confidence and Becoming your biggest advocate

Happy Monday Everyone!

It was a great weekend celebrating the 4th of July with family and friends. The weather was beautiful and it was a great way to start the second half of 2020. This month also marks 14 years since I first touched down in the land of opportunity, arriving first in Amarillo, Texas. First up a little history:

Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress had voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2, but it was not declared until July 4.

This weeks blog is going to discuss confidence and this can be defined as: A feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities. I was fortunate enough to have had a decent upbringing and some great experiences in football growing up. I would often kick the ball around with the old man as a little boy. At age 7 I played for my school, Appledore. The Coach was Mr. Stephenson and he would often talk to us before the game. He would always tell us to believe in ourselves and would often reiterate those same words every game. Between my coach and my father, I was inspired to take to the sport that would eventually provide a living for me. I loved scoring goals, it was my drug. I would write all my goals in a planner and look forward to the next game. Finding my passion at such a young age and seeing early success gave me purpose and fueled my need for more! At age 16, I was getting ready to move to Yeovil and was asked by a family friend and football man Jock Carstairs to speak to a local youth team about my experiences and what it took to get to this stage. It was both humbling and empowering. I didn't mind public speaking and would often read passages at church. I also enjoyed a bit of karaoke and so was not afraid of embarrassing myself. I told myself that these people would likely not see me again even if I did mess up. I firmly believe that all of these experiences set me up for success. It was an immersion course on life, through football. I was told that cleanliness is godliness and so often took a pride in the way I dressed and looked, especially at events where I would be talking. Football accolades and experiences kept coming and so did the education, thick and fast.

The lessons in my experiences has allowed me to pass along these pointers to any young person with a dream. YOU must believe in yourself and become your own biggest fan. This is a dog eat dog world and only those that are hungry will push on. Manners and courtesy are two things that are lacking in society. These things do not come at a cost and are FREE to use anytime. Here are a few things to consider along your way to the top:

1. Look the part. Set your own standards and stand out from the crowd by the way that you dress. Going to a job interview? You never get a second chance to make a first impression

2. Be on time. Remember, on time is 10 minutes early.

3. Be prepared. Whatever the event or occasion, try to visualize beforehand and prepare mentally. Self talk could come in useful and can be reassuring. Simple words like "I've got this" or "I feel good"

4. Firm hand shake. When networking or meeting someone new, show confidence in your non verbal communication.

5. Eye contact. More non verbal - show genuine interest and look people in the eyes when shaking hands and engaging in conversation.

6. Speak up and be informed. Try not to mutter or mumble. Use your voice and show that you are confident. A couple of words and short answers will not cut it. Do your research and know things about the people you are meeting so you can participate in conversations and show your legitimacy.

7. Yes please and no thank you. Need I say more?

8. Lend a hand. Hold doors open for people, it may seem silly but people take note of these things. I am shocked that a couple of people couldn't believe that I held a door open for them - this tells me that these polite and courteous deeds are dying out. 

9. Remember names. Again, this shows that you are present and interested in the people you are around. Calling someone by their name is a great way to gain respect and get a more personal connection.

---

Helping others in our summit up! community

​​​If you want to be featured in our helping others section, email summitup2020@gmail.com. It does not matter where in the world you are, Summit Up! will highlight you, your business or someone you know of in our weekly blog.

---

final thoughts

You don't get a second chance at life, there are inevitably stumbles and road blocks along the way but if you can uphold these traditional kind deeds and feel good about your presence in your community, you will only move forward. It is your job to back yourself 100%. With courtesy and kindness dwindling in society, you have an opportunity to be unique and just because people don't comment, doesn't mean that what you are doing goes unnoticed. We have a duty to reeducate those around us and lead by example. Recent times are calling for it so go and make the difference.

​Thanks for reading, I hope this gets you thinking. Until next week, Summit Up! you've got this.

​Facebook: Summit Up

Instagram: summit_up2020

Twitter: @summitup3
​
Website: www.summituplive.com

---

quote for the week

"Confidence is key. Sometimes you need to look like you're confident even when you're not."

Vanessa Hudgens