What is self-confidence?

The University of Florida in their article "What is self-confidence" describe self-confidence as being able to accept and trust oneself and have a feeling that one has control over their life. Confident person knows their strengths and weaknesses and they know their limits and are confident in taking decisions. They can take criticism and failure differently from someone who lacks confidence. They are able to make goals follow through with them and are not afraid to change them if they are not working accordingly. A self-confident person is assertive and communicates their desires, wants, and goals effectively.

The periods between teen years and youth are very turbulent at most. This is when people are trying to navigate who they really are and curve their individuality but is often influenced by peer pressure and what their parents and family want for them. Sometimes because of the home environment, you might find yourself being made fun of by your peers. This causes you to lose confidence and lack of confidence means you are not willing to participate and hence become lonely.

Research has shown that a lot of young people are very lonely. However, because the relevant government departments and other organisations have invested time and money in the loneliness of the aged, young people seem to be forgotten in this area, Lack of confidence is just like being handicapped. A person who lacks confidence will lack the courage to even try new things and might miss out on their dreams because of this.

As a mindset coach, I have worked with women, who have gone through emotional abuse in their lives and because of this, they lack confidence and hence remain stuck feeling they can not change their lives. Fortunately, there is a variety of steps one can take now to improve their confidence which in turn boosts their self-esteem helping you transform the way you view life and your part in it.

Creating healthy boundaries

Creating boundaries is not about isolating yourself but making sure that you let those in your circle what you want and feel is good, especially for your mental health. Setting boundaries helps you manage your time and relationships. You save yourself from emotionally draining people and toxic relationships.

Introducing positivity in your life

Introducing positivity in your life is an important aspect of building your confidence and self-esteem.

• Have a list of your strengths and put them in a place where you can see them and use them as affirmations. Be also aware of your weaknesses and instead of worrying about them think of positive ways you can use to lessen your weaknesses and the strengths which you can use to overcome these weaknesses.
• Affirmations are some of the most important ways of building your confidence and self-esteem. Write affirmations on sticky notes and put them where you can see them and say them back to yourself every day. What I normally do is put mine next to the mirror in my bedroom and bathroom. They are the first things I see and say to myself when I wake up, It is even more effective when you say them looking at yourself in the mirror.

Regular exercises

Regular exercise is important for mental health and reduces stress. Going for walks in the woodland helps to reduce stress, and improve the way you view things. When I go for a walk I intentionally use mindfulness activities to enhance the benefits of being outside in nature. Get the mindfulness senses activity here. The good part is that you can use this mindfulness activity anywhere and anytime.

Journaling and Meditating

Journaling is important to build your confidence and self-esteem. When you journal you put down your true feelings and maybe what brought those on. This way you are able to avoid situations that make you feel less comfortable because you are aware of them. Journaling is also about the positives and these can be reinforced through meditation practices. When you journal it is important to be in a place that is quiet and you can truly be with your thoughts. Meditating brings inner strength and reduces stress. It gives you the calmness to reflect on situations without judgment.

Conclusion

The list is not the only thing you can do to build your confidence and self-esteem but it is a good starting point. You can try this resource for more strategies and tools to build confidence and self-esteem.

I am glad you are reading this post. Please leave me a comment to share how you have used it. For more tools and strategies go here