As a Confidence Coach I am a firm believer that Confidence is the Key to success. Whether you are young girl maneuvering through your adolescent years or an establish professional in the workforce,  your level of success can be directly linked with your level of Confidence. 

Now, I am not saying that those who lack true confidence can't find success, but the question becomes are they operating at the optimal level.  For those who wonder why Confidence counts or who can"t quite make the association, let me share 7 Key Benefits to Boosting Self-Confidence. 

#1 Performance – Confident people tend to be more motivated and energized and perform at a higher level of potential.

#2 Perspective – Confident people are typically more enthusiastic about life and their future and tend to have clearer vision which leads to better decisions.

#3 Positivity –  Confident people are usually more optimistic and positive towards life and their future.  They tend to practice positive self-talk and typically exude a positive energy and vibe towards others.   

#4 Peace –  Confident people tend to have less self-doubt, fear and anxiety and as a result more inner peace.

#5 Power – Confident people tend to take action, use their voice and stand up for themselves.  

I am sure you have heard the phrase "association brings about assimilation".  You may be thinking WHAT????  Basically, it means the more you hang around a person the more likely you are to act like them and take on their habits...good or bad.

I know you have seen it a time or two now that you think about it.  Whether at school or in the work place, people with like minds and like spirits tend to gravitate towards one another or take on the same traits.  

If you hang around gossipers, chances are, sooner or later you will become a gossiper.  If you hang around liars or thieves, sooner or later you will likely become a liar or a thief.  If you hang around people who are unfocused, unmotivated and unmoved, chances are sooner or later you will be labeled the same.

Now on the other hand, if you find yourself surrounded by positive people who uplift one another, chances are you will be a person who is not only uplifted, but finds yourself doing the same for others. ​If you find yourself among people who are highly motivated and focused on achieving success, chances are you too will become highly motivated and you will strive for success.  It's not rocket science, but tends to be true.

As I pose the question "What are you trying to get from others that only God can give", I have to pause for a moment reflecting back on times in my own life when I gave power or put pressure on the back of others to fulfill something in me, that only God could give.  

I know first hand what it's like to seek love, acceptance, support, affirmation and guidance from others, only to be let down or left high and dry.  I know about the disappointment and frustration aimed at those who were silent or absent in my time of need. I can totally relate to the disgust and anger when promises made by people have gone unfulfilled and left me further behind because I placed all my hope and trust in them to help pull me through.

Guess what I also know?  I know that I'm not the only one.  Many people struggle with this very thing.  Whether it is seeking the acceptance and approval of others; or trying to gain the love and appreciation from those closest to us.  It may show up in waiting for someone to push us or "help" us accomplish our goal or to step out towards our dreams.  What ever the case may be, people will never ever be able to provide the very thing that only God can.
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I just want to remind you today that despite what you are facing or what setbacks you have had, God's plan for your life is GOOD.  The fact you woke up this morning is a sign of your strength, resilience and tenacity.  Keep your eyes on the prize and keep pressing forward.  You can do this!!!

I know it may be hard at times or even discouraging but despite how it may feel, you are not alone and you don't have to do life alone.  There is a true and living God who absolutely adores you and has great plans for you.  He is able to take ever trial, disappointment, and setback, and turn them all around for YOUR good. 

Take a quick moment to close your eyes and breathe in as you remind your self that YOU CAN do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13). If you have to write it down or shout it from the top of your vocal cords, do what you have to do to remind yourself daily of this very thing. 

He has more than equipped you and He is the source of your strength, wisdom and joy.  If you haven't asked God for help or asked Him to renew your strength, its a good time to do so.  He love you and He has more than equipped you for every situation you face.  Be encouraged and have a wonderful day.  

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroad in life?  Not quite sure which way to go.  Whether it is in regards to your for future, your friendships or your feelings, it can be a paralyzing feeling that can immobilize you if you're not careful.  

Despite the words of wisdom from those closet to you or the online resources you desperately search for as you seek answers and direction regarding your next steps.  What should I do and what way should I go, are the questions that flood your mind.  

Whether you are seeking wisdom for simple choices or life altering decisions, there is one who knows the answers and can guide the way. His name is God, and He is ever present.  There is no decision too large or too small for Him.  Why is that you ask?  Because, He knows the full picture.  He knows what has brought you to this point in life and what lies ahead. 

He loves us and His plan for us is good and He is always waiting patiently for us to welcome Him into every situation..

I am tickled about a conversation I recently had with my eight-year old daughter.  A few months back, I introduced her to the investment world.  Though she was only in the 3rd grade, I figured it wasn't too early to plant seeds about stewardship and building wealth. Our conversation led to her researching various companies and ultimately deciding she wanted to make and investment with her recently earned money.  

She was very selective in which company she chose to invest.  She asked questions about the company's history, looked at how stocks had performed in the past and ultimately decided to invest her money in Mondelēz International, the owners of Oreo Cookies.  She thought to herself, with Oreo cookies being a regular stock item in our pantry, every time she bit into one of those sandwich cookies she would be making money. I was proud of the thought she put into it, and as a result my husband and I matched her small investment.  
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We explained the concept of investing to her in detail including the risks and how adding to what she had invested would yield a greater return down the line, if the stocks did well.  Needless to say, she has found other things like toys, candy and slime ingredients to spend her money on, never taking our subtle suggestion to invest a little more in her stock.