you want to replicate success and learn from failure
in order to constantly improve and build belief in
your abilities.
it is not helpful. Decide to drop the thought with a
mental or physical cue, and move on by saying something effective to yourself related to the task at hand.
2. Physical state. How your body feels right before you
perform does play a role in your level of confidence.
Oftentimes, we begin to feel nervous because we are
putting pressure on ourselves to do well. In this moment, the butterflies in your stomach, shaky hands,
and sweat are actually your body’s way of getting you
ready to perform, whether it is on the playing field or
in the courtroom. Rather than feeling like you are not
prepared, try changing your interpretation of what is
happening in order to improve your performance.
Taking a few deep breaths never hurts, either.
Fortunately, confidence is something that can be
developed, regardless of age or past experience. Understanding the concepts and tips listed above and
actively working on them, could prove to be very
useful for both new lawyers who are just embarking
on their legal careers as well as those who are more
established.
For more information on Abby Keenan and Intrepid Performance Consulting, please visit
www.intrepidperformance.com. ■
3. Vicarious experience. You can also observe your
peers, especially those who have a similar level of
expertise or are slightly better than you, in order to
build confidence. When you see a peer do something
well, remind yourself that you can do it too. Interpret
this as a challenge to yourself, rather than a threat.
4. Self-talk. How you talk to yourself matters! Thoughts
really do drive performance, whether you are warming
up for a big game, preparing for trial or a big hearing,
or driving your car home from work. I often work
with my clients on differentiating between effective
and ineffective self-talk, as well as helping them to
determine what to say to themselves in order to build
confidence and improve performance.
KZ: How do you recognize ineffective self-talk, and
how do you deal with it?
AK: Ineffective self-talk is anything you say to yourself
that does not help your performance. Often, this is
described as saying negative things to yourself, but
it can also be when you are trying to be positive and
whatever you are saying, you actually do not believe.
The first step in managing ineffective self-talk is to
become aware of it. When you recognize that it’s happening, intentionally pause and let yourself know that
Buying as a group
can deliver savings.
Even for life insurance.
As a member, you can save
with competitive group rates.
Get started now
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association THE ATLANTA LAWYER
33