reach for your goals
It’s time to let self-confidence define you. Recognize that you are made up of many things, including strengths, assets, smarts, interests, personality traits, physical attributes, roles, and endless other qualities. You are a unique individual. In addition to positive and neutral qualities, everyone has shortcomings. Sometimes your shortcomings are also your strengths or part of what others are attracted to, especially when viewed as endearing, funny, or vulnerable. Your shortcomings are just a small part of who you are, so learning to acknowledge and accept them allows you to gain true self-confidence. Believing in yourself is not enough. It is essential that you take your self-confidence and use it to face your challenges and reach for your goals.
Cooper
Cooper was insecure about her height. Throughout her school years, she towered over most of the boys in her grade. She never let what she believed was a shortcoming get in her way. Her bubbly personality, sharp wit, and strong academic skills made her confident in all spheres of life. Recently, her height actually turned out to be a huge advantage, as she beat out many other girls for a spot on a top college sports team. Next year, when she confidently heads out to college, she will carry her height proudly.
Solidify your self-confidence by updating your self-image. Get a picture of yourself that you really like and tape it to the mirror in your bathroom. Look at the picture every day and remind yourself of what you like about yourself. Add positive feedback you have received, accomplishments that have been recognized, or hurdles you overcame. Don’t deny your shortcomings, but be careful not to let them define you. You can get started now by writing down the things you like about yourself.
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Now it’s time to put your self-confidence into action. Each time a new opportunity presents itself, go for it. If you start to second-guess yourself, take action anyway. If you want to try something new or something that makes you uncomfortable, do it. Confidence comes from the effort, not just the outcome.
Recognize the effort you are making. At the end of each day, before you go to bed, list five things that you tackled. Then give yourself credit for doing them. Don’t disqualify what you write by saying it was easy, not a big deal, or that someone didn’t mean what he or she said. The self-confident you is able to reward yourself for your accomplishments and to use them in bolstering an even more positive view of yourself.
End-of-Day Confidence Credit List
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The Bottom Line: Use your self-confidence to go for it and to reach for your goals.