Self-confidence is something that all of us need if we have to
do well in life. It gives us the courage to face the most
difficult of situations, something which cannot be said of
people who lack self-confidence. They often break down in front
of challenges.
The question, however, is how do you achieve self-confidence?
You can do so if you define your tasks, and priorities,
correctly. You then need to ask yourself as to how you can
accomplish these tasks. A good strategy is to break your goals
into smaller tasks. This makes the main task seem less daunting.
You then need to pat yourself every time you reach a milestone.
This increases your self-confidence, and makes it easy for you
to achieve your goals.
You also need to look at the image that you have of yourself.
If
you don't have a good image of yourself, and are always
running yourself down, then your chances of being successful are
minimal. Your self image or what you believe about yourself can
be hurt easily if you blame yourself for any setback in your
life like a business failure, loss of a job or a divorce. So,
avoid self-flagellation. It feeds on your negative thoughts, and
can easily become a monster. You need to write off your
failures, and plan for new challenges. This is a positive
approach to adopt, and can shore up your shaky self-confidence.
Those who are close to you play an important role in shaping
your self-confidence. If they happen to critical or negative,
they will have a negative impact on your self-confidence. Your
priority should be to distance yourself from such people,
and
find friends and supporters who are imbued with a positive
outlook. Without your knowing, they will add to your
self-confidence.
Another issue that matters is your reaction to the events in
your life. You should consider yourself a unique person who has
his own special place in the world. This will lead to a
development of positive attitudes, beliefs and values, qualities
that can give you the self-confidence to succeed against all
odds. However, there is an inherent danger in such a world-view.
You may become too over-confident, and stop listening to what
the others say. Don't allow this to happen. Listen to all
criticism, filter out the points that can make you a better
individual; junk the rest. This constant course correction will
make you a better individual.
At
the same time, you need to monitor your internal dialogue.
You must talk yourself into believing that you can take up any
reasonable assignment. This will drive away negative attitudes
and beliefs, and add to your self-confidence..
In fact, the picture you have of yourself needs constant
monitoring and care. You cannot afford to let it take care of
itself. Your self-confidence, happiness and success depends on
it. You need to guard against selling yourself short. Don't
underestimate yourself and prevent feelings of inferiority from
creeping in. Aim high and feel that you are capable of achieving
anything you choose. Write down how you would like to see
yourself five or ten years from now.
Make a list of your strong points, the things you do well and
the compliments you
receive. Write down a few of the things
about yourself, which you think need improvement. Think of
yourself as a self-confident person and act as if you are very
self-confident, even if you don't feel that way. Try to keep
negative attitudes and beliefs away from yourself and maintain a
safe distance from negative and destructive people.
If you take responsibility for your life and practice these
methods regularly, your self-confidence will rise. What's more,
it will remain high.
About the author:
Tony Robinson spent many years as a School Teacher and
Administrator. Always of concern was low self esteem and a lack
of confidence with some students. For more information visit
http://www.better-self-esteem.com
