Here's a Pep Talk

Quick Confidence: Be Authentic, Boost Connections, and Make Bold Bets on Yourself

By Selena Rezvani

Wiley, 256 pp., $27

Professionals at all career stages can benefit from Rezvani's tips, which are a collection of new lessons and perhaps a reminder of forgotten ones. Drawing heavily on her own experiences and those others have shared with her, Rezvani creates a connection with her readers—because we all have aha moments when we recognize ourselves in the scenarios. Examples include the pressure of making a great first impression, effectively introducing yourself, articulately responding to slights and microaggressions, and saving face after a public failure.

Rezvani is clear: People can come back from even an epic failure. You can certainly learn from it, ask for a redo, request another opportunity to try something similar, or simply let it go. Everyone fails; what you do with failure and how you move on from it becomes pivotal. "Have a short memory for the little stuff," the author recommends for those small gaffes people make and then replay ad nauseam in their heads.

Rezvani provides ideas, options, and tips as solutions to awkward, confidence-deflating moments. The book has something for everyone, with three types of tips offered throughout each chapter: mindset, embodied (physical), and interpersonal.

The book calls readers out for self-limiting beliefs and actions. Yes, everyone has occasional doubts; however, Rezvani highlights an important mindset shift that resonates with most people: "Don't tell yourself no before they do." One key piece of advice is that believing you are good enough is critical to exuding confidence. It's not just about projecting confidence; you must believe it.

Rezvani's call to action for each of us is: Invest in yourself. You can benefit in a variety of ways from tips and strategies offered throughout the book. Use the book to start your journey or to help you find your way and rediscover your lost confidence.

Finally, Rezvani reminds readers to own their story—it's public anyway because people are always watching. So, repeat affirmations, stand up straight, take some deep breaths, strike a power pose, and take the first step on your confidence journey.