“I wish I could________(fill in the blank.) But, I don’t have the confidence.”

If you’ve muttered the words above you’re not alone. I frequently hear these thoughts expressed by my intuitive reading clients. Most of us feel at least a little anxious if not downright scared when we contemplate trying something new. It requires a leap of faith and…what if we fail? What then? What separates the folks who succeed from those who stay stuck in the low self-confidence rut?

What hopes/goals/dreams do you have? Perhaps it’s to own your own business, learn a new skill, buy your first home or even to begin dating again. That’s your intuition encouraging you to move out of your comfort zone!

Here are four powerful ideas that you can use today to increase your confidence and move in the direction of success.

Use a Confidence Boosting Ritual

There are all sorts of techniques that successful people use to get beyond their fear. One of the most common is to assume the “Wonder Woman” or “Superman” stance. To do this, stand up straight with your shoulders back and put your hands on your hips.

Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale say to yourself one or all of the following:

“I can do this!” “

Things are going to change for the better now.”

“I am strong and confident.”

“I act with confidence and courage and things work out for me.”

As you say these statements really feel their meaning deep inside you. In other words, say it like you mean it!

Ask Yourself the Right Questions

Your intuition can guide you to the most successful outcome when you learn to ask good questions. Instead of questions like, "What’s wrong with me?" Why am I blocked?" Or "Why can't I...make more money, have a great relationship, find a good job, etc.?" Try these instead: "What's my right next step?” "What could I do to feel better right now?" "What does my gut tell me about this situation?" "What do I need to know today?" "What's the best way to proceed?"

The answer doesn't usually come via a big booming voice. Often it will arrive as a still, quiet inner voice, an "aha" moment, or an idea to try something new that hadn't occurred to you before. Intuition is your inner compass pointing you in the right direction.

Change Your Thinking

“It won’t work.” “I’m not good at this.” “These things never go my way, so why bother?” “That’s impossible!” These are statements that people use that are the preamble for failure. Begin to recognize the common statements you use that make you feel discouraged and hopeless. See if you can begin to shift them in a positive direction. Examples are: “I’m willing to see things differently.” “I’m resourceful enough to handle any setbacks that come my way.” I’m finding it easier to focus on my goals and follow through.” “Things have a way of working out.” Do a Google search for self-confidence affirmations. Try out some that you find empowering. Write them on post-it notes and place them where you’ll see them: in your wallet, on a mirror or on the wall of your office.

Move Out of Your Comfort Zone

Everyone has a different set of circumstances that make up their comfort zone. When you choose to move out of the perceived safety of the known and into the unknown, miracles will begin to occur. With each risk you take, you'll start to feel more and more comfortable. You'll find that the Universe will start to deliver your dreams to you more quickly. Your self-confidence and self-esteem will improve and you'll begin to feel powerful. Your vision of yourself and what you can achieve in the world will begin to expand. As you become bigger, you’ll find you can hold a vision of what you want to achieve, and before you know it, success will be yours. You already have more power than you can imagine! What can you do today to step out of your comfort zone and begin to build your self-confidence muscles?

Powerful self-confidence probably won’t develop overnight. Learn to take baby steps and notice the small shifts in your life. They will show up as less anxiety, more ease in making changes and an increase in the knowledge that you are moving towards your goals and intentions. Self-confidence is a wonderful thing. It’s the building block for creating a life you love. You deserve it!