Confidence is one of those words that I would say to myself over and over again before any big job interview, any time I’d have to present in front of people, after a break-up, or when something just doesn’t go the way you planned, and you’re back at square one.
Being confident sounds like such an easy goal to achieve. It should almost be as easy as saying the word or spelling the word, C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E. But in reality it doesn’t come so easy to everybody and can often be a huge struggle in the work place and in your personal life. I know I have struggled with this (and often still do), but have focused on working through it and channeling my inner strength and positivity. Here are some tips on how to become more confident when you’re feeling at your all-time low, and the struggle is just oh so real.
Situation: Break-Ups
We’ve all gone through them, at least once in our life (and often times more than once). You met someone, fell in love, had daydreams about a spring wedding and what song will be your song for your first dance as a married couple. Well, maybe not all of us, but you’ve had that feeling. That feeling of love and excitement, and the butterflies. You think so highly of this person and how they make you feel, and then all of a sudden- it’s gone and you break up. Break-ups can be one of the hardest things that you will deal with. You feel crushed, hurt and heartbroken. Someone you once thought the world of, now might as well be a stranger. How do you get your confidence back? It’s not easy, but it is possible.
You are your own worst enemy, and you are the only person stopping yourself from moving forward. The best way to get your confidence back in any break-up situation is to detox and remove yourself from the negative energy. Your friends will be your savior and activities like exercising, reading a new book, getting involved with your community, doing good and focusing on positive activities, will help get you through the tough times and boost your confidence back to where it needs to be.
Situation: Getting Fired From Your Job
You’re a hard worker and always put in 110% effort on any task you’re given. You’re friendly, get along with your colleagues, make your deadlines and leave the office at the end of the day feeling accomplished. One Friday afternoon, your boss pulls you into their office and says that they’re going to have to let you go and you’ve been fired. Your heart sinks and your palms are sweaty. You’re feeling all sorts of emotions right now. A million things are going on in your head, but all you can do is question and wonder what you did wrong.
Sometimes, there isn’t anything that you did wrong. Most of the time, it means that you simply weren’t a good fit or cut out for the job, and that is not a bad thing. Getting fired from a previous job, has been one of the best things that could have happened to me. I was very unhappy, stressed, and overall just negative. That sort of lifestyle isn’t healthy for anybody. What you need to know is that if you do get fired from a job, even if you were happy and putting in that 110%, at the end of the day, they didn’t want you there anymore, for whatever reason and that right there is why it is a blessing to not have to work there anymore.
When you need to get back out there into the job market, know your worth and what you’re all about. Confidence is key when either you’re in an interview or new to a company. It’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them, and it’s okay to stick up for yourself as long as it’s in an appropriate and professional manner. So what if that old job didn’t want you? You can move onto a new opportunity that is right for you, and in the end you will be much happier.
Situation: You’re Not Happy with Your Appearance
This tends to be a very sore subject for people, especially women. We have the tendency to try to be perfect all of the time. Perfect clothes, shoes, hair, body, the list goes on and on… and then we soon realize that perfection doesn’t exist. When did it become so difficult to just be satisfied with yourself? We need to constantly remind ourselves that we are beautiful in our own way and we don’t need to try to look a certain way, to feel beautiful. Perfection is evil, and it can turn even the most stunning people, disturbed. Just remember to always love yourself first. Even when you’re feeling at your most low, do something for you. Whatever it may be that boosts your confidence, just do it.
No matter what situation you find yourself in, there’s always a way to pull yourself out of it. Whether it’s in your personal life, or professional life. Being confident is a natural ego booster that is important for your mind, body and soul. Now repeat after me, C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E.