Self- confidence, mixed with an inner sense of being special, makes you feel good about yourself – a sensation that boosts your capacity to achieve. Consequently, whatever erodes your self-confidence will hamper your potential for success.

For instance, have you ever had the following thought go through your mind? "If you are so smart and special, why aren’t things working out for you?" You’ll agree that it saps your self-confidence and demotivates you – particularly if there’s ample evidence in support. Its a crippling thought; and you need to effectively neutralize the paralyzing power of such thoughts.

How?

Quite honestly, I know of no other way out except to turn to God in prayer!

Keep it real

Begin by admitting your frustrations before God.

Yes, get real with Him. He knows how you feel anyway!

Its ok to feel frustrated by a sense of failure and stagnation. I see nothing wrong with that.

You and I were designed for progress and increase. Thus you feel frustrated by stagnation and barrenness.

There’s no point living in denial and pretense.

Yes, just keep it real

Admit your frustrations before God. Then ask Him to show you a token of His goodness.

Here’s how David prayed it:

"Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me." (Psalms 86:17).

Its absolutely hard to maintain the kind of self-confidence that drives success when nothing appears to be working in your life.

I don’t care how strong anyone is, we all need visible manifestations of God’s goodness to keep us going; thats what David’s prayer above is all about.

That your joy may be complete…

It’s very difficult to be fully joyful if your most strategic and critical needs are not met; and, by the way, this is not my idea. I got it from Jesus Himself.

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24).

Here, Jesus draws a direct link between having your prayers answered, and the completeness of your joy.

A woman that’s unable to bear a child after several years of marriage – and in spite of her best efforts – might have a smiley face; but deep in her soul is a nagging sadness.

That godly man that’s unable to provide for his wife and children may have a glow on his face when he smiles in conversation with you. Yet, deep in his heart lurks a painful sadness that eats him up every day.

Lets face it, we need tangible fulfillment of our fundamental needs and aspirations in order to experience fullness of joy.

So, keep it real with God and pray:

Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me." (Psalms 86:17).