What If the Only Thing Holding You Back… Is You?

After a keynote I gave at a national business convention, an audience member pulled me aside. He looked calm on the outside—but his words said otherwise.

“I just got promoted to a major leadership role,” he said. “Everyone thinks I’m super capable. But honestly, I’m scared. What if I can’t do it? What if I blow it?”

Have you ever felt that way?

You’re not alone. Lots of people look confident on the outside, but deep down, they’re questioning themselves. In fact, you might be surprised how many high achievers secretly struggle with the same thing: self-doubt.

Why Self-Esteem Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational

Decades ago, Dr. Charles Mayo (of Mayo Clinic fame) said, “I never knew a man to die of overwork, but I have known men to die of doubt.” And it’s still true. Doubt drains your energy. It steals your voice. And it puts an invisible ceiling on your potential.

But when your self-esteem is solid, something incredible happens: You perform better. You connect better. You live better.

Even champions know this.

Serena Williams said, “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does—that’s what makes you a winner.”

Or take Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who admitted: “I didn’t always have confidence. I had to build it. I had to train my mind like a muscle.”

So don’t assume self-esteem just “happens.” It doesn’t. It’s built—intentionally.

That’s why I start my October 9th and 10th, 2025 two-day virtual Journey-to-the-Extraordinary program with real, practical training on self-esteem. Because you can’t win big in your life, work, or relationships without believing you belong at the table.

Register by July 31st and take advantage of our Super Early-Bird Savings. $797 instead of the regular $1497.

► So How Do You Build Unshakeable Self-Esteem?

Here are four strategies you can start today. And at the Journey event on October 9–10, we’ll go much deeper—practicing some other strategies in real time so you build your confidence once and for all.

► Strategy 1: Get Honest with Yourself

Stand in front of a mirror. What do you see?

Not just on the outside—but in your thoughts. What are you telling yourself?

If you’re constantly hearing, “I’m not good enough … I’m not sure I can do it … It’s too hard for me … or … I could never…” it’s time to change the script.

Awareness is the first step toward growth. And at the Journey event on October 9-10, 2025, we’ll show you how to change your inner voice from critic to coach.

► Strategy 2: See It Before You Become It

Olympic athletes know about this. They attribute 95% of their success to the mental work that underlies their physical performance. They know that if they’re going to be successful, they must first “see” themselves as successful.

Picture yourself speaking with confidence. Leading with strength. Having that tough conversation calmly. Your mind will begin to shape your behavior to match the picture.

This isn’t hype. It’s neuroscience.

► Step 3: Talk Away Your Fear

There are two conflicting entities inside our minds: the “brave me” and the “fearful me.” Many times, the “fearful me” paralyzes and frustrates the “brave me.” You’ve got to talk away the “fearful me” if you’re going to have great self-esteem and its corresponding success.

I remember the time I was going to speak to an entire audience of high-powered female judges. The meeting planner told me they were a very tough audience and if I said one thing wrong, they would tear me apart.

I walked into the room so frightened that my mouth dried up entirely, so much so that my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. I immediately pulled myself into a private corner and began to talk away my fear, telling myself, “I’m well researched … well educated … well paid … in high demand … and have spoken to hundreds of challenging audiences in the past … all with great success. I COULD DO THIS! I WOULD BLOW THEM AWAY!” And I did.

When fear creeps in—and it will—you have to respond.

Enrico Caruso, the world-renowned tenor, was once so paralyzed with stage fright he whispered to himself backstage: “Get out, you miserable little me! Get out of the way! Out! Out!”

He stepped on stage and delivered a stunning performance.

Talk back to your fear. Out loud if you have to. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your inner courage steps forward and your self-confidence shoots up.

That’s what Carmen Fish learned to do at my Journey-To-The-Extraordinary experience. She says:

“Your Journey made a huge change in my self-esteem. I was terrified to speak in public. But after applying what I learned, I was asked to speak at a farewell party—and I said yes! That was a huge deal for me. It went so well. And my direct supervisor even said he’s seen a real change in me, which reaffirms that I am applying what I learned at the Journey. People are noticing that change.”

Click here to learn more and register now

► Step 4: Live Boldly

Sir Edmund Hillary, who climbed Mt. Everest, said it best: “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

Boldness doesn’t mean recklessness. You must do your homework, studying each problem or opportunity that comes your way. You must learn as much as you can about each of them; make a decision, and then take some bold action.

It is boldness that leads to increased self-esteem. Whether you win or lose, you respect yourself for the courage it took to move forward. Timidity will never give you the extra self-esteem you need.

Act more like Babe Ruth. One of the things that made him a great baseball player was the fact that he would swing at any pitch that was any good at all. Sure, he struck out a lot, but he also hit more home runs than any other player of his time.

Think of two or three things you could do right now to live a bit more boldly. And then do them now!

https://www.attend-the-journey.com

Dr. Alan Zimmerman CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame Zimmerman Communi-Care Network

alan@drzimmerman.com (239) 273-7743 - Work www.DrZimmerman.com