Welcome to Part Two of my Confidence Booster Series, where I share practical strategies to boost your confidence.

Recognize and Reframe Your NATs

Have you ever stepped outside on a humid summer day and been swarmed by gnats? They’re tiny but relentless – buzzing around your head, flying into your eyes and mouth, and making it nearly impossible to focus. You swat them away, but they just keep coming back.

That’s exactly what negative automatic thoughts (NATs) do to your mindset.

These thoughts pop up without warning and whisper things like:

• “I’m not good enough,”
• “I’ll probably fail,”
• “Everyone else has it together,” or
• “I should know this already.”

One or two may seem harmless, but when they swarm, they cloud your thinking and weigh down your confidence.

Just like you’d wear bug spray or head indoors to escape a swarm of gnats, you can learn to recognize and reframe your NATs so they no longer control your day or your mindset.

Step 1: Pay Attention

When your confidence dips, tune in to your inner dialogue.

• Are you being overly critical of yourself?
• Comparing yourself to others?
• Setting impossible expectations?

Identifying those NATs is the first step to stopping the swarm.

Step 2: Reframe

Replace those thoughts with more empowering messages. Instead of saying, “I should know this already,” try:

• “This is a great opportunity to learn.”
• “I’m still gaining experience, and that’s okay.”
• “I have many strengths—and I will figure this out.”

Not sure how to reframe? Think about what a supportive friend would say to you.

Step 3: Repeat

Like gnats, NATs often return. That’s normal.

You may need to reframe them several times before new, Positive Automatic Thoughts (PATs) start to take root. With repetition, you’ll build a habit of confidence-boosting self-talk.

Need a Little Help Getting Started?

If your confidence has been feeling shaky or those NATs have been especially loud lately, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’d love to support you. Let’s discuss what’s holding you back and how coaching can help you silence those inner critics, allowing you to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation.

You’ve got this – and I’ve got you!