Time: < 30 Minutes
STEP 1: Have you ever been sick (or down) and didn’t take care of yourself for a few days? Think about how good that first shower and shave felt. You likely felt like a new person. When you are in a rut and not spending time on yourself your confidence decreases and you don’t feel confident expressing yourselves authentically to others. To feel confident, sometimes you have to do the work. Although you may not feel like it, take a shower, shave, put on make-up, fix your hair… SPEND TIME ON YOURSELF. This will look different to different people—if you feel your best without makeup or sporting a more natural look, listen to that.
STEP 2: Recognize that confidence isn’t just about your looks…it’s also about your mindset. Are you feeling confident in what you are going to say to someone? Are you confident in your presentation? Are you confident in how you are dressed? Are you questioning yourself? Are you surrounding yourself with negative people or negative thoughts? Be aware of where your mind is and whom you are keeping as close company.
STEP 3: If you realize that the company you keep is not helping you be successful, make a change. It is critical for your health and effectiveness in life to surround yourself with people who uplift you. Determine who is negative that you interact with (someone who does not encourage, support, and pump you up) then do your best to limit your interactions. If it is impossible (a family member or someone you MUST interact with), then set boundaries. You may need to change your response to them, and this will likely take time. If that is difficult for you, talk to a friend, counselor or therapist on how to set and maintain your boundaries and stand up for yourself. You are the company you keep, so keep pushing yourself to seek out and prioritize positive and uplifting relationships in your life. (See next Solution on the Importance of Boundaries)
STEP 4: If you realize that your mindset is not what it should be, make a change. With every negative thought that enters your mind, immediately say “NO!” (out loud if possible), and then counter it with a positive thought. As you continue practicing saying NO to those negative thoughts, it starts to become second nature.
