Learn how to build confidence in yourself and unleash your full potential. These tips and strategies will help you overcome self-doubt and achieve your goals with greater self-assurance.
Sometimes we think that if we make a plan and start working on it, everything will be okay.
But that’s not always the case.
For many people, including myself, coming up with ideas and making plans about what we want to achieve is easy.
The hard part, that no one talks about, is when you’re faced with challenges that leave you confused, discouraged, and suddenly questioning your own ability.
If left unchecked, you’ll be giving up on your dreams and returning to your old way of thinking faster than you can say SMART goals.
That’s why knowing how to build confidence in yourself, especially during tough times, is so important.
In this article, you’re going to learn 6 of my go-to confidence building strategies, including the benefits of improving your image, how to identify your strengths and weaknesses, why the way you deal with stress matters, and so much more.
By the end, you will understand what’s needed to embrace this tough season and remain energized and focused on the goal ahead.
This post is all about how to build confidence in yourself.
6 WAYS TO BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE IN TOUGH TIMES
#1 – IMPROVE YOUR IMAGE
Benefits: +self-confidence, +worthiness, +positive outlook, +self-esteem, +motivation, +productivity, +personal style
Going through a tough season is hard enough already. Make it easier by taking the initiative to get dressed each day, practice good grooming habits, and move your body for at least 15 minutes.
Take care of your hygiene:
Brush your teeth, take a bath or shower, and comb your hair. Not only will this make you feel clean and fresh, but it will also remind you that you’re someone you can count on. Use this area to show up for yourself daily.
Wear clothes that make you feel good:
You don’t necessarily need to break the bank for this one. Choose well-fitting clothing that is comfortable and stylish. Bonus points for quality, breathable fabrics that compliment your body shape.
Prioritize healthy-looking, moisturized skin:
Simplify your beauty routine and use products that fit your lifestyle and help you achieve desired results. Remember to remove makeup each night, start the day with sunscreen (especially on your face), and drink plenty of water!
Complete a fitness challenge:
Walking 10,000 steps a day or running a marathon can help you accomplish your fitness goals. It can also introduce you to a supportive community of like-minded folks. Find a challenge you’re interested in and join it.
#2 – LEARN A NEW SKILL
Benefits: +social connections, +problem solving, +creativity, +adaptability, +cognitive functions, +career opportunities
Learning a new skill can help build confidence in yourself because it provides a sense of accomplishment and excitement. By doing so, you can feel more assured and capable in your own abilities, which can translate to increased opportunities in other areas of your life.
Learn a 2nd language:
Learning another language can expose you to other cultures and diverse opportunities both personally and professionally. Start with an elementary course, or refresher, and build your knowledge from there.
Learn a new recipe:
Feeling frustrated and got a little extra time on your hands? Channel that energy into creating something fun or delicious to eat. It’s a great distraction and can be used as a de-stressor, especially in social settings.
Learn more about a professional software:
Expand your professional skills by learning a new software that can increase your knowledge or efficiency at work or help you branch into a different industry all together.
#3 – FIND 3 ROLE MODELS TO HELP BUILD CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF
Benefits: +inspiration, +relatability, +confidence, +reassurance +motivation, +hope, + mentorship
Finding role models can help build your confidence by showing you what is possible and inspiring you to aim higher. It’s also helpful to see how others preserved through tough times and went on to accomplish a shared, or similar goal.
Role model # 1 – Personality:
Find a role model that you can relate to on a personality level. It should ideally be someone you recognize as confident, positive, and can reaffirm your existing traits or inspire the new ones you want to establish.
Role model # 2 – Career or dream-related:
If your tough time or season is happening while you’re trying to advance in your career, or create your dream opportunity, then it’s crucial that you find a role model who’s failed previously and overcome the very thing you’re dealing with. Even if the situations are slightly different, witnessing other people win, after enduring hardships and setbacks, will both inspire and motivate you.
Role model # 3 – Relationships:
One area that can be significantly impacted while working towards your dreams is relationships. If things have recently changed because you asserted yourself or established boundaries, then mirroring self-respecting and confident individuals can be helpful.
*Note – what you see on social media doesn’t always tell the full story. Keep this in mind when referencing public figures such as celebrities.
#4 – ANALYZE STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
Benefits: +self-awareness, +decision making, +self-confidence, +communication, +growth & development, +rephrasing
One of the best ways to build confidence within yourself is to begin understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and how you can use, or improve them, to get out of the tough situation and back on track towards your goals.
What are your strengths?
Knowing what you’re good at is helpful especially when you’re stuck between two places – where you were and where you want to be. List your top 5 strengths and how you can use them to maintain your confidence during this season.
For example, if you were recently impacted by layoffs, which strengths could help you balance your emotions and remain competitive in a challenging job market?
What are your weaknesses?
If your confidence is being challenged by an area of weakness, then the simple answer is to find someone who has this weakness as a strength and ask for help.
For example, if public speaking makes you feel insecure, but is required for your dream role, then befriend someone who is great at it or join a club, like Toastmasters, where the skill can be honed into a strength.
Which area are you struggling in currently?
Increasing your self-awareness about your stronger and weaker skills/traits can reduce the amount of time or friction in this part of your journey. Stop and consider which area of your confidence is being impacted and why. Reframing is also key and can lead to greater clarity and a sense of relief.
Check out this Saboteurs test to reveal possible areas of weakness and ways you might be self-sabotaging.
ALSO HELPFUL FOR BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF:
OVERCOMING NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
#5 – UNDERSTAND IMPACTS OF STRESS
Benefits: +awareness, +self-control, +understanding, +gracious & forgiving, +confident, +prepared
Understanding stress, and the way you respond, could be the key to managing your emotions and coping with difficult situations.
Meditate on your top 3 stressors:
Raise your awareness of stress by thinking about the top 3 reasons you typically become stressed. Common stressors can include things like:
– Public speaking
– Social interactions
– Last-minute meetings
– Rushing
– Jam packed to-do lists
– Limited time for deep thinking
– Financial worries
– Sudden changes
– Relationship concerns
– Being underprepared or under skilled
– No time for yourself
– A lack of organization
How do you typically handle stressful situations?
Once you’re clear on your main stressors, consider if any of them are impacting your confidence at the moment. I’d be willing to bet that at least 2 out of 3, if not all of them, are what’s causing you to question your confidence and ability to accomplish your goal/s.
Is the way you’re responding to stress helping or hindering your ability to move forward?
How is stress preventing you from displaying confidence in yourself?
Try to connect patterns between the stressor, your behavior, and how it’s impacting the way you show up during tough seasons. Drawing these conclusions can help you identify what’s keeping you stuck.
Also, a therapist or life coach would be a tremendous and helpful resource for diving deeper.
YOU SHOULD ALSO CHECK OUT: HOW TO LOVE YOURSELF AGAIN
#6 – Be Kind To Yourself
Benefits: +friendship, +acceptance, +security, +graciousness & forgiveness, +relief, +self-confidence
Whether the tough season was a result of your actions, or a situation completely outside of your control, prioritize acceptance and being kind to yourself while in process.
Stop comparisons:
Your journey is yours for a reason. Being inspired by others is great, however, recognize that everyone’s path is unique and special to their own lives and purpose. Celebrate what makes yours different rather than comparing.
Take a nap:
Don’t be afraid to take a nap, or a break, if it feels like you’re hitting a wall. There are many stops along any given journey and by prioritizing rest you’ll relieve stress and likely receive clarity on what to do next.
Feel the feels:
Cry, scream into a pillow, put your phone on silent, and give yourself a day off. Building confidence in yourself isn’t just about boosting your strengths – it’s also about knowing how to show up for yourself, and proving that you will, especially in difficult times.
Listen to your body and respond with healthy solutions to make sure you can get up tomorrow and try again 🖤
CONCLUSION
I’m glad that you made it this far and finally know what it takes to survive this tough season. Remember, “tough times never last, but tough people do” – Robert Schuller
You’ve got this!
Xx
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