Before I start this, I want to make a disclosure. This is not one of those self-motivational talks where I give tips on how one can be confident because frankly speaking, I’m still figuring it out myself. The only thing I can do is share experiences on my journey of self-growth and the things I’ve learned along the way.
The biggest year of change for me was the year 2020. Before the pandemic, I was still pretty outspoken and confident but only from the outside. I was literally mimicking the term “Fake it till you make it”. I had very low self-esteem which is evident from the fact that I craved validation from outsiders and people who did not deserve to be in my life. Let me ask you a question, how many of you readers have kept toxic people in your life, even though you know they’re no good for your mental growth and hamper your journey to self-love and self-growth. I bet most of you. And that’s okay too! It’s understandable if you do this, I’ll tell you why. We’re social beings that live on seeking validation, and when one doesn’t validate themselves by practicing self-care they are bound to seek it elsewhere. So what are the possible solutions to this? First of all, remove the people that no longer add value to your life. Take time out for yourself by indulging in activities that get your heartbeat racing, for instance, exercise. Practice self-care. It could be anything: -
· Personally I love doing skincare, so I indulge in the world of skincare products most of which I’ve bought by taking advice from YouTube videos. Don’t worry, I’m very careful when taking advice and only go for trusted specialists.
· Exercise is a big part of my life. To be very honest I started it with a completely different and unhealthy mindset but now it’s all about getting stronger and enduring. Exercise is directly linked to curing Depression. Having a bad day? Do any form of exercise. It could be dancing, running, bicycling, or even weightlifting.
· Talk to Friends. This is so important. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, decide to call a friend or even FaceTime!
· Invest in your Work/Studies. The busier you are; the less time you’ll spend overthinking about things that do not even matter.
· Rejuvenate your long-lost hobbies. I used to paint back in seventh grade. I was never a great painter, just liked to play with brushes and colors. Needless to say, that hobby got lost as I grew up. Recently I started painting again and I must tell you, it does feel great!
There is no definite answer to becoming confident. It’s not something that is found in a book or has been researched by scholars. It’s something you figure out on your own as you move ahead in life. People who you perceive as confident are simply so because they’re content with themselves and do not care what others think of them. The truth is, you know the answer to being confident. It has been inside you all along. I hope I’ve given you some insight and wish you the best of luck in becoming the best version of yourself.
By ANANYA SINGH / MAY 25, 2021