Everyone wants a life that is fulfilling. But, everyone’s definition of fulfilling may be different. Someone’s idea of a fulfilling life may be to see Taylor Swift in concert, or maybe it’s getting a dream job, or some may have dreams of visiting every state in the US. Though self-doubt and external pressure may make this difficult, your mindset shapes how you perceive the world and face challenges. Building a solid foundation of confidence is the first step to this.
What is self-confidence? And how do I achieve it? Self-awareness and self-acceptance are two main components of confidence. The first step is accepting who you are, and not trying to be someone else. This can look like not wanting to drink at dinner and not really caring what anyone else thinks, or wearing whatever outfits you feel best in. Being true to yourself is about embracing your flaws, your unique “weirdness”, and knowing you don’t need to “fit in”. Know your worth!
Setting and achieving small goals is a very important part of improving confidence. Smaller goals are easier to achieve than bigger ones, and celebrating them can be just as simple. And, acknowledging our progress and small wins sets the stage for bigger goals, builds confidence, and helps us practice positive self affirmations.
Positive self talk is another huge factor of how you see yourself. It might sound silly, but our thoughts and the words we say to ourselves have a huge impact on our view of ourselves and the world. Shifting your mindset toward positivity can help to end the cycle of self doubt. Starting the day by journaling, writing down positive affirmations, or making a list of what your grateful for can help reframe negative thinking. Not only will this boost your confidence, but it will also shift the way you look at life. These concepts can help better your self-worth as well as you become your biggest supporter rather than your biggest enemy.
Physical movement can be a great way to build confidence and just improve your overall mood. Just by going on a daily walk, joining a friend for a yoga class, or dancing to your favorite song will release feel good chemicals that can boost your overall mood. This seems too good to be true right? But it is this easy! Start by walking around your block for 15 minutes, or strut on the treadmill to your top 5 favorite songs. Better yet, just step outside and feel the fresh air for a few minutes!
This all can seem overwhelming, but it is possible. Baby steps are key, and creating attainable goals. Confidence as a whole will be a life long goal that takes practice and a lot of patience. Just remember that you are human, and this journey will take time and won’t be perfect. Learning from your mistakes can be just as powerful and transforming as learning from your strengths and successes. Don’t give up on yourself. You are your greatest investment!
At Manhattan Wellness, we understand that with all the messages we receive from the world, it can be difficult to maintain a positive narrative about ourselves. From social media, movies, and even people close to us, it can be hard to drown out the negative. So much so that our inner critic takes over and we forget to show ourselves the same compassion as others. That’s why our female therapists want to support you in building the confidence you need to reach your highest potential. Let us help you create an empowering narrative that will benefit all aspects of your life, from personal to professional. If you are interested in beginning counseling for women:
At Manhattan Wellness, our therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey and reclaiming your identity. So you can take control of your life and create the future you’ve been dreaming of. This is why we offer a variety of services to ensure you get the support, care, and guidance necessary. The therapy services we offer are Self-Esteem Counseling and Anxiety Treatment, along with Dating/Relationship Counseling, Counseling for College Students, and more. Feel as if you are not living the life you deserve? Let’s talk about it.