HOW TO FIX A LACK OF CONFIDENCE

In the whirlwind of life, it's easy to lose sight of who we are. For many women  the roles of mother and wife/partner can overshadow their individual identity and they lose confidence in who they are and what they are about. If you find yourself in this situation, feeling like you've lost your spark or struggling with low self-esteem, know that you're not alone.

More importantly, understand that it's never too late to rediscover your confidence and reignite your inner fire.

This blog post is dedicated to helping you unleash your most confident self and reclaim your identity.

Learn To Recognise Your Worth

The first step in building confidence is acknowledging your intrinsic value. You are more than just a mother or a wife or partner; you are a unique individual with your own dreams, talents, and experiences. Take a moment to reflect on your achievements, both big and small. Have you raised kind and responsible children? Maintained a loving relationship? Do you have amazing friendships or have you overcome personal challenges? These are all testament to your strength and capability, shout them from the rooftops, you are truly unique.

Practice Daily Affirmations

Start each day by looking in the mirror and telling yourself something positive. It might feel awkward at first, but over time, these affirmations can help rewire your brain to focus on your positive attributes. Say things like, "I am worthy of love and respect," or "I have the power to shape my life." Research indicates that by retraining your brain with daily affirmations over time really does work!

Rediscover Your Passions

Our passions and hobbies often provide us with an outlet for escape and personal expression, so why is it we often lose interest in them or we stop making them a priority?

Do you remember the things that used to light you up before life got so busy? It's time to revisit those interests or discover new ones. Whether it's painting, writing, dancing, or gardening, engaging in activities you love can boost your mood and self-esteem.

If you are struggling to find a good idea, give a few different things a try. You may pick up a new skill. 

Make Time for Yourself

Carve out dedicated "me time" in your schedule. This may be a challenge especially if you work and have a family however, it is vital that you have some rest and relaxation time so you are able to function at your best. Even if it's just 30 minutes a day, use this time to pursue exercise, your interests or have a power nap without the guilt. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's necessary. 

Invest in Your Personal Growth

Learning and growing are such powerful confidence boosters. They remind us of our capabilities and open up new possibilities.

When discussing personal development, it’s almost impossible not to mention Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a theory used in psychology. Maslow claims that our basic needs must be met to achieve our fullest potential by moving through 5 stages in life; Psychological needs, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem and self actualisation. 

Similar to Maslow’s hierarchy, working through personal development can be divided into a number of distinct areas, with various goals fitting into different categories.

 

1. Mental wellbeing 

Maintaining mental fitness is crucial for personal development.  

To maintain and improve your mental fitness, you can incorporate several practices into your daily routine:

Mindfulness and meditation: Regular mindfulness exercises can enhance your ability to focus, manage stress, and stay present. Even a few minutes of meditation daily can significantly impact your mental well-being.

Exercise: Regular physical activity has a positive effect on mental health by reducing anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function. 

Prioritise your sleep: Establish a regular sleep schedule to improve cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall mental health.

Maintain a balanced diet: Eating nutritious foods can positively affect your mental health and brain function. Try to cut down things like refined sugars and carbohydrates, these can raise glucose levels and cause crashes in energy and when our energy crashes so can our confidence. 

Struggling to cut sugar out of your life, read our FREE 46 page Ebook - 3 Day Sugar Detox download it here. 

Challenge Negative Self-Talk: We often are our own harshest critics. Pay attention to your inner dialogue and challenge negative thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking something negative, pause and ask if you would say that to a friend. If not, reframe the thought in a more positive, compassionate way.

Remember, mental fitness is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and practice. Just as with physical fitness, the key is to make these practices a regular part of your routine. 

2. Social

Social connections and relationships are essential for personal development. Self-improvement is not a solitary endeavor; humans are inherently social beings who need connections to learn and grow.

Through social interactions, we acquire vital skills such as communication, problem-solving, relationship-building, and the ability to give and receive feedback. We also learn from the experiences of those around us.

3. Spiritual

Personal growth and development can also be achieved through spirituality, regardless of religious beliefs. It’s important to distinguish that religion and spirituality are not the same.

Spirituality involves investing in a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. It helps you get to know yourself and uncover your values. 

4. Set Personal Goals

Establish clear, achievable goals for yourself that are separate from your family responsibilities. These could be career-related, fitness-oriented, or tied to a personal project. Breaking these goals down into smaller, manageable steps can make them less daunting and provide a sense of accomplishment as you progress.

5. Prioritise Self Care

Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for building confidence. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.

6. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity not only improves your health but also boosts your mood and self-esteem. Find a form of exercise you enjoy, whether it's yoga, jogging, swimming, or dance classes. The endorphins released during exercise can help combat stress and promote a positive self-image. 

7. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine. This could be through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few moments each day to be present and grateful. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and increase self-awareness, both of which contribute to greater confidence.

8. Surround Yourself with Positivity

The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our self-esteem. Seek out relationships that are supportive and uplifting. This might mean cultivating new friendships with like-minded individuals or setting boundaries with those who drain your energy.

9. Join a Support Group

Consider joining a group of women who are on similar journeys. This could be a local meetup group, an online community, or a book club. Sharing experiences and supporting each other can be incredibly empowering.

If you fancy joining a supportive online community think about joining our Pure Goddess Private Facebook Group - you can join here and connect with like minded supportive women. 

 

Refresh Your Image and Update Your Wardrobe

While confidence comes from within, sometimes a change in our outward appearance can give us a boost. This doesn't mean conforming to societal beauty standards, but rather expressing yourself in a way that makes you feel good.

Invest in clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. This doesn't necessarily mean following the latest trends, but rather finding styles that suit your body and personality. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it shows in your demeanour. Maybe, try a new hairstyle. This can be a simple yet effective way to feel refreshed and confident. Consult with a stylist to find a look that suits your face shape and lifestyle.

Good Things Happen When You Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Confidence grows when we face our fears and try new things. It nerve wracking at first, you may feel sick or have anxiety attacks but that's because it's safer to stay comfortable start small by doing one thing each week that scares you a little. This could be speaking up in a meeting, trying a new restaurant alone, or striking up a conversation with a stranger.

By working on yourself and cultivating self love will improve your confidence levels beyond your wildest dreams. 

Your confidence is deep inside you, you just need to tease her out so you can shine like the goddess you are.