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MIND-BODY EATING COACH, REGISTERED NURSE, AND YOGA TEACHER. I'M HERE TO HELP YOU FIND FOOD FREEDOM AND HEAL YOUR MINDSET AROUND HEALTH SO YOU CAN LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!

I offer a free, 45 minute consultation for people ready to overcome challenges related to chronic dieting, body image, and weight. Schedule a call to see if my coaching services are right for you to reach your goals.

How to Improve Confidence: Transform Your Self-Doubt in Five Steps

mountain top confidence

 

One of the best life skills I’ve learned is how to improve confidence. It took me out of dreamland and into living the life of my dreams. 

I used to spend a LOT of time daydreaming without taking action and indulging in overanalyzing the next step out of fear of failure or embarrassment. It took me YEARS to make changes that deeply mattered because my overanalysis and lack of confidence created paralysis. I previously thought I needed to find confidence before taking action. Realizing that humans are not born with confidence- we learn it- changed my life.

I don’t believe in sitting in shame or regret. And I learned so much from that period in my life. Nonetheless, I’d love to support you in getting out of feeling stuck and moving into action that creates the result you’re looking for in your life. 

Are you ready to discover how to improve confidence? Take these steps:

 

  1. Claim the identity.
  2. Step into the possibility of making a change. 
  3. Expect and welcome fear.
  4. Aim for a 1% improvement in taking daily steps that create the habit.
  5. Prepare yourself ahead of time for critics (and support!).

Identity shift

As a human, you have the unique ability to become conscious of your current version of self and the power to create a new expression that’s in alignment with what you believe. I call this approach active spirituality: when what you believe and what you do are in alignment.

 

Write down the answers to these questions:

How do you think of yourself? 

Who are you, and what do you believe your identity to be?

 

Step into possibility

Allow me to pull back the curtain and explain why these answers matter. If you view yourself as the identity you’re seeking; you’ll make decisions that lead you to your desired results. It’s the method of action from your future self. A willingness to think about a person who is living out the reality you want and asking, “What would they say? Do? Think?”.

The first mindset shift is the readiness to believe in the possibility of becoming this person. Remember, all innovation begins with a thought. 

 

There are three stages in learning how to improve confidence, which the five steps guide you through: 

  1. assuming the identity
  2. creating the habits
  3. evaluating the results

It’s time to get curious. Check-in: 

  1. What result do I want?
  2. What habits does someone with those results have?
  3. What identity does that person with those results have?

For example: 

  1. I want to be someone who takes imperfect action. From there, I will analyze my performance and make improvements based on what I learn.
  2. This person is action-oriented. They set a limit on their analysis and live by the rule of deciding and figuring it out as they go. They save time by choosing to try or do things instead of stalling out waiting for the perfect solution. 
  3. Create believable thoughts based on stepping into the person’s identity who has the habits from your answers for question 2. Such as, “I’m becoming a person who takes action rather than spinning in indecision. I expect failure and use it as a tool to learn as I go.”

Your perceived self-image dictates your habits.

 

Spending time in your new self-image is one of the most powerful ways to connect with how to improve confidence.

 

The key is to visualize this person in action so you can take those steps yourself.

 

Fear is universal. Feel the fear, do it anyway. Your brain learns from repetition. 

The same chemical releases from our brain when we feel fear and excitement. The difference is what we make it mean. You have the choice to shift the story to one that propels you forward. Try on these thoughts to pull in compassionate self-talk:

“It’s okay to feel fear. It’s an uncomfortable emotion I’m experiencing because of my thoughts. I’m capable of handling any emotion. I can allow it and move forward. There’s trial and error with all new things, which is why my brain is concerned for my safety. I know I’m safe, and it’s okay if I mess up as I learn new skills.

Aim for a 1% improvement. 

The perfectionist wants the mountaintop now and is so attached to that expectation that they often don’t take action.

Real talk: It’s unrealistic to think you’ll be perfect. Where do you see evidence that people learn new things by being perfect? Instead, receive the grace to suck along the way and shift your experience with fear. 

Your brain will learn fear is not a reason to avoid doing something in all circumstances. Yes, fear can be life-saving, but recognize when it’s keeping you from actual danger versus fear of embarrassment or rejection. You will survive the latter, no matter how scary it seems.

 

Make it a habit.

Engage with this new behavior or your thought work around it for 5 minutes/day. Visualize assuming that identity and being that person in action. 

Calm down your nervous system around the idea of making changes by taking slow, equal part breaths as you spend time imagining living in this new identity. 

What is one small, doable step you can take today in support of this vision?

 

Here come the critics.

There are many ways to live this beautiful life. Just because something is important to you doesn’t mean it will be to everyone. 

First, notice the support you do have. Our brains love to answer questions. Ask it to show you examples of the people, experiences, and opportunities supporting your goals.

The brain continually evaluates the environment to perceive threats to guide us into actions that keep us safe. It’ll want to search for the negatives. Look for the wins. Everything has a complementary opposite within the whole. Think about it: light/dark, support/teardown. Don’t self-sabotage by expecting 100% supportive feedback is required to move forward.

Some people are committed not to like you. It’s their right to make that choice- and that truth is easier to swallow if you like yourself. 

One of my favorite perspectives that set me free and helped me learn how to improve confidence was recognizing I am not everyone’s peach. Let me explain. You can be the juiciest, most delicious, prize-winning peach, but someone just doesn’t like peaches. That person’s opinion doesn’t make the peach any less of a prize. 

Use the time you think about haters to work on being someone who has your own back. 

 

It’s normal to encounter resistance when learning how to improve confidence.

Trying new habits to shift into an identity that’s a complete and honest reflection of what you believe won’t come without challenges. At its core, it’s soul work. I’m cheering you on with every step you take. 

If you need support in creating awareness, self-inquiry, and the mindset shifts required for lasting change, book a consultation with me to see if my offerings would best serve you. 

People come to me because they don’t like their food or body image habits, but we end up coaching in all areas of life. Because how you do one thing is how you do everything. Additionally, eating challenges are typically a doorway to uncovering unhelpful thoughts and self-construct. Making changes in these areas transforms your whole life. And I’m here to help you bring these dreams to reality. 

 

To your health,

Laura

If you found this information helpful in shifting your mindset, check out this post: How to Follow Through on Goals

How to Follow Through on Goals

 

 

Kate

"Laura is extremely knowledgeable in many areas. Her natural talent to communicate with people helps them be the best version of themselves. Although her site states she focuses on food, nutrition, and people’s relationships with these things, which she is extremely talented at Laura has much more to offer. I have worked with many people in the past and Laura has been the first one to help me make this much change in my life! She's a business mentor and consultant, a communication specialist, and is helping me to be a better person overall. She's helped me face some very traumatic parts of my past, along with many other obstacles that have held me back, allowing me to finally become the person I have always wanted to be! Laura continues to believe in me and see my successes, even when I initially can’t. She patiently provides me the guidance to continue making progress and finding new beliefs in a solid but compassionate, nonjudgmental, supportive way. I don’t think there is anyone who wouldn't benefit from working with her!"

"Some people were born to help others and to create a better world, Laura is one of those people!"

Client success

Adrienne

"I began working with Laura after frustration with a health condition inspired me to make lifestyle changes around food, exercise, and mindset. I was looking for the answer to my problem and became overwhelmed by all the information out there. I struggled with taking action and accountability. From the first coaching session, I was comfortable telling Laura about my struggles and fears. She listened and reassured me that I could find freedom and live a happy and healthy life based off of my choices. Then she showed me the way. I found so much power within me from working with her. I learned how to create goals I could reach and each success led me to take the next step. Today, I am healthy and happy. There are a lot of paths to healthy living, but I know my success and excitement for the future would not have happened without working with Laura!"

"She listened and reassured me that I could find freedom..." 

Client success

Joy

"Laura has been an incredible source of compassion and guidance. I started working with her during a difficult time- I was feeling overcome with guilt around my choices and how they were effecting my health. I felt an instant connection with Laura. She created a safe and caring environment so I felt at ease honestly sharing personal details of my life. Laura was empathetic and offered practical support on how to address different health situations step-by-step. She provided many tools that I continue to use each and every day. Laura taught me the path to healing myself by facing my fears and being intentional with my choices."

"She created a safe and caring environment so I felt at ease honestly sharing personal details of my life."

Client success

Michelle

"Choices can be frustrating and confusing- and now I know they can also be rewarding. Laura taught me how to choose differently. To become aware of my thoughts, how to choose them intentionally, and learn how my thoughts create my feelings. I used to feel so powerless- now I understand myself and my actions so much better. I am grateful I chose to invest in myself by working with Laura. It has changed every aspect of my life for the better. I figured out practical, daily self-love, even when the opposite used to come more naturally. I know the power of my yes and no and I finally choose what I want for my life rather than staying in fear of change." 

"Working with Laura showed me the strength of my choices."

Client success

Christine

"Coaching with Laura was like finally taking a complete exhale. I was so wound up- scared and confused about my chronic health conditions and how to make lifestyle changes, as well as anxious about an upcoming surgery. Now I tell everyone about how beneficial our sessions were. Laura helped me see what was possible. From there, I settled in and learned how to believe in myself. I made changes that are doable to this day without feeling deprived. Are there days I don't want to follow through? Sure, but with the skills Laura taught me, I know how to work through discomfort and move forward in support of my goals. Discovering my strong why is a huge motivator. Laura changed my life by helping me create a lifestyle I enjoy. I feel great." 

"Laura helped me see what was possible."

Client success

Heather

"In the past year, my body has changed so much-both in form and function- thanks to this life-changing, life-extending med for cystic fibrosis...As a result, I've struggled hard with body image...But I don't want to be someone who chooses appearance over health. And I know that every ounce of work I put into challenging self-defeating thoughts is only going to help me age gracefully. I want to move joyfully as long as my body will allow. And I'm lucky enough to know this amazing woman...If you want guidance on how to reframe your thoughts and develop love and understanding exactly as you are, Laura is a resource. I don't think there's anything more worth paying love and attention to than our continued health. I eat well and exercise. It's time for that to be enough." 

"If you want guidance on how to reframe your thoughts and develop love and understanding exactly as you are, Laura is a resource."

Client success

Melissa

"From the moment I learned how Laura works with people to improve self-image, compassion, health, & joy of life,  I was so open to the process- embracing it all. It was energizing, comforting, & freeing. Despite years of therapy & my healthcare profession, I never heard wellbeing & the process of generating desired results explained & offered in a way that was compassionate & approachable. It just made sense. I was put at ease even though I knew it would be deep work. She brings levity & possibility to the sessions. I trust we are going deep, & during that process, she'll hold non-judgmental space for everything that comes up. Since she shows you how to release judgement & shame, I'm encouraged to move forward to take action. Working with Laura is a process filled with hope & results." 

"Nothing has touched my heart like this."

Client success

Jamie

"Laura has helped me completely change the way I show up to social situations. I no longer see them as roadblocks to my healthy lifestyle- they are a part of a healthy lifestyle. She taught me to have my own back every single time so I make choices that are consistent with what matters most to me.

She helped me celebrate trial and error- learning along the way- and seeing all the things I loved about connecting with others besides the food and drinks. Her mindset and breathwork techniques helped transform my social anxiety. Now, I enjoy socializing more and feel stronger with every social situation I have. What used to be triggers are now opportunities for me to practice new skills. And I'm getting better every time. Life always seems easier after calls with Laura! And I'm strengthening my own inner voice to offer that same support."

"Life always seems easier after calls with Laura!"

Client success

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