We've all had those days where we feel down in the dumps about ourselves -- whether it's about our looks, our personality, or anything in between. Those days can be really damaging to your self-esteem, so, the next time you find yourself or your friend is sad about themselves, tell them that self-confidence will get them through it.
Now, self-confidence isn't something you can achieve overnight, although I wish that I could wake up and turn into Super Woman. The tips in this article will help you become the best, most powerful version of yourself.
1. Don't listen to self-limiting beliefs
I know this may sound cliche, but it really is a good piece of advice. Whether it's a bully or an imposing adult figure who instilled negative thoughts in you about yourself, know that it is up to you to think about how you truly feel. The next time you're in an uncomfortable situation, take it as a learning opportunity.
If you succeed, you can permanently disregard that self-limiting belief, and if you don't, well, that's what next times are for! This is harder than it looks, but is definitely achievable.
2. Talk yourself out of negative self-talk
Negative self-talk is one of the most damaging things you can engage in, especially when you are emotionally vulnerable or unstable. This is the time when you should be lifting yourself up, not talking down on yourself. You are the only you, and you will not get any pleasure in being a harsher critic of yourself than other people are of you. And if that's not enough to convince you, people can tell when you're unconfident -- why give them that power?
3. Be curious
Being curious can help, not only with learning new things, but distracting yourself from negative thoughts. Additionally, curiosity only helps you grow. It can give your mind something positive to think about, and can point you in directions you didn't know were possible. Now, I'm not saying ask a Hermione level of questions in class or changing your personality to being obnoxiously curious, but simply being curious about other people can help get you out of your own head.
4. Gain control by facing your fears
When we feel we are in control, there is a sense of confidence and comfort that surrounds us. By going after what makes us uncomfortable, we can make things more comforting and less scary. The result of taking such action makes us more confident because we feel more capable.
Plus, provided that nothing bad happened to us when we went after what was scaring us, it's a win to add to our confidence scoreboard. Living in fear isn't worth it.
(By fear, I don't mean screaming like Kevin McAllister in Home Alone. I mean, something like taking a risk or asking one more question in class.)
5. Don't compare yourself
I can feel the eye rolls.
And, I know this is something that you have probably been told countless times, but that doesn't make it any less important. You can only become truly content with yourself if you don't have a standard or an expectation of who you should be. When you think to yourself: I want to be like her or Why can't I look like him?, your self-confidence is going down hill. Now, I'm not saying that it's bad to have role models -- just don't let your mind trick you into thinking that you're any less than them.
