Some days we ooze confidence, in other areas we tend to pull back where we should lead. Like anything, confidence takes work. Especially for those who sometimes feel the burn of self doubt. We must challenge ourselves in order to lead fulfilling lives!
1. Do as the Europeans do
Check out some of your European friends. Though all cultures have their fantastic individual traits, Europeans are generally confident, self-aware, and live life as if they deserve their place in it. Take a few pointers from their attitude. Whatever it is you want to be doing, approach it as they do. Push your ego out of the way and don’t ask anyone or anything for permission to battle forward for the life you want.
2. Stand naked in front of a mirror and look yourself in the eyes
Giggle. But seriously, this is one of the most confronting things a human can do. Eye to eye communication is thought to be the most personal, so being eye to eye with yourself can be intense. But give it a go. The more you do it, the more comfortable you are with yourself, and in time your self confidence will know no bounds. If you can manage it, tell yourself ‘I love you’ too. It might seem silly, but we don’t do it enough.
3. Live in a new country
It is all well and good travelling to a new country, but we are talking pack your things, say goodbye to your home, grab one medium-sized bag and just take to the hills. Find a new home, that place you always really really wanted to go but never did. Go and live there. Ensconce yourself in the culture and habits and see what you learn from those around you. It will be the hardest and most rewarding thing you might ever do in your life.
4. Take up a new activity/sport that scares you
Pick one. Do it. Stick to it.
Start small. Practise every day. Do it until you can feel the power of your efforts, and the triumph. Your physical and mental strength will reward you.
5. Take aim at your most unrealistic dream
Think about the thing you really, really want but never thought you could really really have. Maybe it was a class, maybe it was a job, maybe it was a family, maybe it was becoming a clown or learning to walk on hot coals! Whatever it was, and whatever the reason you pushed it aside, remember your long lost dream. And however unrealistic, if you can imagine it, you can aim for it. And once you realize you can do it, you also realize how much in this life really is possible.
6. Practice communication
Sometimes it is the daily things that make us believe we aren’t confident or good. Learn what is making you feel a certain way and communicate about it. The first time might be really really hard and also uncomfortable, but the more you learn to do this, the better you get at being able to communicate in ways that truly benefit our lives and our relationships.
7. Because practice makes perfect
Aim high. Keep doing whatever it is, every day, over and over, until it isn’t scary any more. Aim for the part that scares you the most, keep calm and don’t stop until you get there. Just a little bit every day, until your confidence grows, and then a little bit more. The important thing is to just never ever give up.
8. Look your fears dead in the eye
There really is a lot of worth in the saying “Face your fears”. When we run from something, or avoid it, it grows in size. It doesn’t actually disappear like we want it to, just because we want it to. When we practice meeting our fears head on, the fear begins to dissipate and we learn to approach all situations with much more confidence. Not only does it benefit your own self worth, but such fearlessness commands respect. You will attract similar people into your life which will only further your positivity. You will be leader of your destiny in no time!
Featured photo credit: Magdeleine via magdeleine.co
