The Oil Industrys Best-kept Secret - A book full of inspiration and advice

GIVE YOURSELF A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE Self-confidence can be a limiting factor for many people, however experienced they may be. It may hold them back from going for a promotion at work or a place in a sport squad. It may influence how they project themselves inside or outside of work or school. Many of the women we interviewed for this book not only lacked confidence at some stage in their lives but often continued to do so at points throughout their careers, even in very senior roles. Believing in yourself, and having the confidence to BE yourself, is often a struggle for many of us – even when we’re told we’re doing great! We may be faring well in exams or getting excellent reviews at work, but sometimes we just refuse to believe it. But you should try to remember people are not just saying this to be nice – they mean it! Most importantly of all – have more confidence in your own abilities. This is often down to changing your mindset and there are lots of different ways to do this… sometimes, something as simple as listening to your own confidence-boosting playlist can make all the difference. A problem shared is a problem halved It’s rare for someone to acknowledge they are worried or frightened; we’re scared to admit that we aren’t sure. Just the simple act of sharing your worries and concerns can help. Knowing that other people have experienced – or are experiencing – the same issues can also help us to realise how normal our feelings are. More importantly, talking to others builds friendships. ‘Follow your dreams… don’t let your fears guide you’ ‘Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Follow your dreams rather than letting your fears guide your behaviour and what you do. Even if it goes wrong, that’s only a step, in a much bigger journey. Make choices about what is next rather than worrying about what just happened. Make the next thing something that’ll make you proud.’ Gretchen Haskins

‘Live by your own rules, not those of others’ ‘Find ways to build your confidence. It’s important to live by your own rules, not those of others. Don’t take a job or go to a university just because your parents or school tell you it’s the right thing to do, or because you feel you ought to. Try to work out what you really, really want to do. It’s easy to drift into things or be taken on someone else’s conveyor belt to a place you don’t really want to be. You’re much more likely to be successful if you are passionate about what you are doing, and if you own the choices you have made’ Vivienne Cox CBE ‘Don’t worry if you make mistakes’ ‘Have confidence in your abilities and take advantage of opportunities. Do what you’re good at and what you enjoy; if you aren’t enjoying it, move on – but give it a fair test first. Don’t worry if you make mistakes. Try to avoid making large ones and work to reduce how many you make, of course, but always learn from them.’ Jen Brozowska OBE

THE OIL INDUSTRY'S BEST-KEPT SECRET

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