Читать книгу Super Confidence: Simple Steps to Build Your Confidence - Gael Lindenfield, Gael Lindenfield - Страница 6

Twenty-five years have passed since I first wrote this book. During this time, I have continued to pursue this special interest of mine, and my own thinking and practice have obviously developed. So, as I prepared to re-read this book I did wonder whether I would still be able to stand by the opinions and suggestions of my younger self. I was relieved to find that I could, and that only a few minor tweaks in its style and references were needed for this new edition.

The past five years of global economic turbulence have increased competitiveness in almost all walks of life. As a result, maintaining self-confidence has become a challenge for many people who never previously doubted their internal strength and/or their level of social skills. Such people are often reluctant to ask for help from professional coaches and counsellors, as they do not consider their problem (perhaps quite rightly) to be severe enough. They feel they ought to be able to ‘pull themselves together’. And, I do believe they are by and large quite right! Most can re-build shattered confidence on their own, but only if they go about it in a constructive way. Commonly, I have witnessed many people trying to kick and bully themselves forward with cajoling self-talk and unrealistic targets, and, as a result, find that their confidence is knocked back even further.

If you happen to be someone for whom this scenario rings bells, this book could certainly help. It gives a good basic understanding of the specific ingredients of self-confidence and can help you pinpoint exactly where you as an individual could start re-booting it. The step-by-step programme in Chapter 11 is one that I did originally write for small self-help groups. It can, however, be done more privately on your own if that is your preferred or only option.