How to Build Confidence and Thrive in Your Career

August 2, 2025 by The Ideal Myth

Confidence is a critical component of career success. It enables individuals to take initiative, pursue leadership roles, communicate effectively, and navigate workplace challenges with clarity. However, confidence is not always inbuilt- it is a skill that can be cultivated over time with intentional effort.

Below are key strategies for building confidence and thriving in any professional environment.

1. Take Action Before You Feel Ready

Waiting for the perfect moment to feel fully confident often leads to inaction. Confidence is often the result of taking action, not the prerequisite. Many professionals experience hesitation when considering new responsibilities or leadership roles. However, progress comes from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing challenges, even amid uncertainty.

Taking small but meaningful steps regularly helps develop self-trust and builds the foundation for long-term confidence.

2. Understand and Communicate Your Value

Self-awareness is a core component of confidence. Professionals must identify their unique strengths, skills, and contributions. This clarity allows for more effective communication with peers, managers, and stakeholders.

To do this:

Make a list of top skills and strengths.
Identify specific instances where these strengths delivered tangible results.
Practice articulating these achievements during meetings, evaluations, or interviews.

When individuals clearly understand and express their value, they position themselves for recognition and advancement.

3. Overcome Perfectionism

Perfectionism can be a major barrier to confidence. Striving for flawless performance often leads to procrastination, anxiety, and missed opportunities. While aiming for high standards is commendable, pursuing perfection in every task is unrealistic and counterproductive.

Professionals benefit from adopting a mindset of continuous improvement. Accepting that mistakes are part of the learning process allows for more agile growth and increased confidence over time.

4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Workplace culture and peer groups significantly impact confidence. Being surrounded by supportive colleagues, mentors, and leaders can encourage personal growth, innovation, and bold decision-making. Conversely, negative environments can diminish self-esteem and hinder progress.

Seek out mentors who provide constructive feedback, challenge limiting beliefs, and offer guidance. Join professional communities or networks that foster growth and collaboration. A strong support system enhances both confidence and career resilience.

5. Embrace Constructive Feedback

Feedback, when delivered constructively, offers valuable insights for improvement. However, many professionals interpret feedback as criticism, leading to defensiveness or discouragement.

To build confidence:

View feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Ask for clarification or examples to understand specific areas for growth.
Acknowledge strengths while identifying actionable next steps.

Handling feedback professionally demonstrates maturity and fosters continuous development.

6. Establish Grounding Rituals and Habits

Daily routines can help reinforce a confident mindset. Simple practices- such as journaling, goal setting, or mindfulness- contribute to emotional stability and self-assurance. These habits allow professionals to remain focused, reduce stress, and maintain clarity during high-pressure situations.

Select rituals that align with personal preferences and values. Whether through morning routines, evening reflection, or mid-day resets, consistent self-care practices contribute to long-term confidence and performance.

7. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Confidence grows through achievement. Setting small, realistic goals and accomplishing them builds momentum and reinforces a sense of capability. These goals can be task-related, such as leading a meeting or completing a project milestone, or behavioral, like contributing more during team discussions.

Over time, the accumulation of small wins builds a solid foundation of self-belief, which contributes to broader career success.

8. Speak Up and Advocate for Yourself

Confident professionals consistently advocate for themselves and their ideas. Speaking up in meetings, providing input during planning discussions, or asking for new responsibilities signals competence and initiative.

To develop this skill:

Prepare talking points ahead of meetings.
Practice assertive communication that is respectful and clear.
Use data or outcomes to support suggestions.

Regularly voicing perspectives enhances visibility and helps establish leadership presence.

9. Commit to Continuous Learning

Confidence and competence are closely linked. Investing in learning- whether through formal education, skill development, certifications, or reading- builds knowledge and practical ability. This increased expertise reduces uncertainty and enhances decision-making.

Professionals should remain adaptable and curious. Embracing lifelong learning prepares individuals for industry changes and strengthens their ability to lead, adapt, and innovate.

10. Maintain a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. This mindset fosters resilience and encourages individuals to view challenges as opportunities rather than setbacks.

By embracing a growth-oriented perspective:

Failures are reframed as learning experiences.
Feedback becomes a tool for advancement.
Confidence is built on progress, not perfection.

Cultivating a growth mindset is one of the most effective long-term strategies for thriving in any career.

Confidence is Built, Not Given

Confidence in the workplace is not limited to certain personalities or job titles. It is the product of intentional actions, self-awareness, supportive environments, and consistent learning. By applying the strategies outlined above, professionals can steadily build the confidence needed to take initiative, grow in their roles, and ultimately thrive in their careers.

Developing confidence is a journey, not a destination. Progress may be gradual, but each step- no matter how small- contributes to long-term success and fulfilment.

13 Distractions we face in life: How to overcome

August 11, 2025May 27, 2025 by The Ideal Myth

Life isn’t short. It’s just often interrupted.

We live in a world bursting with opportunities, connections, and resources. Yet, many of us still struggle with staying focused. Why? Because distractions—both external and internal – have quietly become a part of our everyday life.

We start our day with good intentions, ready to tackle our priorities. But then our phones buzz, thoughts drift, doubts creep in, and before we know it, the day has slipped by. Distractions don’t just take away our time- they rob us of our potential.

Let’s examine the 13 most common distractions we face in life, understand how they affect us, and explore how we can consciously reclaim our focus.

1. Social Media Scrolling

Endless feeds, instant likes, and the fear of missing out keep us glued to our screens. What starts as a 2-minute check becomes a 45-minute black hole.

How to beat it:

Set app timers. Use your phone intentionally. Ask yourself: “Is this adding value to my life or stealing time from it?”

2. Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparison is the thief of joy, yet we do it subconsciously, especially online. We compare our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.

How to beat it:

Practice gratitude. Unfollow accounts that spark envy. Remind yourself: your path is unique, and success isn’t a competition.

3. Multitasking

Contrary to popular belief, multitasking doesn’t make us more efficient. It fragments our attention and reduces the quality of our work.

How to beat it:

Focus on one task at a time. Use time blocks for specific activities. Prioritise depth over speed.

4. Negative Thoughts and Self-Doubt

Internal distractions are often more powerful than external ones. Doubt, fear, and overthinking can paralyse progress.

How to beat it:

Practice mindfulness or journaling. Recognise negative patterns and challenge them. Build a habit of positive self-talk.

5. Toxic Relationships

People who constantly drain your energy or make you second-guess yourself are subtle, yet serious distractions from your purpose.

How to beat it:

Set healthy boundaries. Limit interactions. Surround yourself with those who uplift and inspire you.

6. Notifications Overload

Every ding, buzz, and banner pulls you out of the present moment. Our brains are wired to respond to novelty, making these alerts irresistible.

How to beat it:

Turn off non-essential notifications. Check messages at designated times. Protect your attention like it’s your most precious asset—because it is.

7. The Pursuit of Perfection

Perfectionism creates a false sense of progress. We delay, polish, and tweak endlessly, fearing judgment or failure.

How to beat it:

Done is better than perfect. Take messy action. Real growth comes from doing, not overthinking.

8. Cluttered Environment

A messy workspace, home, or digital space can overwhelm your senses and drain mental energy.

How to beat it:

Declutter regularly. Simplify your space to invite clarity. A clean environment supports a focused mind.

9. Entertainment Bingeing

Netflix, YouTube, endless podcasts – while entertainment is great in moderation, bingeing too often numbs your drive and consumes time meant for creation or growth.

How to beat it:

Reward yourself with entertainment after productive work. Be mindful of how you unwind. Choose inspiration over escape.

10. Saying Yes to Everything

Overcommitting can leave you burnt out and distracted from your true priorities. Every “yes” to others can be a “no” to your own goals.

How to beat it:

Learn to say no gracefully. Protect your schedule. Prioritise things that align with your vision.

11. Lack of Clear Goals

Without clarity, everything feels urgent. When you don’t know where you’re headed, any path will seem tempting—even the wrong ones.

How to beat it:

Write down your goals. Break them into daily or weekly tasks. Revisit and reflect on your progress often.

12. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

We often jump into trends, conversations, and activities just to stay relevant or included, even when they don’t align with our values.

How to beat it:

Ask yourself, “Do I really want this, or do I just not want to miss out?” Be okay with missing out on what’s not meant for you.

13. Waiting for the ‘Right Time’

We postpone dreams and goals, telling ourselves we’ll start “when the time is right.” But often, the perfect time never comes.

How to beat it:

Take imperfect action. The right time is when you begin. Every step you take builds momentum.

Distractions are Inevitable, But You’re in Control

Every day, distractions try to hijack your time, attention, and energy. But awareness is the first step toward change. Once you recognise the patterns, you can interrupt them.

Start small. Tackle one distraction at a time. The goal isn’t to be perfect – it’s to be intentional.

Take Back Your Focus Today

Just remember - You don’t need more time; you need fewer distractions.

Making a choice- Life is a result of your Choices

August 11, 2025May 2, 2025 by The Ideal Myth

We have often heard that whatever happens to us is the result of the choices we made. It is true for a fact. Somewhere we are responsible for our choices and it is important to make a choice for our life. The good things, the bad experiences, sorrow, grief, happiness, success, failure and all the things are result of the choices we made. The life we get today is by the choices we made in the past and the life we will have in future will be by the choices we will make today.

Life is not a random series of events, but a reflection of the choices we make big and small.

Every decision shapes our path, influences our experiences, and determines our direction. Whether we realize it or not, the life we are living today is largely the result of the choices we made in the past, and the life we will live tomorrow depends on the choices we are yet to make.

From the relationships we nurture to the careers we pursue, to the habits we form-our decisions act like the bricks in the foundation of our lives. While we cannot control every circumstance, we can always control our response. That response, in itself, is a choice.

Blaming fate or external forces often feels easier, but it also strips us of our power. When we own our choices, we take back control of our narrative. We start to recognize that growth, change, and even healing begin the moment we decide differently.

So whether it’s the past that brought us to this point or the future that lies ahead, one truth remains: our choices matter. Each day offers a new opportunity to choose better, wiser, and with greater intention because in the end, our lives are shaped not by what happens to us, but by how we choose to respond.

Choose your future: Your tomorrow is nothing but the result of your choices made today

Every decision we make today is an investment in the life we’ll live tomorrow. Whether big or small, each choice sets a direction, forms a habit, or creates momentum toward a future outcome. The life we dream of isn’t built in a single moment- it’s built one choice at a time.

Think about it: choosing to eat healthy today influences your health tomorrow. Choosing to study, work hard, or stay disciplined shapes your career and financial future. Even decisions about how we treat others, how we react to challenges, or how we spend our free time play a part in defining our character and future relationships.

Often, we underestimate the power of daily decisions because the results aren’t immediate. But just like compound interest, the effects of consistent, intentional choices grow over time. One good decision won’t change everything—but a pattern of them will.

The future isn’t something that just happens to us-it’s something we actively create. So if you want a life of meaning, success, and fulfilment, start by being mindful of the choices you’re making today. Because tomorrow always begins with today.

Important areas of life where we can make choices today to make our future better:-

Choosing education

Relationships

A healthy lifestyle

Friends and family

Your happiness

Choice to dream

Let go (Forgiveness, Toxic People, relationships)

Quit (Bad Habits, self-doubt, saying “yes” all the time)

How to Live Life

Your future self is shaped by what you decide now- choose wisely.

Networking tips for your career and business

August 11, 2025May 1, 2025 by The Ideal Myth

Networking is not only necessary but a need to grow your career or business. It is not just limited to business or sales professionals but to every individual who wishes to rise in their career. The important thing about networking is not usually in a way that you make the other person feel that you are building a network. You genuinely should showcase interest in building good relationships and not just for a probable benefit you may have in future. The idea is to meet new people, talk, build a rapport and network.

Meaningful Connections

It is very important to with whom you are networking and how relevant connections you are making. The connections you are supposed to look out for should be the ones who could have a good influence on your network.

Begin with people you know

We always have few people we know and also understand they are relevant people you should interact. Somehow the person is just limited to a phone contact in our phonebook but we don’t make an efforts to interact with them. Friends, relatives, and mutual friends who are in the same industry but we don’t bother to reach out to them or interact even if we have any social gathering or opportunity. Sometimes we hesitate to make the first move.

Never limit yourself

Sometimes we define our territory that we are supposed to network with a certain group or level of people. You should always be open to making connections with people who could be a good influence for you. Do not be afraid to make new contacts and approach new people. You should have a genuine interest in networking and a polite and courteous way to approach.

Connect with the right people

When connecting you should always connect with people having similar interests, careers, industry and moreover who can be a good influence as your connection.

Carry a business card

It doesn’t matter if you are travelling or gathering for work or personal purposes, you must carry a business card. You definitely can have contact details but a business card still is a very welcoming gesture.

Remember Names

This is one of the simple but very vital tips which works almost everywhere. It is a pleasing thing when we see someone whom we have not much interaction with but is addressing us by our name. There is definitely a chance that the person would try to remember your name or at least remember you the next time you meet them.

Connect Professionally (Through Linkedin)

Where social media is blamed for hampering work productivity, you can always use the time and resources to build a professional network on a networking platform like LinkedIn.

Try to be a help

Being a help doesn’t mean you have to advise or suggest someone when they are not even looking for you. Being a help when you know someone is looking up to you for reference, recommendation or any information.

Learn to initiate

It is very intimidating for many to initiate a conversation with someone they would like to. The worst thing could happen is you will be excused which happens very rarely. When you are at an event, exhibition, or any gathering, you can always take time to say hi or have a short conversation with people you would like to network.

Leave an impression

you have to leave an impression in a way that the person remembers you next time or you feel invited the next time you meet them.

Try to get a contact

Getting a contact with the person you have met and who could be a good influence is the right thing to do. It doesn’t matter if you get a phone number or a visiting card. It is also a way to show your interest that you would like to stay in touch. There is always a regret left when we couldn’t get the contact just because we were too hesitant to be the one asking for it. It doesn’t matter who asks first, the important thing is that contact is exchanged.

Add value to a conversation

When you are in a group of people, it would never benefit you if your presence is not witnessed by the other members. You should involve yourself in conversation when you find the right opportunity. It never means that you have to be the one talking all the while, you may speak less but you are worthy. You should add value to the ongoing conversation.

Follow up

It is one of the important things that many of us fail to do. When we have met someone important and we have the person in our network, we never follow up. Follow-up doesn’t mean that you have to make frequent calls or load them with messages, you should try to further build a relationship with them. You can wish them happy birthdays, and greeting on important festivals, if you happen to be at the same event, be the one to go there and say hi to them.

These are some of the tips we all know about but we hardly care or put into practice. Networking is not less than marketing a product, you must market yourself to the industry and its people. Your existence should be visible to the people and you should make yourself important that other people wish to connect with you.

You can share more tips or suggestions in the comment section.

13 Reasons Why People Fail

August 11, 2025July 27, 2021 by The Ideal Myth

We know people who achieved success and changed their circumstances against all odds. There are many who are full of dreams and passions who fails. We only know about the failure of the people who failed but we never thought that why they might have failed. There are 13 reasons why people fail.

1. Lack of persistence/Quit

Many times, we wish for things but it takes a lot of hard work and effort to achieve them. Most people either quit too early or are not persistent towards their goal. When we don’t take daily steps, timely evaluation of our efforts, overcoming the barriers, we can’t succeed. When we are not persistent towards our goal, we fail.

2. Lack of conviction

We have a strong desire at first but slowly when it demands effort and commitment from our side, we keep on hiding from it and involve in other things. No matter if your efforts are giving results or not but at the least you should attempt. You should believe in your dreams and yourself first. Being sceptical at the very beginning and not even making attempts shows that you yourself are not convinced in your dreams and ultimately results in failure.

3. Excuses

Most people are always under the shield of excuses. They have excuses for everything. We can either keep success or excuses. Everyone has their part of the struggle but overcoming them is where success comes and sticking to excuses where one fails.

I have not started this because I have….
I would start next month because….
This year I am already….
It is because I don’t have support and….
You don’t know how many things I am dealing with…
It’s easy for others but not me because…

4. Self-awareness/ your mistakes

The journey of success is not only about achieving our dreams. It many times teaches us great life lessons. The only thing is that we have to be self-aware and also we have to realize where we are making mistakes and corrective actions required. We have to learn from our mistakes and have to overcome them rather than getting demotivated and quit.

5. Self-esteem/ego

The fear of failure and would affect your self-esteem and ego. People fear that they would feel embarrassed if they fail and their failure would be a topic of discussion for their people. For a few, they are too proud to let someone know that they can fail and they don’t even try.

6. Fate

People overlook the hard work and effort a person has put on to become successful and just credit their fate. They are never able to see their faith in the capabilities. It’s not about fate but faith which will take one ahead. People who believe in anyone’s success or failure as an act of fate are definitely going to fail.

7. Living in THE IDEAL MYTH

When we want things too perfect and too ideal to begin. People expect and wait for the best situation and best time to begin. It is a myth to expect that when all the things would be ideal and as per us, we can begin. The people who wait for the ideal things, the ideal time and the ideal circumstances tend to fail.

8. Being too pessimistic

Sometimes we may not be completely sure that all the things that we are deciding and planning would go as we have planned. All that we forecasted would result as we have thought. It is okay to consider all the factors about the probability of the situation not working in our favour. But being too pessimistic is one thing that would lead to the person not been able to make an attempt. He would never be able to make an attempt and also it is not at all a crime to fail. Not even once, even if you fail after multiple attempts, it won’t make you a bad person. It is better to have a failed attempt than no attempt.

9. No Investment in learning and development

People always keep the priority last and the unnecessary things on their primary list. Learning is continuous and there is always room for more development. We don’t have to be rigid and always have to be open to new ideas and methods. People who are always stuck to the traditional idea and are not open to new learning, ideas and are keen to change often fails.

10. lack of accountability

Sometimes working independent and being self-employed, we miss the accountability and waste a lot of time as we are not accountable to anyone and we don’t have to report to anyone. The pressure of completing the task and urgency is missing. If we desire something, we have to provide time for learning, allot time for working on it, setting up a list of tasks, keeping deadlines and becoming self-accountable.

11. Circumstances

Everyone has different circumstances and all have their own struggles. We can’t claim that it is easy for others and feeling yourself victimized of all the circumstances. Till the time one has an excuse of circumstances, you can’t move ahead. There are people who have risen up fighting all the odds.

12. Emotional barrier

At one stage, a person struggling to achieve his dreams becomes very vulnerable. There are things that make him fear and becomes a barrier to move ahead. He lives in fear and is emotionally caught up with the fear of losing

What if he is not able to succeed?
What if he fails and his investment of time, money, choice of discarding a safe option will lead him to a life of poverty?
The guilt of not being able to live up to the expectations of the family?
The growing disappointment in the face of loved ones at each and every failed attempt?

13. No action

There are many people who have talent, knowledge, capability and everything that needs to convert an idea into success. One thing that is more important than everything is to take timely action and steps. There are many people with brilliant ideas and business plans but the person who takes the initiative and dares to put his plan into action gets success. Despite having everything, many people fail because they take no action.

If you have anything to add or any thought, do write in the comment section.