self confidence

wisdom hypnosis

 

Although I have a commitment to building self-confidence in myself as well as my clients, I understand I am a work in progress. During this month of working on self-improvement, I find myself perusing all types of notes I have stored away for a rainy day. Ironically, as I am posting this, it has been a very rainy day. Part of my intent was to continue with my theme of clearing out clutter. Part of it was to continue my Happiness Habits and part of today’s perusal was due to the rain. I found the list below and I am not really sure where I first came upon it or who the author is. Most likely, Napolean Hill, as it seems like his style of writing. Regardless, I thought with this month being National Self Improvement Month and as building our self-confidence can only help us improve, this was worth sharing.

Commitment to Confidence Building

1. I know that I have the ability to accomplish all that I undertake. I know that to succeed, I have only to establish this belief in myself and follow it with vigorous, aggressive action. I will establish it.

Debbie Lane speaking to working women of tampa bay

Fear often arrives quietly — not as danger, but as hesitation, self-doubt, or the feeling of being stuck.

During my presentation at the Working Women of Florida Conference, I spoke about how fear can be gently unraveled rather than fought. This hypnosis experience was recorded to help listeners begin releasing fear safely and naturally.

👉 If you would like to read more about the conference and the principles behind this work, visit:
Overcoming Fear: The 5 A’s to Move Beyond Fear and Take Action

Take a few moments, get comfortable, and allow yourself to simply listen.

This free hypnosis recording helps release fear patterns and emotional tension using gentle clinical hypnosis techniques. Ideal for anxiety, confidence building, and overcoming limiting beliefs.

How This Hypnosis Helps Untangle Fear

Fear is rarely about the situation itself.
It is often connected to past experiences, expectations, or protective patterns created by the subconscious mind.

Hypnosis allows the mind to:

  • release outdated fear responses
  • create emotional safety
  • reconnect with confidence and clarity

If fear is limiting your life, professional hypnosis can help you move forward safely and comfortably.

Schedule a session at WisdomHypnosis.com

Audience watching speaker, Debbie Lane of Wisdom Hypnosis on stage in theater.

I recently had the honor of speaking at the Working Women of Florida conference held at the Mahaffey Theater. Standing on stage before more than 400 women and discussing overcoming fear was both humbling and inspiring. The conference was held in St. Petersburg, Florida, serving women from across Pinellas County, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, and Tampa Bay.

The energy, encouragement, and connection shared during those two days reminded me why helping people move beyond fear is work I deeply love.

During the presentation, I introduced what I call The 5 A’s of Overcoming Fear — simple but powerful principles that help transform fear into forward movement.


The 5 A’s of Overcoming Fear

1. Acknowledge

The first step in overcoming fear is acknowledgment.

Ask yourself:
What does this fear truly represent?

Often fear is symbolic rather than literal. For example, I once believed I had a fear of driving. In reality, the fear was connected to success and the life changes success might bring.

Once the true fear was acknowledged, moving forward became possible.


2. Awfulize

This may sound unusual, but intentionally imagining the worst-case scenario can reduce fear’s power.

When you “awfulize” a situation, you often discover:

  • The outcome is not as catastrophic as imagined, or

  • You already possess the skills needed to cope.

Fear loses intensity when examined realistically.


3. Appreciate

Fear once served a purpose.

At some point, it protected you, comforted you, or helped you survive a difficult situation. Appreciating its past role allows you to release it without judgment.

Just as childhood habits eventually fall away, outdated fears and limiting beliefs can be outgrown.


4. Ask (Afform)

The questions we ask ourselves shape our emotional experience.

Instead of asking:
“What if this goes wrong?”

Try asking:
“What if this goes right?”

This approach aligns with the concept of Afformations, developed by Noah St. John, which focuses on empowering questions that guide the mind toward solutions and possibility.


5. Act

True overcoming of fear happens through action.

Understanding is important — but experience creates transformation.

Deciding you are no longer afraid of elevators is one thing. Riding in one is the victory.

Take small steps. Find supportive people. Celebrate progress.

Action turns insight into confidence.


Creating a Life Beyond Fear

Overcoming fear is not about eliminating fear completely. Instead, it is about learning to move forward even when fear appears.

Today is a perfect day to begin creating the life you desire — one step, one choice, and one courageous action at a time.

I would love to hear your stories of courage and growth. Please share your successes in the comments so others may be inspired as well.

A prism casting a heart-shaped rainbow on an open book.

Thumbs Up!

Written by:

This is a great example of how it feels to conquer something that once seemed impossible. Even as adults we can relate to this young man.

Pink and yellow feather dusters.

What glorious weather we had here this weekend. The kind that inspires movement and for me, cleaning. Apparently, it inspired many I know to do the same. It seems as though it was a weekend for eliminating clutter. Clutter that surrounds us, can also take up space in our heads and on our bodies.

There are many people who become overwhelmed with clutter, leading to hoarding. They have a fear of letting things go. You never know when you might “need” that item. So the piles begin and grow out of control. When clutter takes over the home, these same folks often isolate themselves.

Some common characteristics of cluttered people are:

* Highly creative, with a superior intelligence.

* Compulsive spending/shopping.

* Fear and inability to discard items.

* Time management issues. Procrastination is very common.

* Money management problems.

* Tendency to be heavy recyclers.

* Having a chronic illness/disability or being a caretaker for someone with a chronic illness.

* OCD and ADD may also be present.

People with clutter and hoarding issues have frequent feelings and thoughts of depression. Perfectionism is often present, although they are unaware of it. “How can I be a perfectionist they ask me, if I am living like this? I explain that their high desire for perfectionism can result in them being overwhelmed by not having the time to do it “right”. They then experience an emotional paralysis. This leads to negative self-talk, embarrassment, a low self-esteem, and other debilitating emotions.

I work with these individuals through hypnosis to change their behaviors and habits, one baby step at a time. Make small changes rather than trying to fix the mess all at once. We also work on improving self esteem and allowing them to see themselves as safe in the world. It is time to throw away old judgemental beliefs about themselves and move into freedom.

For some, I find they need physical assistance as well. I refer them to a great company Professional Organizing Services. They are nonjudgmental and they get in and help do the heavy lifting!

Interestingly, as the clutter around them disappears, often, so does the clutter on the body. They also find they are more organized in thought as well.

For me, it is time to drop off bags of unwanted items at the Goodwill truck, parked in the Walmart parking lot. They make it so easy to donate!

Students writing at desks in classroom.


My daughter is preparing to begin the school year, once again. Any suggestions for making this a more successful year academically?

Without knowing more about your daughter, her routines, her strengths and her weaknesses, it is difficult to give a pat answer. However, here are some great ideas for boosting brain performance.

Sleep More

Few people realize how important sleep is! It has been known since the 1920s that sleep improves recall in learning. However, only recently, research by Dr Robert Stickgold, assistant professor of psychiatry at Massachusetts Mental Health Center, demonstrated that sleep is necessary for learning! Without sleep we reduce the retention of facts we have learned the previous day. During sleep our brains release growth hormones essential to growth, development and alertness. We should aim for an optimum of between 7 to 8.5 hours of sleep each night.

Studies show that 20 minutes of sleep in the afternoon provides more rest than 20 minutes more sleep in the morning. Power naps can help you with tasks that require sustained attention and concentration. Contrary to popular opinion, napping isn’t for the lazy or depressed. Famous nappers have included Bill Clinton, Lance Armstrong, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, and Buckminster Fuller.

A 15 minute self-hypnosis session often refreshes and allows a person to feel as though they have had a 3 hour nap!

Feed Your Brain

To prevent memory loss, enhance learning, decrease stress, and improve productivity and concentration, the brain requires healthy food.
Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast full of vitamins. Try eggs and whole wheat toast or fruit and yogurt.
Evidence is accumulating that a diet that draws heavily on fatty food and only lightly on fruits and vegetables isn’t just bad for your heart and linked to certain cancers. It may also be a major cause of depression and aggression. The brain is almost 60 percent fat, therefore, it can easily get clogged up with trans-fats that will slow you down. Avoid processed foods, and refined sugars. Keep your brain well-oiled with Omega 3 Fatty Acids and DHA such as those found in fish, flax oil, olive oil, avocados and almonds.

Retrain your appetite to include healthy, natural foods through neuro-linguistic programming if need be.

Get Physical

Aerobic activity boosts the flow of oxygen to the brain and this extra oxygen helps promote rapid growth of new brain cells. I mentioned the importance of exercising your brain in yesterday’s post Monday Morning Musing it is also true that physical exercise is an important factor in brain health.

A recent UK study found that schoolchildren who exercise four times a week get higher grades on exams than those that don’t. Prolonged sitting allows the blood to settle in the posterior and the feet. So when you tire of studying, get out there and get your blood pumping.

Change a habit

Research into the neuroplasticity of the brain has shown that if you make changes in sensory input patterns to the brain it helps activate new neural pathways, improving brain power! For instance, if you normally brush your teeth with your right hand, change to your left for a few days. A recent study showed that London taxi drivers have more developed areas of their brains due to their need to navigate a complex maze of city streets. Try taking a different route to school or work and make your brain bigger. Or walk around your house or yard with a blindfold on and make yourself smarter-just be careful not to bump your head! Think of the self confidence you will develop at the ability to change old tired habits and ways of thinking!

Osprey perched on post with fish.



Eleni shared with me how she had the good fortune of capturing an egret who was holding on to his dinner. This magnificent bird had just caught a fish and was ready to dine when Eleni had the amazing luck of seeing him. She always has her camera at the ready, so she whipped into a parking lot and snapped these pictures. I would only warn you not to drive behind Eleni, knowing how crazy US 19 is and that she will do anything for a picture!

According to my findings, the symbolic meaning of such a bird is self determination and self reliance. Also the tendency to be a “jack of all trades”. I have seldom if ever met anyone stronger, more self confident than Eleni. This just seems fitting! Someday she will share her amazing stories, trust me it will be a page turner!

Brainwave frequencies: Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta.

Dear Debbie,

Here is another question I recently received:

I’ve lost my enthusiasm for my work. I’m in sales, and lately I can’t seem to close deals. I’ve heard hypnosis can help with self-confidence. Can you help? And how many sessions does a typical self-confidence program require?

This is a common concern — especially among professionals in sales, real estate, and performance-based careers.

Let’s address it directly.


Can Hypnosis Help with Self-Confidence?

Yes.

Hypnosis can significantly improve self-confidence, motivation, and sales performance.

Why? Because confidence begins in the mind.

How you feel about yourself grows from what you consistently think about yourself. If you repeatedly doubt your abilities, criticize your performance, or expect rejection, your results will reflect that internal pattern.

Over time, negative self-talk erodes enthusiasm. Eventually, even skilled professionals begin to hesitate — and hesitation costs sales.

Hypnosis works by identifying and reshaping those internal thought patterns. When you change the internal dialogue, your external performance improves naturally.


Why Sales Professionals Lose Momentum

When someone in sales struggles to close deals, it’s rarely about technique alone.

Often, it involves:

  • Fear of rejection

  • Performance pressure

  • Burnout

  • Loss of enthusiasm

  • Subconscious resistance to success

  • A dip in self-image

Hypnosis helps uncover and reset these patterns at the subconscious level, where habits and beliefs live.

As confidence strengthens, closing becomes more natural and enjoyable again.


How Many Hypnosis Sessions Do You Need?

This is the question everyone asks — and it’s understandable.

However, answering that without a conversation is like asking a doctor to prescribe medication over the phone without examining you.

Or perhaps a better analogy: imagine calling a mechanic and saying, “My car makes a noise like ping, patta pat pat, ping ping. How much will it cost and how long will repairs take?”

The mechanic needs to see the car before giving a clear answer.

In the same way, I need to understand:

  • What specifically has shifted in your work

  • How long the confidence issue has been present

  • Your goals

  • Your readiness for change

During a consultation, I ask questions to gain clarity about your situation. This allows us to create a focused and efficient plan.


The Truth About Hypnosis Programs

Ultimately, the number of sessions depends on you.

Some clients experience noticeable shifts quickly. Others prefer deeper reinforcement over time.

You determine the pace. You determine the outcome. I serve as your guide.

My role is to help you access the confidence and enthusiasm that already exist within you.


Real Results from Hypnosis for Sales Confidence

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is hearing from former clients who rediscover their momentum.

Recently, a client in real estate shared how much more enjoyable her work feels now. Despite negative media surrounding her profession, she feels confident, focused, and energized. In fact, she tells others whenever she has the opportunity how profoundly this process improved her life.

When confidence returns, sales follow.

More importantly, work becomes enjoyable again.


If you’re ready to rebuild your self-confidence and improve your sales performance, hypnosis can help you reconnect with the enthusiasm that once came naturally.