Confidence and self belief in general is something I’ve struggled with for the past few years. I found I was letting it get on top of me and having an impact on so many things I wanted to do. I’ve always been a “can do” sort of person and tried my best at everything, but for a while there was a cast of doubt or worry in the back of my mind as to whether I could actually do it, which in the end had an affect on my performance, and how I felt in general. From January I have noticed a massive difference in myself, I feel like I have almost trained myself to become more confident, I’m definitely not there just yet, but I’m on the right track! I’ve listed a couple of little things that have helped me become more confident.
Reflect on negative thoughts when lacking in confidence
A lot of the time lack of confidence comes from not being able to do something before, or just general lack of self recognition, which I was definitely experiencing! I’ve found it really helpful when I am doubting myself to think about why, I don’t try and block out the thoughts but understand why I feel that way at that particular time. From doing this I found that there was no rational to my lack of confidence, especially when as a child I was really confident.
Looking back at past experiences really helped my confidence grow, and pluck up the courage to just get up and get on with it. By reflecting on negative thoughts I realised certain things make me feel less confident, like being unprepared, now I make sure I feel as prepared as possible for situations that I feel less confident in.
Step out of your comfort zone as much as possible
My confidence grows the more I step outside of my comfort zone. Even if it does mean I feel awkward, and it doesn’t feel great at the time, afterwards it’s almost like “oh, what’s the big deal,” and then I feel like I can do that again. I’ve been trying to do little things that I wouldn’t normally do, and slowly it is making a massive difference. I think when you’re a natural worrier this can be so difficult, but the unknown can actually be a really good thing.
Recognise all the amazing things that you do
I didn’t used to think about how much effort I put into my blog, how much my photography has improved or my good marks at uni. Now I actually celebrate my success, even if it is just by recognising them and being happy with my progress. It can be absolutely anything, making a list is also really helpful to see how many things you have achieved!
Fake it till you make it
My favourite quote at the minute, by faking confidence I got myself a first in my dissertation presentation, which even afterwards I thought went really bad! From that experience alone I learnt to stop being so hard on myself, imagine if we were all as nice to ourselves as we are to our loved ones!
I hope this has been helpful in some way, I would love to know if you have any suggestions on how to have more confidence…
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So glad to hear you have a new found confidence, it's definitely one of the key things to happiness in life. These are all great tips and ones that I can relate to so well xBeauty with charm
Thank you Alina, it is mad how much of a difference it makes! I agree I feel like a different person xxx
Fake until you make it is a thing, I know! During my degree, I had some practical exams (I did nursing) and I remember feeling so insecure and like I didnt know a thing but I tried to look confident. And I would catch some hints from my tutor and just go with the flow and at the end he said I looked so confident that I couldn't even believe.It is definitely a great way of gaining more confidence, little by little. xwww.thelisasworld.com
That's amazing! I think it is a little by little process, we will get there in the end! xx
I'm such a worrier that I hate stepping out of my comfort zone, but you're right that when you do and things don't go as awfully as you think you actually end up feeling so much better. I don't really tend to celebrate my achievements, I tend to shrug them off and that probably has a big impact on my confidence as well. I'll try and let myself celebrate all of the things I do and how far I've come :)www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au
I am very glad to see this, confidence is very important in one's life!Xhttp://www.vickydressy.ch
Some really great ideas here! xx The perks of being a hipster – What it feels like for a girl
I really hope you get your confidence back soon! I definitely believe in the 'fake it till you make it' mentality too.Steph – http://nourishmeclean.blogspot.com
to me, confidence comes with age. i was so unsure about everything when i was a teenager and i feel way more confident when i surround myself with people who love me just the way i am.❥ loovelle.blogspot.com
This post is so helpful, love your blog design too 🙂 xhttp://asecondswatch.blogspot.co.uk/
These are great tips, I definitely think its important to step outside of your comfort zone :)Caz | This is Caz
This is a really lovely post, so pleased to hear that your confidence has grown. I have always been quite a confident person but I definitely go through phases where I feel less secure. This tips will come in very handy for then.The Makeup Directory
I definitely agree with faking it until you make it. This can be practiced in a lot of things really, and I've had to use it a lot in the past. Deep down I will always prefer to be introverted and sink into my comfort zone but sometimes the only way to grow is to poke out of it with your head held high, whether you feel comfortable or not. It soon becomes a habit. http://www.emilybelleblogs.blogspot.com
I definitely agree with faking it until you make it. This can be practiced in a lot of things really, and I've had to use it a lot in the past. Deep down I will always prefer to be introverted and sink into my comfort zone but sometimes the only way to grow is to poke out of it with your head held high, whether you feel comfortable or not. It soon becomes a habit. http://www.emilybelleblogs.blogspot.com
I definitely have a habit of reflecting on loads of times I've failed in some way or felt bad about a particular situation. When one (normally insignificant) thing goes wrong, I'll almost punish myself further by reminding myself of other things I've 'failed' at. I don't know why I beat myself up so much! If only I could flip it so that when something goes well, I remember lots of other things that have gone well for me too x
Will 100% try these… I really need to become more confident. I don't know why but I constantly feel like people are judging me with everything I do. I definately worry too much xxwww.mollylouisaa.blogspot.co.uk