Confidence when it Counts: Rise Above Self-Criticism to Make your Mark

Confidence is a greater predictor than competence of a woman's career success and earnings. Many women "know in their mind" they are great at what they do and have plenty of confidence when life is in a flow - but don't 'feel it in their bones' causing hesitation and self criticism. Written by a Harvard Medical School trained business psychologist, this book goes beyond well-meaning but vague encouragements such as 'believe in yourself girlfriend,' and gives you specific, proven, and actionable TOOLS to have confidence in the moments that count: how to not react or take it personally when facing someone with strong energy; how to speak up when afraid of judgment or frustrated your words will be a waste of breath; how to get out of the negative spiral of criticism; how to ask for salary or fees or resources; how to say no when you've always said 'yes'; how to get your 'emotional oxygen' from within instead of trying to be validated by that limited boss or business partner. You'll learn your specific Confidence Type - the secret to understanding when you show up confident, and when you don't - and why. Dr. Melnick takes the reader through practical exercises she can do to quickly rise above her own self criticisms and others' bias to make her mark. With a unique and fresh perspective, this book helps women distinguish whether not speaking up or 'going for it' stems from their own self doubt vs frustration and resignation in the face of chronic gender bias - and gives the instruction manual to 'get out of their own way' and 'get others out of their way' so they can make the contribution they were put here to make. This is a book for women who want to have more influence and advance in their organization, for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to 'put themselves out there' to earn more, and for those who are fine in their professional lives but want to uplift their personal relationships by being more confident.