You know that girl who is able to laugh off an embarrassing moment? Or the one who struts with her head held high and a smile on her face? How about that girl who seems to make every new experience look like something she’s done 1000 times before? We often notice and admire people with confidence and then immediately compare ourselves to them, leaving us to wonder why we can’t be more confident too.
Here are 5 things that may be crushing your confidence:
1. Being surrounded by people who are constantly putting you down. A little constructive criticism can help you grow, but if your friends have only critical things to say about you, then you have to work even harder to lift yourself up while they try to pull you down. Instead, try surrounding yourself with people who love and encourage you. This will leave you feeling more confident because you’re not constantly battling negative thoughts.
2. Negative thinking. It’s pretty tough to see yourself in a positive light when all you dwell on is the bad. Thinking negatively can sometimes spiral out of control and lead to exaggeration. Instead, for each negative thought come up with a positive one. Try out some of these tips to help combat negative thinking.
3. Lack of self-care. If you rarely get enough sleep and eat fast food every day then you’re going to feel groggy and tired. With more sleep and healthier food choices, you’ll have more energy and a more positive attitude, helping you to feel more confident. Another form of self-care may be allowing yourself time to get ready in the morning. One way that people build confidence is by trying to look their best, whether it be by dressing to impress or doing their hair or makeup for themselves. Looking the part can be a form of “fake it till you make it” leading you to eventually really feel confident.
4. The Media. We continue to compare ourselves to girls in magazines even though we’re aware that they’re photo shopped. Stop letting the media determine what you think is beautiful, sexy, or confident.
5. Lack of Exercise. Not only will exercise make you physically stronger, but it will help you feel stronger and more confident. Working out gives you so much energy and helps reduce stress to help you experience life more positively.
Now go out there and show yourself (and the world!) how awesome you are.
References:
http://www.hercampus.com/school/uprm/10-ways-boost-your-confidence
http://www.overcoming.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8611
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