Confidence is a skill that can be developed. Just like a muscle, it needs to be exercised regularly to strengthen itself. Building this skill requires consistent practice and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone more frequently than you might prefer. Being an introvert, I once believed that confidence was an inherent trait. I would even associate confidence with people who were loud, outgoing, sociable, and overall extroverted. However, overtime I came to realize that sometimes even those individuals did not always possess true confidence and some of the most self-assured individuals were those who even though felt uneasy in the spotlight or being the center of attention, harbored a deep and profound rich inner life and confidence that wasn't immediately visible or apparent.
True confidence is believing in yourself, your character, capability, and self-worth on and off the 'stage', with or without an 'audience'; So much that you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and take action on your ideas, dreams, visions, and goals even when you are the only one that believes in them. When you possess self-confidence, you are self-aware and have the courage to lead with your strengths, accept your weaknesses and take on any life challenges.
Despite our capabilities, competencies, and characteristics, they can only get us so far in life. If you're wondering why, you keep getting lost or coming up against a brick wall, you might be looking at your problems and the world through a limited perspective. To help us shatter ceilings, programs and limitations, our lives must be entrusted to a Higher Power.
The principle of 'letting go and letting God' is about recognizing our limits and understanding that while we are a movement by ourselves, God's guidance can be an even more powerful force. 'Godfidence' is marked by profound awareness, faith, and reliance on God's power and design for our lives. It is unwavering belief in God's intention and plans for our lives. We acknowledge that we are made in God's likeness or image-nation, endowed with the power and authority to forge our destinies through our thoughts, beliefs, and faith. By commanding these elements, we can shape our reality and exert influence beyond other people's will and opinions over our lives even when circumstances may suggest otherwise. Godfidence is the extraordinary conviction and steadfast faith in our inherent talents and gifts inhaled into us by God.
I remember utilizing a navigation tool called MapQuest. This tool allowed me to enter the address to my destination in exchange for detailed step by step directions on reaching it. This tool provided the flexibility to either print out the directions providing a physical reference or access these steps on my mobile device. Either way, MapQuest proved invaluable by pinpointing key landmarks to facilitate my navigation and act as small reminders throughout my commute. It told me where to make a left turn and even how far to go down a certain road before making a right turn. Despite this seemingly detailed guidance, I frequently sought validation from others, such as gas station attendants, to seek affirmation of my route with questions such as "Am I heading in the correct direction to reach this destination?"
Over time, I upgraded from using MapQuest to using a GPS for navigation. By linking it to my device or my car's built-in GPS, it not only displayed my destination but also offered a voice that gave me directions as well. Additionally, the GPS could warn me in real time about speed traps, detours, and roadblocks on my route, making it a more reliable tool than MapQuest. And if I went to this destination enough or travelled in that vicinity enough, I no longer needed the GPS, instead I was able to rely on the voice and vision from it. This in time, helped me gain confidence that I was heading in the right direction without the constant need to use MapQuest or the GPS.
This example can be compared to surrendering to a Higher Power, where we let go of our limited perspective of the world or everyday barriers and problems we face and allow Divine Guidance to lead us towards our desired destination or solution.
Surrendering yourself to something greater than you instills a sense of Godfidence, where you acknowledge and rely on the power, gifts, talents and wisdom that God has bestowed upon you to co-create a life filled with abundance and direction. When you let go of ‘My Average Perspective’ quest (M.A.P Quest), you open yourself up to the guidance of ‘God's Positioning System’ (G.P.S.), situating you to move forward with confidence and clarity.
To cultivate stronger confidence in God, focus on deepening your connection with yourself and the Divine presence inside and surrounding you. Embrace the wisdom that comes with the scripture that encourages us to "Seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Developing Godfidence involves extending your authentic self beyond external influences, past mistakes, limitations, belief systems and having faith in the unique divine path that will be revealed to you despite those programs. It's ok to glean and learn from others, it’s even okay to accept affirmation and validation especially from those who are in the vicinity of the destination you are going, but your destiny is unique to you and your identity in God. Therefore, no one can show you how to get there, but God. And that’s all the affirmation and validation required to get you there.
Shift your focus from the physical aspects of your being - Your five senses or your F.L.E.S.H. which determines how you Feel, Look, Express, Smell, Hear – because operating only in your flesh can get you so far. It's when you surrender to Divine Spirit that you transcend the limitations and paradigms of this visible world.
Godfidence is the unshakable belief that your abilities and successes are divinely guided. It's a blend of confidence and faith, creating a sense of purpose and resilience. With Godfidence, you face challenges not with fear, but with the assurance that a Higher Power is steering your course. This mindset cultivates inner strength, allowing you to overcome obstacles and pursue your dreams and goals with unwavering determination. It's a beautiful reminder that we are never alone, and that with faith, all things are possible.
Next time you're feeling lost, put down your map quest and tap into your GPS.
Excerpt from book Step Up to the Plate of L.I.F.E. (Living in Full Excellence)
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