Our bodies change our minds
… and our minds change our behavior
… and our behavior changes our outcome. ` Amy Cuddy
Do you believe the catchphrase “fake it until you make it” has any validity? Well, research has shown that this is true, in relationship to body language and confidence.
Even though I didn’t do any research, my understanding of the subconscious mind, and how it accepts our repetitive actions, words and thoughts as our reality, led me to accept this as truth, 20+ years ago.
In one of my findings on Ted.com, Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.
Her research on body language also revealed that we can change other people’s perceptions — and even our own body chemistry — simply by changing body positions.
Powerful stuff! Think of all you can accomplish with your body language.
In my article Body Language I shared some information on how understanding your client’s body language can help you better serve them. And one of my tips for boosting confidence was walking confidently.
Watch the video and share your thoughts on Amy Cuddy’s research. Do you give her thumbs up or thumbs down?
Your turn
Do you believe you can “fake it until you make it” or as Amy Cuddy stated “fake it until you become it?”
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Hi Adalia, I am a firm believer in fake it till you make it, all my life I have always had an air of confidence which shows when I strut my stuff…and yes I am like a magnet to people, but when it comes to opening my own business, public speaking etc…..I would rather run away….I so wish I had the confidence to go forward in my life and get on with what I came here to do.
Hello Delyth, I can feel your frustration, I had a fear of public speaking and I left my comfort zone and joined Toastmasters. I used hypnosis to change my limiting beliefs about speaking before a crowd. I still get a little anxious before speaking, I don’t run from the anxiety, I’ve learned to embrace it and move forward and do my talks. I use an anchor, focusing on my breathing, to take me away from my anxious state.
I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.
Oh yes. You have to believe you can first before others can. It means holding you head high and speaking and conducting yourself in a confident manner. People need to get that vibe from you first.
Hello Paul,
I don’t believe enough people realize the importance of body language – how to influence others with their body language, and understanding others not by what they’re saying but by their body language. Words lie but body language speaks truth.
Amazing article!, I will try control my body language to achieve success in life .
When a person’s words and body language are incongruent, the body language speaks the truth.
Yes I agree. An open posture reflects how we are feeling, and by sitting up and walking straight it shows our body to be open and exposed. This type of posture indicates friendliness, openness, and willingness. If you hunch over then you are definitely saying leave me alone!
Great article.
Hello Karen, glad to see you here, Shakira in her song said “the hips don’t lie” – well the same can be said for body language. Body language doesn’t lie when your words tell an untruth. You can consciously use body language to change how people see you until it becomes a habit.