YOU GOTTA FREAKIN' OWN IT....

Did you know that most people at least one time will 'fake it to make it'? there is no doubt that everyone feels those butterflies in the stomach when they are faced with a challenge that is out of their comfort zone. For many, it is public speaking, sitting an exam, going for an interview, meeting someone new for the first time, trying something they have never done before or the thought of dancing can really freak people out! It is very often the fear of looking silly, making a mistake or just that overwhelming self conscience feeling that is so uncomfortable that you would rather just avoid it altogether. Our ego and cover up protective mask can stop us living a more fulfilling and fun life.

Do you ever have a good look at kids in action? they have no self doubt and are completely carefree, fearless and very CONFIDENT at being themselves. Unfortunately when we grow up and conform to what society expects of us or when we are constantly trying to 'people' please all the time, it can stifle our behaviour and we can become rigid, too cautious, too serious and as a result, lose our confidence.

In order to grow in anything in life, you have to accept that you are going to make mistakes and fail a number of times ....it is the only way you will ever learn anything and eventually get good at whatever it is you are trying to achieve. Did you ever watch a baby fall down again and again while learning to walk, what do they do? they might hurt themselves, cry for a bit, but they never give up, they will keep trying until they have mastered the task.

The great news is that when you are getting somewhere with a challenge you are facing and start to experience improvement, you will immediately start to feel more confident and that terrible fear will eventually diminish. It is always good to have some nerves, as it can fire you up to deliver your best at whatever it is that you are about to do but that is a different thing to feeling like you have no confidence or self belief in the task at hand. There is nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment and the confidence you gain by giving that 'thing' that challenges you in life a go. It will also make you feel truly alive when you do dive into the deep end to face your fears....the reward on how you feel will be so worth it!

To live a long healthy happy life, you need to be engaged in an activity that you enjoy which will challenge your brain. The brain is a muscle and will just shrink away if it is out of use! We are living a much longer life than our ancestors, 40 was once considered old, and this is all the more reason why we need to engage in activities to keep our minds focused, hearts ticking and stay feeling young for as long as we possibly can coz guess what, you need to be prepared to feel damn good if you are going to be around for that length of time! "IF YOU DON'T USE IT, YOU LOSE IT" and 'YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO TRY SOMETHING NEW".

One of the best things about getting older is that you stop caring about what other people think of you, how liberating is that thought? it is how babies and kids behave, they don't care what others think, they just go for it. It is very important to bring that wonderful child like quality back into your life....like honestly, who cares? It can really hold us back in life if we are constantly looking for reassurance from other people.

Here are three short points to remind you how to find that confiDANCE in you and to FREAKIN OWN IT!! .....

1.Did you know that if you dress the part in taking on the challenge you fear, you will be half way there....wearing that outfit that makes you feel fab and feisty is important as it will simply give you a head start when psyching yourself up to go for it. Choose to wear that bold bright colour, fringe jacket, heels or red lips or whatever makes you feel good about yourself. It will have such an affect on how you feel AND it is fun to dress up!

2.Act the part as in walking the walk of 'confidence'. People can really sense when you are not comfortable in your skin by your body language. Pull your shoulders back and walk tall when entering that room. If it is public speaking, take your time and speak slowly.

3.Surround yourself with a supportive group of friends who will encourage and guide you to keeping positive when you are on the 'new challenge' route in life. It is vital for your growth to associate yourself with the right kind of peeps.

We are looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday night at the Dean hotel at 'ConfiDANCE' this Wednesday 22nd February at 6.30pm for some fun groovy moves, mojo bites, mocktails and to discuss more tips on how to be the most confiDANCE you can be!!