“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States.
This ideology seems simple enough yet so many of us underestimate the impact of self-confidence in our lives. Self-confidence weaves itself into every aspect of our lives, not just how we present ourselves or the attitude with which we carry ourselves. From how we navigate our careers to how we build relationships and even how we tackle the everyday challenges that life throws at us, this seemingly simple attribute dictates everything.
But what exactly is self-confidence if it’s not what we described above? At its core, self-confidence is really about trust – trusting yourself, your abilities and your potential. It’s not about being perfect or fearless but about being comfortable in your skin, owning your so-called flaws and believing that you’re capable of growing through every challenge that life throws at you.
Why does self-confidence matter?
Let’s look at some ways in which self-confidence impacts your life and how you can start building it today.
1 . A healthier, happier you
Studies show that confident people have better mental and physical health because they are more likely to take care of themselves and give themselves the proper attention they need. When you believe in your ability to achieve goals, you’re more likely to hit the gym, prepare nourishing meals, and prioritize rest.
On the other hand, low self-confidence often leads to stress, anxiety, and that scary cycle of self-doubt which takes a toll on your immune system and overall vitality. Hence, self-confidence is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, both inside and out.
2 . Choosing Courage over Fear
We’ve all been there: stuck in a loop of “What if?” and “I can’t.” Self-confidence doesn’t necessarily eliminate fear but it quiets that nagging voice in your head that says that you’re not enough. And once this voice is quieted down, you tend to lean more into challenges, instead of running away from them.
Confidence can act like a mental toolkit that arms you with the courage to face the unknown, help you overthink and silence the inner critic. Half the time, we are our own worst enemies but with self-confidence, you start learning how to cheer yourself on instead of tearing yourself down.
3 . Resilience in the face of failure
An ugly truth of life is that everyone fails. Even the most successful people have stumbled multiple times but what sets them apart is resilience, which comes from self-confidence.
When you are confident in yourself and your abilities, failure doesn’t feel like the be-all, end-all but it becomes a stepping stone. You learn from your mistakes, adapt to the situation and keep moving forward. Confidence gives you the ability to see setbacks as opportunities to leap forward rather than as a sign to quit and the more you embrace this mindset, the more unstoppable you will be.
4 . Build authentic connections
Your most valued and closest relationships form when you stay true to yourself. When you’re comfortable in your skin, you’re not worried about putting on a show for others instead, you show up as your most authentic self and people are drawn to that.
Another advantage of being confident is that you’ll be better at setting boundaries with others as you won’t be relying on external validation to feel good about yourself; you already know your worth. This creates healthier, more balanced relationships where both sides feel valued and respected.
5 . Positive self-worth
Confidence and self-worth go hand in hand – when you believe in yourself, you naturally feel like you deserve more happiness, success, and fulfillment. You stop comparing yourself to others and start focusing on your unique strengths and values.
Confident people acknowledge their drawbacks without letting them define who they are and they see those drawbacks as areas for growth as compared to feeling defeated by them. They know that they are not flawless but that they are enough, just as they are.
Steps to Self-Confidence
Building self-confidence is not a one-day process and like every other helpful attribute that we can build, this too takes small but intentional steps. Here’s how you can start off:
1 . Reframe Negative Thoughts
Every time you catch yourself thinking self-critical thoughts, stop yourself and add one more word to the sentence: yet . The power of yet “I’m not good at this… yet” changes your perspective to possibility and hope from defeat. Start catching those negative thoughts and flipping them into something empowering.
2 . Make a list of wins
Write down everything you’ve achieved no matter how big or small, be it an amazing presentation, cooking a new recipe or even just getting out of bed on a particularly bad day. Keep this visible and close to you, whenever possible, to serve as a reminder of how capable you are.
3 . Step out of your comfort zone
Confidence only grows when you challenge yourself to do things you haven’t ever done before. Start small by trying your hand at a new hobby, striking up a conversation with a stranger or tackling a task that you’ve been particularly avoiding. Each little win, which you will be writing down on your list, only builds momentum to get you on to the next big thing.
4 . Surround yourself with positive people
The people you surround yourself matter much more than you think. Be around those who lift you, challenge you to grow and believe in your potential because their energy will rub off on you (and vice versa).
When to seek help
Sometimes, the road to self-confidence can feel like being in a new city without a guide, your phone or even, a map and when it starts feeling like this, that’s your cue to call in reinforcements. Life coaches and therapists are incredible resources who can help you with identifying and tackling any obstacles that may arise in your journey of personal growth.
Own Your Confidence, Own Your Life
Self-confidence is showing up for yourself every day (even when it feels hard), embracing your flaws, celebrating your strengths, and trusting that you’re capable of achieving incredible things. Take that small step, silence your inner critic, and remind yourself of just how much you bring to the table. Because when you believe in yourself, the possibilities are endless.
