Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
IndependentsAug 09, 2018
Coach’s Corner: Good Days and Bad Days
Pat Henneberry recently found herself in a dark place. She shares five tips on how she pulled herself out of her funk.
Pat Henneberry is vice president of global learning and development at Hearts On Fire. She also is founder of The Jewelry Coach, a sales training community for jewelers. Reach her at pat@thejewelrycoach.com.
Let’s get real: You can’t always put on a smile, and sometimes you have bad days.
However if you’re in sales, you need to stay confident even in low times. Being confident is the most important thing you can do, yet sometimes is the most difficult. But one thing I know to be true is once you believe in what you’re doing, you focus and dig deep, you can find the confidence.
For some people, that’s easier said than done.
I recently had a setback with my health. I went from playing tennis every day, riding my bike, doing stand-up paddle boarding and trail running to an unexpected back surgery that landed me literally on my back, with a long recovery. My life as I knew it changed in a matter of moments, and I found myself slipping down a dark rabbit hole (yes, me, Pat Henneberry the inspirational speaker, was at a low point trying to dig out.)
Please understand I am not comparing my situation with the acute suffering of others; things could’ve been a lot worse and I realize how lucky I am. But let’s face it—there are times that suck in our lives and from which it is difficult to recover. It’s times like these that make it hard to believe in our skills and abilities, that can mess with you quickly before you know what’s happening.
So, here are five scientifically proven and Pat-backed ways that have helped me recover and can help you be more confident at work and in life.
Dress for Success
It’s easy to underestimate the effect of clothing.
You shower and get dressed every day, but you might not realize that your wardrobe could be influencing your confidence and mindset. A new pair of running shoes always make me run faster. A new pair of socks are miracle workers on the tennis court.
One study found that wearing formal attire changes people’s thought processes, stating: “Putting on formal clothes makes us feel powerful, and that changes the basic way we see the world.”
In short, dress to impress. Revamp and rework outfits you already have, purchase the better-quality dress or suit, and make sure you feel like the best version of yourself in your new threads.
Even when I was on in the hospital on my back, I wanted to dress in clothes every day. No dresses, but a T-shirt
and shorts made me feel better than a hospital gown. I would try to pick a funny T-shirt for the day. My favorite had, “I am only talking to my dog today” printed on it, which leads me to my next point.
Find Humor
Trust me, finding humor when you are in pain is no fun.
I believe I did get some humor DNA from my mother. My mom is the funniest person I know and I’ve seen her in some pretty bad situations through my life.
When I asked her how she pulled out of them and what the secret was to her 60-year marriage with my dad, humor was her answer. If you can find a moment to be funny in a not-so-good time it will help.
I remember in the hospital there was a Dry-Erase board with all kinds of nurse lingo and different letters that meant nothing to me, so I had a friend write in big letters BYOB. Every nurse who came in would look at it and laugh. It made me laugh too and for a moment it gave me confidence.
Learn from Constructive Criticism
Criticism can be tough if you focus on the negatives and get caught up in your missteps rather than focusing on your accomplishments over your entire career.
So, what can you do to remain positive? Filter criticism and remind yourself that it can help you improve your skills, work and relationships over time. Thank the person for their feedback and seek solutions to address it and remember, not all criticism is true. Take it in and move on.
Listen to Music
You already know that music can affect your mood, but did you know that certain kinds of music can influence your self-esteem too? A study from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University found that different types of songs impact confidence.
Listening to one of my up-tempo running playlists gets me going and helps me complete a task more successfully. The songs I find to be my most empowering including “Happy” by Pharrell; “September” by Earth Wind and Fire; “Get Ready for This” by 2 Unlimited; and “In Da Club” by 50 Cent (researchers attribute this song’s ability to motivate to heavier bass levels.)
The next time you’re getting ready for a job interview or a big presentation, just queue up Spotify, Amazon Music or Pandora.
Sit Up Straight
Your posture is important for more than just your physical health; it can also affect your confidence, according to researchers. According to my mom, you need to sit up straight and stop slouching or you will have back issues later in life (she was right; see above.)
We tend to assume our confidence is coming from own thoughts; we don’t realize our posture is affecting how much they believe in what we’re thinking and how people perceive us.
Everyone experiences periods of insecurity and anxiety, but allowing it to run your life will only hurt you in the workplace. Be confident in who you are and your ability to accomplish goals.
Conclusion
When I was at my lowest, lying on the bed in my doctor’s office, the pain was so bad that I couldn’t sit up. I was going down a dark hole fast.
My doctor looked at me and said, “Pat, you will have good days and bad days, but you will be OK.”
You too will have good days and bad days, and my hope for you is that you find your way back after a bad day.
So, put on a great outfit, tell a joke, turn up the volume on one of your favorite songs and stand up straight.
Pat Henneberry is vice president of global learning and development at Hearts On Fire. She also is founder of The Jewelry Coach, a sales training community for jewelers. Reach her at pat@thejewelrycoach.com.
Find Humor
Trust me, finding humor when you are in pain is no fun.
I believe I did get some humor DNA from my mother. My mom is the funniest person I know and I’ve seen her in some pretty bad situations through my life.
When I asked her how she pulled out of them and what the secret was to her 60-year marriage with my dad, humor was her answer. If you can find a moment to be funny in a not-so-good time it will help.
I remember in the hospital there was a Dry-Erase board with all kinds of nurse lingo and different letters that meant nothing to me, so I had a friend write in big letters BYOB. Every nurse who came in would look at it and laugh. It made me laugh too and for a moment it gave me confidence.
Learn from Constructive Criticism
Criticism can be tough if you focus on the negatives and get caught up in your missteps rather than focusing on your accomplishments over your entire career.
So, what can you do to remain positive? Filter criticism and remind yourself that it can help you improve your skills, work and relationships over time. Thank the person for their feedback and seek solutions to address it and remember, not all criticism is true. Take it in and move on.
Listen to Music
You already know that music can affect your mood, but did you know that certain kinds of music can influence your self-esteem too? A study from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University found that different types of songs impact confidence.
Listening to one of my up-tempo running playlists gets me going and helps me complete a task more successfully. The songs I find to be my most empowering including “Happy” by Pharrell; “September” by Earth Wind and Fire; “Get Ready for This” by 2 Unlimited; and “In Da Club” by 50 Cent (researchers attribute this song’s ability to motivate to heavier bass levels.)
The next time you’re getting ready for a job interview or a big presentation, just queue up Spotify, Amazon Music or Pandora.
Sit Up Straight
Your posture is important for more than just your physical health; it can also affect your confidence, according to researchers. According to my mom, you need to sit up straight and stop slouching or you will have back issues later in life (she was right; see above.)
We tend to assume our confidence is coming from own thoughts; we don’t realize our posture is affecting how much they believe in what we’re thinking and how people perceive us.
Everyone experiences periods of insecurity and anxiety, but allowing it to run your life will only hurt you in the workplace. Be confident in who you are and your ability to accomplish goals.
Conclusion
When I was at my lowest, lying on the bed in my doctor’s office, the pain was so bad that I couldn’t sit up. I was going down a dark hole fast.
My doctor looked at me and said, “Pat, you will have good days and bad days, but you will be OK.”
You too will have good days and bad days, and my hope for you is that you find your way back after a bad day.
So, put on a great outfit, tell a joke, turn up the volume on one of your favorite songs and stand up straight.
Pat Henneberry is vice president of global learning and development at Hearts On Fire. She also is founder of The Jewelry Coach, a sales training community for jewelers. Reach her at pat@thejewelrycoach.com.
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Weekly QuizNov 13, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade AgoA buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sMercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.
GradingNov 12, 2025
It’s Time: GIA’s Express Holiday Service Is Back GIA is offering next-day services for natural, colorless diamonds submitted to its labs in New York and Carlsbad.
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearThe National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’sLate collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
