Are you on mute?
I was recently listening to a podcast, mostly feminist based content, where they were discussing the differences between men and women feeling capable. They shared research about how boys and girls are statistically the same in their confidence levels at age 5. But once the same boys and girls turn 6, the girls show a significant drop in their confidence.
They then went on to talk about how girls mature faster than boys, and it is suggested that boys eventually catch up, then this question was posed: Do men really catch up or do women just start muting themselves in the presence of men?
I got curious about this “muting’ idea and wondered if, we as women, extend this “muting” throughout our lives, no matter what room we’re in.
And not so surprisingly, I found that the answer is yes. For decades, women have stunted our growth, by not nurturing our confidence factor. Don’t get it twisted. Men doubt themselves as well, but they haven’t quite mastered it in the same way women have and they don’t let their doubts stop them as often as women do.
Further research showed that there is a real “confidence gap” between men and women. In instances where we are overqualified and over prepared, we still tend to downplay our competence.
We don’t have much control over natural biology but we do influence and impact the way in which the world responds to us. When people are confident, when they think they are good at something, they have a tendency to display that confidence is both verbal and nonverbal ways, even if they might not actually be good!
Our lack of confidence is fed by self-doubt, based on our own self-perception. Our self-perception is fed by our experiences with others and our self-talk. If we continue to tell ourselves that we don’t deserve a better life or we’re not qualified for a better job, that’s what we will believe...and manifest.
I have been guilty of manifesting my own self-doubt as well. I actually made this story of me being “undeserving of a position” a part of several talks I gave to young people, even though my credentials were beyond the minimum requirements.
As women, we don’t always consider ourselves “as ready” to take on new challenges, but research shows that men don’t either, yet they do it anyway. And in general, successful people do it anyway. They aren't afraid of being seen or heard. They definitely aren't living on mute!
Fast Action: Affirmations!
I am worthy and capable of the opportunities that come my way!
I am ready for new challenges!
Stephanie Womack is an author and speaker that specializes in PR strategies for hearts, minds and souls, helping women take their personal responsibility to the next level. Her latest book, Standing on Sinking Sand, is a personal development book with over 25 practical life lessons to make the rest of your time the best, and achieve any goal. You can download the Rebrand Your Fear Workbook, as a FREE gift from Stephanie to learn her 4- step process to shift your mindset and start building your personal brand. Get Stephanie's weekly newsletter, First Things First, in your inbox for an exclusive first look at the blog and additional resources.
