OK, so confidence.
We all strive to grab and hold on tight to this crucial trait, but before we get into that, let’s talk about body language. This is a topic that very much intrigues me, I’ve always found body language extremely interesting, not only mine, but other peoples as well.
Briefly defined as the process of communicating nonverbally through conscious or unconscious gestures and movements.
I came across Amy Cuddy’s Ted Talk, and found her research on body language to be a total game changer. Through her Ted Talk, she reveals that we can change other peoples perceptions, even our own perception, by simply changing body positions. And more importantly, that our thoughts and feelings about ourselves play a huge role for our self confidence.
Body language largely affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Amy Cuddy shows us how “power posing” — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain.
So the age old question: Can You Fake It Until You Make It? YES.
You can fake it until you become it.
Amy states that Tiny Tweaks can lead to BIG CHANGES
Our bodies change our minds, our minds change our behaviors, our behaviors change our outcomes.
The next time you are about to step into a tricky, sticky, unnerving or challenging situation, try (privately) standing in a power pose for two to three minutes.
In the last few weeks, I have had to attend several meetings I felt a bit, well, out of place at, as if I don’t belong. Horrible mindset, I know. So I tried:
- Power Posing, prior to walking in
- Believing I am worthy to be there
- Acting like I know what I’m talking about
And guess what? By the third meeting (of a series of many), it all clicked.
This is a very inspiring talk. It is an amazing approach to shape how to present oneself in social situations that truly leaves a strong impact. Reading between the lines of Amy’s talk, she essentially urges us to improve and gain our own confidence, pushing us to succeed, to become the best versions our ourselves that we want to become.
Also, check out Amy Cuddy’s book, Presence!