Confidence is king, and here’s how to have more of it at work, at home, and everywhere in-between.
I was around 5 years old when I decided to be a writer. Unfortunately, it’s a career path that isn’t always the most lucrative. While my mom could have pushed me in a different direction, she didn’t. Instead, she bought me notebooks and pens, and enthusiastically read every story I wrote. As I grew older, she encouraged me to pursue journalism, and she would sometimes give feedback on my articles before I submitted them. She also helped me craft the perfect resume and cover letter when I was first getting started.
It’s safe to say that I owe my mother much of my confidence and the entrepreneurial spirit I have today. She was always there to boost my spirits, raise my self-esteem, and remind me that I can do anything. But of course I’m not the only daughter who can thank a strong mother for endless words of encouragement and inspiration. This week, we checked in with four amazing women on how their moms gave them the confidence they needed to lead happy, fulfilling lives and careers. Here’s what they had to say.
And P.S. Take this as your gentle nudge to let your mom know what she means to you, too!
“It’s never too late to live your best life.”
“My mother has never been a woman who preaches or lectures about life. Instead, she fiercely lives it, certain that she will lead by example and not by words. As an Iranian immigrant, my mother dedicated her life to teaching her children the importance of embracing new experiences and cultures while maintaining their heritage and roots. A part of this was ensuring that our home would always be a safe haven where we could come together around a good meal and share our thoughts and feelings.
Her curiosity and dynamic energy encourage her to reinvent herself as many times as she likes – showing me that it is never too late to live your best life. Perhaps the most significant example of my mother’s courage was attaining a Master in Homeopathy at 63, despite language barriers. As far as she is concerned, anything is possible, a belief she not only encourages in me but also demonstrates with her actions.” — Mona Bavar, founder of Dlish, on her mom, Mahin.
“She’s my biggest cheerleader.”
“Ever since I was a child, I have always been a confident person, but it wasn’t until recently that I had the realization that I owe this confidence entirely to my mother. Even in my earliest memories, my mom was always my biggest cheerleader. She was and still is the most encouraging and complimentary person in my life. Whether it was the part I wanted in the school musical or the test I was studying for, my mother always believed in my ability to succeed.
She ingrained in me at such a young age that I was talented, smart, and special. I honestly don’t think I would have the life I have today without her constantly on my side, fighting for me. Confidence has been a key to my happiness and success in my life, and I owe it all to her.” —Tatum Treffeisen, senior account executive at Alison Brod Marketing & Communications, on her mom, Lori.
“She raised me to be aware of my values.”
“Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realize that my mom used to be the Head Coach of the German National Gymnastics Team, after joining the Olympics twice in 1972 and 1976. Her ambition and her endurance have impacted my confidence in my career and in my life a lot.
At the same time, she experienced how the world can change rapidly whether you are ‘successful’ or not based on society’s standards. This made her always point out that there is more to life than your career. She raised me to be aware of my values and what I believe in, and taught me to dream with me while emphatically pointing out possible roadblocks. I’ve always had her full support, no matter what. I couldn’t be more grateful for the way I grew up, and I’m excited about what’s to come.” — Anne-Madeleine Kleinwächter, a nutritionist and mental health coach, on her mom, Jutta.
“She was a touchstone during my divorce.”
“My mother has always been a woman who marched to the beat of her own drum. As an artist, she created a career for herself while raising three children, and supported us with her watercolor art. I have distinct memories of my mother on my playroom floor, painting commissioned pieces of mansions, children, and landscapes, while we played around her. She found her path to do what she loved — her art — while being the most devoted and hands-on parent as well.
She taught me that women don’t have to pick one or the other but can do anything they want. When I left my job to start March Lion Media, my mother was my biggest cheerleader and a constant reminder that I could do anything I set my mind to. And, most importantly, my mother was my touchstone when I was going through my divorce, as she had also been 34 during her own divorce and showed me that not only will I survive the hard times of divorce, but I will thrive — and I did!
My mother has always been my biggest fan — and no matter what crazy thought or business idea I bring to her, she always boosts my confidence because she instilled in me a sense that I truly can do anything.” — Olivia Howell, co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry and March Lion Media, on her mom, Lis.
MORE ON HERMONEY:
- 6 Women Who Made it Through the 2008 Recession on Their Best Money Advice
- Moms: How to Give Your Daughters the Gift of Financial Advice
- The Best Piece of Financial Advice My Mother Ever Gave Me
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