So if you are someone that thinks that you are confident, but would rather have a bit of work done to your self-esteem, I want you to read this article first.
The best way to build confidence is to develop an internally healthy, mental outlook.
In other words, focus on being more comfortable and loving the skin you’re in rather than worrying about what the media or other people are telling you about yourself.
An internal disposition towards loving and accepting yourself for who you are is what confidence is all about.
As a college student, you probably don’t have too much confidence. This is the perfect time to work on this.
If you want to work on your confidence you will need to change your mindset, which means you will also need to start letting go of a few things.
There are two things that you should definitely let go of if you are not confident.
- Self-criticism and beating yourself up
- Judgment of others
1. Remember that you are perfect the way you are
This is something we all struggle with because it is counter-intuitive and very, very difficult.
It’s just a lie that society has told us to make us feel bad about ourselves.
We have a self-image that is created by external factors such as society, media, social influences, and possibly your own image in your head.
This might sound very strange, but if you can remember that you are beautiful, no matter how you look, you will be able to maintain a self-image of inner peace and happiness.
In his book, The Power of Intention, Dr. Wayne Dyer said something profound about this concept. He said that the human mind has the power to create the human body.
He said that “If you want to create anything, it’s the mind’s power that creates the body.”
If you are a parent, try to set a great example of self-love to your kids.
It doesn’t matter how they look or if they have self-esteem issues; try to show them that they are worthy and perfect in their own right.
No matter how you look, you are beautiful. This is an important fact that you need to remember when you feel like you are not good enough.
The second thing you should try to do is not get too attached to external factors and things outside of you.
Do not worry about what other people think. All you need to focus on is getting what you want out of life.
This applies to both your professional and personal life. It’s easy to get into a zone of “doing for others” and neglect yourself.
However, if you neglect yourself, you will fall off track and create a lot of stress. I know from personal experience how devastating that can be.
To work on this, don’t plan out too much of your week. Go to the gym, go eat a healthy meal, and spend time with friends and family.
These things will help you stay focused and you will end up being more productive and happier.
2. Train your mind to love the things you do
One of the best things you can do to increase your confidence is to take action.
I know it seems impossible, but if you write down what you want and commit to working on it, you can actually achieve it. I know because it’s happened to me.
Last year I wrote down the goals I wanted to accomplish and for three months, I did nothing but work towards achieving these goals.
I would even wake up in the middle of the night and work on it before going back to sleep.
This is one of the most powerful exercises you can do. The point of taking action is to keep yourself on track.
I know it sounds very funny, but if you don’t plan out your time, you can end up doing things like:
Not going to the gym for days or even weeks.
Forgetting to eat or failing to keep a healthy diet.
Unsuccessfully trying to lose weight even when you are trying your hardest.
It can be embarrassing and frustrating, but you have to get used to it. It’s a part of becoming confident.
To get into a positive state, you must look for the things that make you happy and you have to take the initiative to do them.
Once you have finished writing your list, train your mind to feel good about these things.
Even if you didn’t do them, do your best to tell yourself that you did.
Tell yourself that you didn’t make the list because you were just too busy and that you can do it tomorrow. If you haven’t done it by the end of the day, you still did something and you can focus on the next day.
To help you keep a positive mindset, read John Gottman’s book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. It is an absolutely fascinating book that can improve any relationship.
He speaks of taking inventory of the good things in your life and looking for the ways you can improve and your partner can improve as well.
Go back to number 1 and train your mind to love the things you do.
3. Observe yourself and others
Being a parent is one of the most amazing things you can do. However, it can also be the most challenging.
Being a parent is emotionally draining and it’s not easy. Your child needs your help and you are there for them. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get exhausted.
Why do you think so many parents become depressed and lonely?
You need to be aware of yourself when you are a parent.
Make sure you take good care of yourself so you can be a great parent.
