I spent a week in Kauai, Hawaii lecturing young adults about the private time with God and why it’s so important. In between the lecturing I got to drive around and taste the town from Puka Dogs to Mahi Mahi fish tacos. I came home and thew my scale away because my weight is none of their business.
I also stopped by a gelato shop, Papalani Gelato. I ordered the Kauai Crunch. Did you know Papalani means “Heaven” in Hawaiian? I didn’t until I put the first scoop of ice cream in my mouth and boy was it heavenly.
I paid my money and was heading out when the young girl at the counter said, “See you tomorrow!”
I turned my head in confusion. Did I say I would be back tomorrow? Then it hit me, they believed their gelato is so good, they will see you tomorrow. To utter such a bold statement shows how much they believe in their product.
When a new student comes to your youth group, do you engage or do you cross their fingers and hope they’ll be back next week? Would you have the confidence to tell a new student, “See you next week” .
Do you believe your program so much that you’d believe it’s a no brainer that they’d come back next week? If not, what’s holding you back?
Overcoming Fear
“To overcome fear is the quickest way to gain your self-confidence.”―Roy T. Bennett
If you’re afraid to boldly engage with visitors or guests, I believe there are two reasons.
The first reason is, YOU don’t believe you have a program worth bragging about.
If you don’t believe you have the best youth program in your city, how will your kids believe that. Start telling your kids they’re the best, not the biggest, not the fanciest and not the richest, but the best because there is not another group like them.
“Self-confidence is contagious.”―Stephen Richards
The second reason I believe youth workers are afraid to say they have a great program is because they think they’re a phony. Do you suffer from imposter syndrome? Do think you’re just lucky having a few good meetings under you belt but inside you’re sure it’s all going to fall apart and you will be found out?
Fear is a liar and you got this job for a reason. Start believing in yourself because God called you, God guides you and God sustains you. What have you to fear?
Confidence is the key
Papalani Gelato changed my opinion with the product. There was no gimmick, no card to fill up no e-mail to fill out for follow up. They knew they had a great product and could care less what others thought if they said, “See you tomorrow”. In fact, it’s that kind of confidence that would have brought me back if I wasn’t flying out the next day.
Confidence comes from knowing you have worked hard on the program and on your skills. If you know that you’ve done everything you can do to make your youth program a desirable one, have the boldness to tell that guest, “We look forward to seeing you next week”.
I know you’re asking how you can get inspiring articles like this one in your inbox so I’ll put the link here so you can subscribe (how’s that for confidence?).