Do you ever find that inquiring about employment or calling a store to inquire about a product can be intimidating or awkward? Asking “Are you hiring new employees now? or “Can you tell me how long your sale will run?” can be daunting and turn your stomach into knots. It can keep you from actually picking up the phone or walking into the place of employment.  It is very important to believe you have worth.  Everyone has something good to offer, it’s a matter of believing in yourself and your abilities. You build it up in your mind that the first person you speak to, might think you are asking a silly question. Believing in you is what will help you not be afraid of asking questions.

When I was a teenager, thru my young adult years, I had a phone phobia. As a teenager I would ask my younger sister to call stores and ask questions for me.  She would do this for me willingly, although I don’t think she really understood why I couldn’t make the call.  At that time, I don’t think I understood it either.  It wasn’t until much later in life that I realized I felt fear when I had to make a phone call to someone I didn’t know. In my young adult years I would have to psyche myself up to make a call. I would pick up the phone quickly and dial fast….once it was ringing I would tell myself, “I can do this”  and my phone call from that point on went great. I struggled with self-confidence and therefore felt like everyone else was much stronger than me. I  realize now because of my insecurities and low self-esteem, they cost me positions I could have held, if I had only believed in the value of what I had to offer. Believe in yourself and realize you can do anything you put your mind to. It may take awhile to believe that, but after telling yourself you are worthy you soon will begin to believe it.

A good exercise is to write down all of your good qualifications and qualities. This is good to do even if presently there is not a position you are applying for. If you are about to attend an event where you won’t know a lot of the people or even a neighborhood party. It’s amazing how any of us can clam up at gatherings where we begin to feel we don’t fit in.  This exercise is helpful for anything in life you want to do.  You will probably be surprised when you see your list growing before your eyes.  List everything:  have a nice smile, good with people, understanding, on time, organized, quick on my feet, good computer skills, etc. When you visualize  your good qualities it helps you believe you do have value.

So next time you are applying for a employment, making a call to find out about a product, asking for directions or any other question you need to ask, think about all the  good qualities you have and the value you have to offer and don’t be afraid to ask questions.