How to Have a Good Day: Harness the Power of Behavioral Science to Transform Your Working Life

by Caroline Webb

CONVEYING CONFIDENCE Think about the next time you know you’re going to want to be your most confident self. Try these techniques: Reframe nerves as excitement. When you notice the physical signs of being keyed up, such as faster heartbeat and breathing, see them as evidence of your readiness for the challenge. Think “game on” rather than “game over.” Connect to your values. What really matters to you in life and work? What’s the bigger purpose of what you’re asking or advocating? Keep that front of mind for yourself, perhaps by writing a note to yourself before your big moment. Focus your message on the things you most care about. Take your space. Plan to give yourself five minutes beforehand to stand straight, throw your arms wide, and square your shoulders. In the situation itself, make just as sure to “take your space” then, too, by sitting tall rather than hunching over with folded arms. Score more personal recognition. Apply all the influencing advice from Part V in the way you talk about your personal achievements, as shown in the list above. Keep track of your small day-to-day successes, so that neither you nor your boss has to rely on imperfect memories to recall all you’ve achieved. Do also revisit the advice from Chapter 3: mental contrasting, priming, and mind’s-eye rehearsal. All those techniques can help boost your self-assurance when you’re facing a challenge.