Coaching Corner: Preparation = Confidence = Success
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
Confidence. This word can generate countless conversations in many walks of life. How might we access the type of confidence that we strive for? I believe that much of that feeling of confidence can be attained from the quality of your preparation for any task that you are facing. In past years, the method (or lack thereof), of “winging it†was something I would pride myself on. And, quite frankly, it was something that I could easily pull off. Now, it has become so clear that taking the time to prepare for even the smallest of activities is a much more effective course to bring me success in my chosen activity.
Here is an example of something on the smaller side -- cooking. The past few years I have found joy in baking cakes. Thinking back, I remember how intimidating the entire process was, however, there was something in the idea of creating these confectionery delights from scratch that spurred me on! Initially, I would find a recipe that looked good, purchase ingredients that I needed and then when it was time, follow the recipe. OK, that worked -- or did it? I noticed that often I would feel somewhat scattered. Perhaps I had assumed that I had baking soda on hand, forgetting I had used the last box for something else. Or, needing an ingredient to be ready and having to pause to prepare or measure.
What has evolved for me is nothing short of Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray! I now take what I judge to be one of the most important steps in my cake baking -- PREPARATION! Making sure I have all ingredients on hand is crucial, along with any softening of butter or cream cheese ahead of time. Then measuring out every needed ingredient so that each is ready, willing and able (sound familiar) to go into the mixer at the appropriate time. Can I just say that this is so much easier!!!!
Somehow I believe that I had it in my head that I did not have the time to prepare -- let's just do it! Now, I can see that not taking the up front time to prepare can create situations that do not take me to the success that I desire. This is true whether it is making a cake, or preparing to teach a class. If you get the feeling within yourself that you desire more confidence in any given activity, I strongly suggest that taking the necessary time to prepare will lead you to that feeling of confidence -- authentic confidence. And, when you feel good about what and how you have prepared, you will retain that feeling -- even if that particular recipe wasn't as good as you hoped it would be.
This week, slow down and see where a greater degree of preparation will bring you to a more fulfilled feeling. Try it for small and big activities, business and personal. Feel free to share your successes with us!!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
