your tone, even your body language. How do these elements change as you discuss your different traits and experiences?
- Pause to Reflect: Take a moment to consider how it felt to articulate your unique qualities. Was it liberating? Uncomfortable? Useful?
Stop and Reflect:
When you’ve finished the exercise, note down what you’ve discovered (or re-discovered!) about yourself. Be sure to capture not just what you said, but how you felt saying it, and drill into the following points:
- Storytelling: What stories or life experiences did you mention while talking to yourself? How do these stories contribute to your unique value?
- Body Language: How did your posture, facial expressions, or tone change as you talked about different aspects of yourself and your stories? What does this say about how you think about these traits or experiences?
- Emotional Insight: Did any emotions bubble up unexpectedly? How might these feelings influence your self-perception and your interactions with others?
- Authenticity: How easy or difficult was it to be honest with yourself? Did you find yourself avoiding certain things?
This exercise is designed to be a bit introspective, allowing you to dive deep into your unique traits and stories. The mirror serves as both a literal and metaphorical tool for reflection, helping you see and understand yourself in a new light.