This quote came to me in a roundabout way today, but I knew immediately that I had to share it! While working out this morning I listened, as I usually do, to a podcast. I love listening to and learning from various podcasts while I exercise on genres ranging from nutrition, to inspirational and motivational, to tactical marketing and public relations tips I can apply in our business.
Today, I listened to Tim Ferriss’ podcast titled How to Overcome Fear – Lessons from Firefighter and Luger, Caroline Paul. Fantastic podcast…loved his interview of Caroline Paul. Caroline was once a young scaredy-cat, but she decided early on that fear got in the way of the life she wanted. She put fear behind her to lead a life of excitement, confidence and self-reliance. Caroline’s story could have been enough inspiration to motivate me for the day ahead, but I was fortunate to receive a double dose today…. During the interview I was intrigued when Caroline and Tim discussed a Ted Talk by social psychologist and Harvard Professor, Amy Cuddy on body language and “power posing.”
When I returned home, I listened to Amy’s Ted Talk. This really resonated with me. Amy explained how body language not only affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Amy shows how “power posing” — standing in a posture of confidence for just two minutes, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success. Amy’s battle cry is “fake it till you become it.” When I was a young athlete in high school and college, I’m not sure where I picked this up, but before games I would – as I called it – “visualize my success.” This was my mental preparation, and one I have tried to pass along to my children. Cuddy’s research and message resonate with me because I truly believe my ability to ‘visualize my success,’ much like ‘faking it till you become it’ has played a vital role in my happy and successful personal and professional life.
No matter who you are or where you are at in life, I think you can benefit from applying Cuddy’s strategy of “power posing” — standing in a posture of confidence, even when you don’t feel confident.
It’s Tuesday, try a two-minute power pose, and get going!