I believe the lack of confidence come from wanting to measure up to societal perceptions whereas confidence comes from giving a big up yours to the world and being who you are regardless of anything else.
In most cases, the only one or rather the one who judges us most is the person in the mirror when that person should be our greatest ally. I know from experience - I always used to analyse everything I did or said in the presence of others and then later berate myself in private.
It is only recently that I've come to realize that I am something of worth and that I have a purpose in life - whatever that may be - and that I'm going to make the most of my human experience and most importantly, I'm going to have fun. That's not to say, I'm totally enlightened. I have my down days, but I refuse to succumb to that sinister force that has been the downfall of many people - self-doubt.
My advice is: Be your own best friend not your worst enemy.
I know it sounds cheesy, but it works. I mean, just think how you would treat your best friend or anyone else - even a stranger - if they did something well or if they stuffed up badly. If they did something well, you'd praise them. If they stuffed up, you'd tell them not to worry and shrug it off as a mistake. So why not treat yourself the same?  |