When we let certain aspects and abilities about ourselves consume our minds, they can sometimes transition into insecurities that hang onto our conscious. The good news is, our brains are capable of being trained to eventually eliminate insecurities and elevate our confidence.
Use these five methods to give you that boost of self-esteem.
1. Stop comparing others’ strengths to your own weaknesses
When our confidence is wavering, we tend to create an identity about ourselves that is vulnerable to the situations that we find ourselves in. We tend to form habits of recognizing how good people are at something and how our abilities don’t add or match up. Over time, this process starts to disregard our own strengths and makes our mind only reactive. This only causes stress and damages our performance. Learn to appreciate other people’s strengths and use them as learning tools instead of viewing them as competition.
2. Use insecurities to your advantage
Turn your insecurities into clues. See what they uncover in your life that can identify the underlying issue. Ask yourself questions that allow you to find out what causes those insecurities and what makes you feel confident. Compare and contrast the different situations and environments in your life that cause these feelings.
3. Stop worrying about what others think
It is common for people to base their feelings and actions on how others treat them. This causes some to rely on others to determine their own personal value and self-worth. But realize that constantly worrying about what others think about you is a complete waste of time. Be confident moving forward and treat others with respect. Focus on your intent, and if that intent is honest, treat everyone the same way you expect to be treated.
4. Stop thinking people know more about you
If you are insecure about something in your life, you probably spend a good amount of time thinking about it. When something triggers it, you become aware of it. Understand that when you think about it so much, you condition your brain to pick up on hints in your environment that are related to this insecurity. Even to the point where you think people know about them. Reassure yourself that no one knows, and frankly, no one even cares.
5. Confidence lies in action, not outcome
Your first step to personal change is becoming aware. Take action, now that you are aware of how your brain fixates on insecurities and how you can combat them. Confidence is made by building on the actions you take instead of the results. Stop relying on the outcomes and reactions to determine if you feel good. You don’t need to see the end goal first. And when you
develop this mindset, you have full control of your self-esteem and you are no longer vulnerable to people or circumstances.