You often feel certain insecurity and, unlike other people, cannot assert yourself as well. This bothers you quite often. The reason is usua...
Self-esteem and self-confidence are usually formed in childhood, making it much more difficult to change something later in adulthood. However, it is not impossible. At this point, we have summarized some methods and ways how you can increase your self-confidence and self-esteem on your own.
Self-confidence, -awareness, -value, -security, etc.
In everyday life, we actually use these words almost synonymously, without really thinking about it. Of course, all terms are related and influence each other. However, there are some differences that you should be aware of.
Self-awareness: You are aware of yourself. You think about yourself and your abilities and you know what you can do.
Self-confidence: If you know what you can do, then you can trust yourself and your abilities.
Self-esteem: Only when you trust yourself and are aware of yourself and your abilities can you really learn to appreciate yourself. That determines your own self-worth.
Self-confidence: If you are aware of yourself, trust yourself and know what you are worth, then you are safe in yourself.
You see that everything is connected.
Posture, facial expressions, and self-confidence
It's no secret that body and mind are connected. You can often tell a person's mood by their posture or their facial expressions. So you can tell very quickly if something is wrong with you. For example, when you're sad, you hang your head and tend to stoop. When you're in a good mood, you keep yourself straight and upright.
What works in one direction also works in reverse. That means if you're feeling down and your confidence is at rock bottom, try to actively change your posture. Hold yourself up straight and you will find that you immediately feel a little stronger. The better your posture, the more confident you feel.
Aim for it. Pull your shoulders back so your chest comes out. Actively look ahead and not towards the ground. Stand comfortably, and when you walk, take big, strong strides. Get used to checking and correcting your posture from time to time.
You can support your posture and body awareness with sufficient exercise and physical activity. If you don't feel like going to the gym right now, you can achieve very good results at home with the right tools. You can find suitable equipment at Gorilla Sports, for example.
If you actively change your facial expressions, you can achieve a similar effect. If you actively make yourself smile for a minute or so, you can put an end to negative thoughts.
Try to get to know yourself
Of course, you're going to say now that you've known each other all your life. Of course, that's true. However, in everyday life, one often forgets what one is capable of. To become aware of what you are capable of, take a piece of paper and a pen and start by writing down your strengths and weaknesses.
It is important that you search within yourself until you have found at least as many strengths as weaknesses. Most of the time it is easier to find the bad things because you train your eyes more on them in everyday life.
Then write down the successes you have already had in your life. You will see that you have really achieved a lot more than you actually realize. In everyday life, you can always ask yourself why you act the way you do. After all, it got you those achievements, so it can't be that bad. Nevertheless, you should ask yourself curiously and openly what your goals are and what you can do better about yourself to achieve them.
Talk to friends and ask how they see you. You will quickly realize that you are a slightly different person from everyone in your circle of acquaintances. In addition, you will be able to be sure that the description of your friends will differ greatly from your self-image. Maybe they see completely different positive qualities in you than you do.
Grow beyond yourself
We often slow ourselves down and stand in our own way. The reasons are mostly fears, laziness, or the famous weaker self. Far too seldom do we venture out of our comfort zone, even though that would help us to build our self-confidence. So try to break out of your safe bubble every now and then. The best thing to do is to do one small thing each day that you find difficult or uncomfortable.
You have to know for yourself what is involved. However, there is a little trick you can use to recognize what is within your comfort zone: everything that you enjoy doing and that is easy for you is within this zone. With every step that you now dare over this limit, you increase your self-confidence a little more as you face challenges and master them. In addition, you automatically expand your comfort zone.
Surround yourself with real friends
Far too often we spend our time with people who rob us of energy rather than give us energy. Of course, you should be there for your friends when they're feeling down, but there's a difference between toxic people who constantly criticize you and are at odds with themselves, and people who encourage you, support you, and are just honest are to you. The latter are the friends you need. Because a healthy circle of friends ensures healthy self-confidence.
These tips may not be easy to implement, but they can help you love yourself a little more. Give yourself time to become the person you want to be.
