If you have ever watched and admired a confident person
perform, you would think they were probably born with it, but they are not.
Have you ever wondered what lies behind the confidence of those who seem
effortlessly poised? While confidence is not an innate ability, anyone can
develop it.
Everyone can develop confidence if they put in the hard work
and while enduring discomfort is necessary for cultivating confidence, the
ability to navigate challenges is critical to becoming a confident person.
You have to build the capacity to endure setbacks because
the road to confidence is long and ridden with many challenges. For the person
with lofty ambitions and high potential, confidence becomes a journey through
many practices and continual effort.
Introduction to Confidence
This introduction sets the stage for understanding that
confidence is a skill that can be developed.
The Importance of Resilience
Consider the story of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the
light bulb. Edison reportedly made over 1,000 unsuccessful attempts before
finally inventing a working light bulb. When asked about his failures, Edison
famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't
work." This anecdote illustrates the importance of resilience and the
ability to view failures as learning experiences rather than defining moments.
Embracing Failure as a Learning Experience
Even though confidence is not for the weak, its payoffs are
rewarding. It carries with it, satisfaction, pride and courage. The truth is
that weakness is relative as we all emerge from weakness into strength through
the development of resilience. Therefore weakness is not bad in itself, it is
the starting point of the journey. Rather, it is refusing to transform weakness
into strength that makes it unpleasant.
Building Confidence Through Self-Worth
Many people emphasize self-confidence, and I get it.
However, I believe it is healthier to build confidence from the angle of
self-worth than to construct confidence from the perspective of self-image.
Self-image is susceptible to change, particularly during turbulent times and
can easily be damaged by, for example, feedback from people or personal and
negative experiences.
For instance, self-image can improve in times of success and
quickly reduce during failures and major life-changing events. This fluctuating
nature of self-image makes it ephemeral in comparison to self-worth which is
predicated on intrinsic values which represent stability and encompasses
endurance.
Real-Life Examples of Resilience
Another remarkable example of resilience in the face of
adversity is Lady Gaga. The transformation of Lady Gaga (born Stefani
Germanotta) exemplifies this concept. Before becoming a global pop icon, she
faced numerous rejections and setbacks in the music industry, even being
dropped from her first record label after just three months. Instead of giving
up, she used these experiences to fuel her determination.
Achieving Lasting Confidence
So, how about having the best of both worlds? By focusing on
self-worth while navigating the challenges that build true confidence, we can
develop a resilient and enduring sense of self that withstands both success and
failure.
Why It Works: Confidence grows when you step out of your comfort zone and view failures as opportunities for growth.
How to Do It: Start by taking on small challenges that make you uncomfortable. Reflect on each experience, focusing on what you learned rather than dwelling on the failure itself.
2. Build Resilience Through Continuous Effort
Why It Works: Resilience is key to maintaining confidence in the face of setbacks.
How to Do It: Set a daily or weekly routine that involves working towards a goal, even if it's just for a few minutes. Consistency builds resilience and confidence.
3. Focus on Self-Worth Over Self-Image
Why It Works: Self-worth provides a stable foundation for confidence, unlike self-image which can fluctuate.
How to Do It: Practice affirmations that emphasize your intrinsic value, such as "I am worthy regardless of my achievements." Reflect on your core values and ensure your actions align with them.
4. Celebrate Small Wins and Progress
Why It Works: Celebrating small achievements reinforces positive behavior and boosts self-worth.
How to Do It: Keep a journal to record your daily accomplishments. Reflect on how these small wins contribute to your overall growth and confidence.
5. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Why It Works: Positive relationships and environments can significantly enhance your self-esteem and confidence.
How to Do It: Identify people who support and encourage you. Spend more time with them and limit interactions with those who undermine your confidence. Also, engage in activities or join communities that foster positivity and growth.
These steps are designed to help you cultivate a resilient
mindset, focus on intrinsic self-worth, and build confidence through consistent
effort and positive reinforcement.
Please leave your comments and join me to further explore self-confidence in this video link: How to Build Unshakable Confidence – Secrets They Don’t Tell You!
Together, we can unlock your potential for confidence and resilience.
Interested in learning more about how these strategies can help you achieve your goals? Contact me for a personalised consultation: Joyceridgem@gmail.com
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