Consider the extremely successful businesspeople you’ve met. How many of them:
- Radiated a strong sense of purpose;
- Could take command of a situation when they wanted to;
- Conveyed the impression they knew just what was going on and what needed to be done;
- Seemed to always be calm and collected, even in very tense situations; and
- Projected fearlessness?
Conviction plays a prominent role in a person’s ability to convey a sense of purpose and the belief that he or she can adroitly handle difficult situations. It’s a mental attitude that communicates expertise and leadership.
When they’re on top of their game, self-made millionaires in business situations, such as negotiations or when networking, have an air of sureness and certainty. They’re in command of the situation. Their certitude in themselves and what they are saying dominates the meeting.
While many factors support this sense of control, conviction is a big part of it. Conviction embodies dynamism, vitality, and even enthusiasm. The following equation captures three essential components of conviction:
Conviction = Self-Efficacy + Preparation + Determination
Self-efficacy is your belief that you can be very successful in specific situations. It’s a sense of confidence magnified forcefully and centered on a specific situation. A person with high self-efficacy says “I can,” not “I cannot.”
With respect to the types of business opportunities you are involved with, how much do you really believe in your ability to win? The more you believe in yourself, the more likely you are to be successful. Without question, all of us have limitations and issues. When these factors adversely affect your ability to work effectively, you lack the appropriate self-efficacy.
Preparation generates high levels of confidence, supported by knowledge about the deal with the situations you are facing. It’s knowing the facts, the people involved, and the leverage you have. It’s knowing that you’re totally ready to engage and achieve.
Determination is your motivation to excel, often predicated on your psychological commitment to attaining success. It’s also internalizing your financial end goal and understanding how to get there.
By radiating conviction, you are inclined to become significantly more successful. By truly believing you can succeed, you position yourself to succeed.
