When we're listening to that negative radio station in our heads, it's critical to change the station! One specific tactic one can use is to create a list of the things in which one is great. Just like a gratitude list, you may be surprised at how many things there are in which you excel. I don't know if that's self-care, but it will work to build your confidence.

Feedback is helpful, but also remember to take that feedback with a grain of salt. Someone else's opinion of you doesn't define you, nor does their criticism. Solicit feedback from those you trust and respect. When themes emerge within that feedback, it can help you sift through the noise and find opportunities for refinement. When you are secure in who you are-- strengths, flaws, idiosyncrasies and all-- your confidence will naturally grow.

Compassion is a crucial tool for self-care. When we're compassionate toward ourselves, we create a mental space that is nurturing, forgiving, and free from harsh judgment. This fosters a resilient mindset, enabling us to face life's challenges with grace. Compassion also significantly enhances our communication skills. It lends a sense of empathy which allows us to better understand the perspectives of those we interact with, making us more effective leaders and collaborators. When we lead with compassion, we not only elevate our own confidence but also inspire those around us to feel more secure and empowered. Practicing compassion enriches not just your well-being, but also the quality of your relationships and leadership.

Self-care is a vital tool for building a leader's self-confidence. When we lead by example and make time to prioritize our physical and mental well-being, it not only benefits us but also sets a positive example for those around us. Even small actions, such as taking a walk during your lunch break, dedicating some extra time in the morning to exercise, stretch, and/or practice stress management, can accumulate and provide significant benefits. Additionally, taking regular vacation and mental health days, well before you experience burnout, not only encourages others to do the same, but helps you bring out your best leadership qualities.

Sleep - high-quality sleep that restores you - may be one of the most underrated tools in a leader’s toolkit. For me, the pandemic provided the opportunity to slow down. In that process I discovered that my sleep quality was poor and that I’m both sensitive to light and sound. For years, I have been sleep-deprived as a result. A few years later, armed with ear plugs and a sleeping mask, my sleep - and my focus are much better. I continue to make it a priority each and every day.

Sometimes? The key to leadership is to do less leading and more listening. Afford yourself the gift of sitting back and taking it all in. Listen to the quieter voices around you. Find the differing point of view. Observe other people’s reaction to each others ideas. Sit in quiet and reflect and see what rises to the surface so that you can lead from a place of learning.

Learning about yourself is key. Practices like mindfulness meditation and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) help leaders be more present and come aware of their thoughts and emotions. NVC teaches that our emotions are indicators of our needs. By tuning into these emotions, leaders can gain insights into their own (unmet) needs and become better attuned to those of their team members. This holistic approach to self-awareness not only strengthens leadership capabilities but also contributes to a leader's personal well-being and resilience, laying a strong foundation for self-confidence in their leadership role.

The best self care act I've found is following through with what you say. Doing what you say you will is a habit like anything else. Do you find yourself saying that you will do something. Just to find yourself not following through with it? In doing this you are training yourself to be someone you don't trust to do what they say. The self care act here is to teach yourself that you're someone that WILL follow through with what you say. Once you are someone you trust again, you can use this power! It can propell you in leadership and in life, as most poeple suffer from this issue.

If you can spend even 10 or 15 minutes per day outside in the sun, you’ll get that Vitamin D intake and you’ll feel so much better. Just don’t forget your sunscreen! Next time you need to get creative get outside with a pen and notebook that fits in your pocket, get moving, and get those juices flowing. Being outside can reduce stress and anxiety. Identify parks, forests or greenspaces that you can access within minutes so you can take a call or spend a well-earned break by yourself. Every week, look ahead to your series of meetings. Identify those meetings that are on video and turn as many meetings as possible to audio-only. Also, schedule short breaks to reduce as many back-to-back meetings as possible.