How often do you stand in front of the mirror and see someone looking back at you that you don’t like very much?
You criticize her hair. Her hips.
You wish she had the figure of a supermodel.
You critique her taste in clothes. In men. In friends.
But more than that, (and this is something you may not even realize), more than wishing you looked like your favorite actress or supermodel, what you really wish is that you could love that girl that’s staring back at you.
If this sounds like you, you’re struggling with self-confidence; the magic elixir that gives you wings and empowers you. You don’t have it and you desperately want it. It seems like everyone else around you has confidence, but not you.
The good news is you’re not alone.
The other good news is you can find self-confidence, boost it, and finally live without wishing you were someone else.
So how do you boost your self-confidence so you can shine like the crazy, beautiful diamond you are?
1. Know You’re Not Alone
If you were to stand among at least five of your peers, you might be surprised to learn that four out of five of them also struggle with self-confidence. Sure, they look happy and put together on the outside, but they’re hurting like hell on the inside. They’re wearing a mask, if you will, which is what many of us do when we want to hide the pain and frustration we feel. You’re probably hiding behind a mask, too. Just remember that we all struggle with parts of ourselves that we want to change or flat out don’t like. You’re not alone. But you are willing to change.
2. Tell Yourself You’re Beautiful
Lousie Hay, the pioneer of the self-help movement, teaches her readers and conference attendees to practice this. Every day they are to look at themselves in the mirror and say something like, “Hi Beautiful. I love you. You are perfect just the way you are.” At first, it’s uncomfortable. It feels like a great big lie. But over time, it feels like a great big truth. And really, it always was the truth.
3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
You can never, ever be like anyone else. You just can’t. You’re unique and you always will be. Comparing yourself to others is like intentional torture. It’s self-sabotage. Decide you won’t compare anymore and stick to your guns. Once you decide, you’ll see just how unique you really are, and run with that in your favor.
If your self-confidence was sabotaged at some point in your life, you don’t have to stay stuck in the madness of not loving yourself. Turning those stories upside down and finding the silver lining is the first step in boosting your self-confidence. Together, let’s get your confidence back.
Feel like you could use a boost in your self esteem?
Counseling can be a big help.
Sources: http://psychcentral.com/lib/self-esteem-struggles-and-strategies-that-can-help/