About Ryan Estis

Ryan Estis understands the challenges business leaders and top performers face because he’s been in their shoes. He spent 15 years helping companies connect with employees and customers as an ad agency executive, building a client roster of category-leading brands. Nine years ago, he decided to put that experience into practice and launch his own research and learning organization. Ryan is afforded an inside look at what the world’s best companies do differently and he shares that insight by helping clients initiate change, improve performance and deliver growth.

For me, the Fourth of July isn’t just a time for celebration and relaxation. It’s also a time for reflection.

The Fourth of July marks the halfway point through the year. And this has been a year like no other. Many of us have had our confidence shaken, myself included. I don’t think I’m alone in saying this year has been one of the most difficult and disruptive to navigate since I started my business. It will be the first year in a decade we haven’t grown our top-line revenue, and the future feels very uncertain.

But I am reminding myself that it’s only halftime.

And as I take a moment of pause this holiday weekend, I’m using this time as a moment to reclaim my confidence for the rest of the year. After all, selling is a game of confidence. Plenty of confidence is going to be required to turn 2020 around.

So what can you do to cultivate more self-confidence?

“I realize the dominating thoughts of my mind will eventually reproduce themselves in outward, physical action, and gradually transform themselves into physical reality; therefore, I will concentrate my thoughts for thirty minutes daily, upon the task of thinking of the person I intend to become thereby creating in my mind a clear mental picture of that person.” — Napoleon Hill, “Think & Grow Rich”

First, consider what you’re putting into your mind. This quote comes from Napoleon Hill’s “Self-Confidence Formula” from “Think and Grow Rich.” The document lives on my desktop, and I follow the formula. Part of my morning routine includes getting my mindset right. I opt for reading, listening, watching and then a little bit of writing to make sure I am in the right frame of mind to attack the day. Routines and rituals are critical during moments of challenge.

Second, remember to expect adversity — and embrace it! Adversity can be the catalyst that fuels growth. Our darkest moments can become our defining moments if we are awake to the learning. So reframe the narrative. What did you learn about yourself during the first half of 2020? Who are you becoming? How are you getting better? Reflect and recommit to who you are going to be on the other side of this test.

Third, lock in that vision of the future. Vision and mental rehearsal are battle-tested, time-honoured traditions of peak performers like LeBron James and Michael Phelps. However, you don’t have to be on the cusp of an NBA championship or Olympic gold to cultivate the same level of impact. To the contrary, visualization can serve to support us mere mortals in creating the life we deserve and desire. If you are feeling stuck in any area of your life or simply want more of something (abundance, growth, health, intimacy, love, connection … there are no limits and you get to decide!), try this simple life-visioning exercise I completed during a retreat with the Hoffman Institute.

The future isn’t determined. We can define and create it! Wishing you a great start to the second half of 2020.

To Learn more about Ryan Estis contact [email protected]

Derek Sweeney is the Director of Speaker Ideas at The Sweeney Agency. www.thesweeneyagency.com. For 15 years Derek has been helping clients find the right Speakers for their events. Derek can be reached at 1-866-727-7555 or [email protected]