If confidence ever became a purchasable item, there’s no doubt that it would fly off the shelves. To put it simply, it’s that extra courage juice we’re all in possession of that helps us to take on daunting tasks with ease and self-assurance. But what about those times when you need it most and confidence rarely shows up? Well, those inopportune moments are when you have to rev it up like an engine. Here are five thoughts to push forward when it feels like your confidence is M.I.A.
No Expert Is Really An Expert
Part of the reason it seems as if our confidence goes into hiding is that we’re placing so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect. We think that the audience we’re communicating with expects us to have all the answers to the topic at hand. We can combat that flawed perception with an acknowledgment that no one really knows what they’re doing. Yes, there are people who’ve studied really hard at their craft and sit atop the highest perch in their respective fields, but we’re all just winging it and that’s the truth. Once you get past the fear of being judged and critiqued, you can truly exude your highest potential.
Just Do It Like Nike
Will Smith just turned 50 and to celebrate the milestone he decided to bungee jump over the Grand Canyon. Not only did he set himself up for one of the most terrifying challenges a person not in possession of wings could take on, but he did it live on YouTube and asked the world to watch. Hours leading up to the big jump, I wanted him to back out of it. Sorry, that classic episode of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” where Hilary’s boyfriend Trevor died in a bungee jumping proposal accident came to mind. But nonetheless, he went through with it and he didn’t hesitate. Sometimes you just have to jump and hope for the best.
Know When To Slow Down
Imagine your confidence as a person and you two planned a date together. Said date was slated to begin at 7 p.m., but confidence is stuck in traffic. All the while we’re cursing ourselves and engaging in negative self-talk. It’s funny, we give everyone and everything in our lives a grace period except confidence. Instead, we choose to blame ourselves for being incompetent. It’s time we stop rushing through life and being disappointed with the results.
There’s Beauty In Being A Beginner
Everyone has to start somewhere, and it’s unfair to force yourself to start at the finish line. One of the curses of social media aside from FOMO is the comparison game. We’re measuring the comments of praise of someone who’s been at it way longer than we have. The best part about being a novice is that you get to learn and make mistakes, which ultimately grants you experiences to build up your confidence reserve. Be a proud newbie and own it!
You Deserve To Be Where You Are
Sometimes when confidence is late, imposter syndrome shows up. The definition of this psychological ailment is a belief that you aren’t good enough or deserving of a certain appointment even though you’ve worked so hard to get it. Imposter syndrome will have a Broadway star feeling like they need 25 more rehearsals on opening night. Know that you were called to pursue a particular path because it’s your destiny and you already have the tools to crush it.
Do you have a system to battle feeling less than confident? Tell us in the comments!
Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash
So many people struggle with self confidence these days because they try to be somebody they aren’t. I blame social media for a lot of this. I believe that maturity brings a certain level of self confidence as well or we it may be that we just don’t care the older we get.
When I was young I constantly struggled with self confidence. It took meany years to find myself and begin to appreciate me, as the weird and unique person I am before I was able to build that confidence up. I think the big problem was that I was always trying to be like my friends. I was worrying so much about how I came off to those around me I never took the time to carve out the special qualities that I already possessed.
These are great tips on how to help people achieve confidence!
It is difficult to foster self confidence in a society that is so very critical for every little thing. The anonymity of social media puts us in a very vulnerable state where people can go off on anyone for anything and hide behind a fake name or even the seemingly protected state of not really facing people. Great thoughts on building confidence. It’s a quality many need.
these are great advises!! so much positivity and wise words! thanks for sharing
I think self confidence is always an issue for most people. I’m certainly included in that group. Am I good enough? Can I do this? It’s always especially true with my blog. I can write forever because I love it. But does anybody really want to read my ramblings? I love your part about being like Nike. Just do it. It’s great advice because many times the self confidence comes from just doing something. We learn so much by pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone.
Great advice–you need to think positively to harness your confidence. Also, if you surround yourself with people who believe in you and your goals, your confidence will soar as you make strides towards achieving your dreams.
Great thoughts.Confidence is so very important. And we need to keep talking to ourselves.
Life are in phases and stages. Every new level attained takes you to the beginning of the ladder. Enjoy every step along the way and always remind yourself that you are not in competition with anyone.
I love the “No Expert is Really an Expert”. I remember being younger and thinking adults really had it together. Then I became an adult and realized nobody really has it together and that most of my success comes from google. 🙂 Love this post and it does inspire so much confidence!
I struggle with self confidence. I have to make myself work hard, do my best, and push through the negative thoughts.
There’s beauty in being a beginner! You can’t be truer than that. I was a teacher for fifteen years and now traversing another road totally different from before in a new place!
Beauty in Being a Beginner. There is one to ponder. I hate starting over or “being the new kid” at work (often one who has more experience than those I’m working with!). It feels like failure to be a beginner, but it shouldn’t. Great blog and great lessons!
Self confidence is a issue for me and I need to constantly remind myself that I am good enough. These tips are just awesome and I loved all of these. Thanks for sharing these.
I struggled for so long to find confidence in myself. Now that I have some, it’s like I see the entire world differently.