



How have these young people found the strength to attempt the impossible? They must intuitively understand the following principles:



If we allow it, adversity can become a spring-board for personal growth.


Contrary to popular belief, no one is born confident. The great news is that any of us can develop self-confidence if we understand how to get there. Here are steps to consider:

Pick a goal or a new endeavor -- one you've wanted to pursue but have been afraid to attempt until now. Write it down in clear language and post it in a number of places where you'll see it regularly, such as your mirror, the refrigerator or the dashboard of your car. Repeat it to yourself often.


Tell friends and family members about your goal so that you will feel more compelled to follow through with it and so that they can serve as your "cheering section" -- especially if your resolve wanes.


Don't let embarrassment or ego keep you from asking for help. Seek out successful people who have had their own struggles reaching their goals. Offer to treat them to coffee or lunch. You'd be surprised how many folks are flattered to be asked to share their wisdom.


Every time you apply this set of steps to a new goal, you'll realize more strongly than ever that you can rely on yourself. Further, the notion that you can feel fear and proceed anyway will be even more strongly rooted in your psyche. In short, you'll have grown your self-confidence by leaps and bounds.
