How To Build Confidence, Overcome Criticism & Bet On Yourself EP 1380
Jan 18, 2023
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Stephen A. Smith, a prominent ESPN personality and author of "Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes," dives deep into building confidence and navigating criticism. He shares personal stories from his challenging upbringing in Hollis, Queens, and reflects on the influence of strong female role models. Smith discusses what it means to bet on yourself, the importance of hard work, and how to confront insecurities. He also examines the complexities of being a public figure in sports and the values that shape a lasting legacy.
Believing in oneself and taking action to pursue dreams and goals are crucial for achieving success and happiness.
Developing confidence comes from hard work, self-expression, and belief in oneself.
Handling criticism requires honesty, fairness, and focusing on personal growth and excellence.
Deep dives
Believing in Yourself and Pursuing Your Dreams
The podcast emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and taking action to pursue one's dreams and goals. It highlights that each individual has the power to shape their own success, fulfillment, and happiness. The speaker encourages listeners to overcome their fears, self-doubt, and setbacks in order to create lasting change and make strides towards multiple areas of their lives. By rewriting their personal stories, individuals can achieve their biggest goals and live their greatest year yet.
Confidence and Overcoming Insecurities
The podcast delves into the topic of confidence and overcoming insecurities. The speaker reflects on personal experiences, acknowledging that they were not always confident. However, the belief in hard work and discovering one's passion played a crucial role in developing confidence. The importance of honest self-expression and articulating thoughts and feelings is emphasized. The speaker credits being raised by five women for their ability to articulate emotions and express themselves effectively. They encourage listeners to develop their own self-confidence through hard work, self-expression, and belief in oneself.
Handling Criticism and Bet on Yourself
The podcast addresses the issue of handling criticism and feedback, particularly in the face of aggressive attacks or negative opinions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being honest, fair, and accurate with one's expressions while avoiding cruelty or character assassination. They discuss the mindset of betting on oneself and believing in one's worth and abilities. The speaker encourages listeners to focus on their dedication to excellence, both for themselves and the collective whole, and emphasizes the need to think about the goals and aspirations of the company or brand one represents. Assertion is made for individuals to be aware of their value, seek fairness, and make bold decisions that align with their beliefs and desire for personal growth.
Lessons from Setbacks and Job Loss
The podcast episode explores the speaker's personal experiences of setbacks and job loss and the lessons learned from those difficult times. The speaker discusses being held back in school multiple times and the embarrassment and humiliation that came with it. They also share the experience of being let go from a dream job and facing the challenges of being a black man in the industry. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not relying on popularity and instead mastering one's business, including understanding one's financial worth.
The Importance of Fatherhood and Providing for Family
Another key focus of the podcast episode is the speaker's perspective on fatherhood and the responsibility of providing for one's family. The speaker discusses their own fears and insecurities when becoming a father, particularly when facing unemployment and financial challenges. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing family and ensuring their well-being, even if it means making personal sacrifices. The speaker also reflects on the positive and negative lessons learned from their own father, including the importance of laughter and the necessity of stepping up as a provider for one's family.
Stephen A. Smith rose from a reporter on high school sports at the Daily News and college and NBA beat reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer to become the face of ESPN and its most important on-air personality. He is the star of the #1 morning sports talk show First Take, a premiere analyst on ESPN and ABC’s NBA Countdown, the host of NBA in Stephen A’s World on ESPN2 and ESPN+, and the host and producer of the podcast K[no]w Mercy with Stephen A. Smith. Smith has more than 12 million followers across social media platforms, and his opinions on sports make daily headlines.
