5 Ways to Increase Self Belief
Believing in yourself can make you feel like you own the throne, rule your personal kingdom, and move with the confidence and swagger of Jay-Z. It's the key to unlocking your full potential and living a life full of success and fulfillment.
But, building self-belief is not always easy, especially when you're facing challenges or setbacks. We can teach ourselves how to build self-belief, why it's important, and how to maintain it over time.
Why Believing in Yourself is Important
Believing in yourself is a crucial part of achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life. When you believe in yourself, you are more confident, resilient, and motivated. You're also more likely to take risks and pursue opportunities that can lead to growth and success.
On the other hand, if you don't believe in yourself, you may struggle with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and fear of failure. This can hold you back from pursuing your goals and living the life you truly desire.
We all go through times when our belief may not be as strong as it is at other times, and that’s ok. From time to time when my belief decreases, I talk to friends and family who remind me of things I’ve done or how I make them feel, which warms me up.
Then, I’ll go for a walk, practicing gratitude, to remind myself of all that I have and that I’m thankful for.
I repeat these types until I’m back.
How to Build Self-Belief
Building self-belief takes time and effort, but it's a worthwhile investment in your personal and professional growth. Here are some practical steps you can take to build your self-belief:
Challenge Your Negative Self-Talk
One of the biggest barriers to self-belief is negative self-talk. When you tell yourself you're not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough, you're reinforcing limiting beliefs that hold you back from achieving your goals.
To challenge your negative self-talk, start by noticing when you're thinking negatively about yourself. Then, replace those thoughts with positive affirmations that focus on your strengths and abilities. For example, instead of saying "I'm not smart enough to do this," say "I have the intelligence and resourcefulness to figure this out."
At times, I compare myself to others and think I’m not enough. It drains my energy, reduces my creativity, and slows me down.
To remove that thought, I’ve practiced saying “I am enough” in the mirror and as silly as it may seem, it works.
Set Realistic Goals and Challenge Yourself
Setting goals for yourself and working towards them can help boost your self-confidence and belief in yourself. Make sure to set goals that are realistic and challenging, but not impossible. This will help you feel accomplished and proud of yourself when you achieve them.
To set realistic goals, start by identifying what you want to achieve and why it's important to you. Then, break down your goal into smaller, more manageable steps, and create a plan to achieve each step. Celebrate each milestone you reach, no matter how small, like you just won a Grammy.
Also, don’t be embarrassed to set what seem like small goals. The process of setting and then checking off a list builds confidence.
Practice Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. This includes things like getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating well, and taking time for yourself to relax and recharge. When you prioritize self-care, you will feel better about yourself and more capable of tackling challenges.
Think of yourself as your favorite plant that requires regular maintenance and upkeep to look its best. Make sure to set aside time each day for self-care, whether it's going for a walk, reading a book, or meditating, for even only a few minutes.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
The people we spend time with can have a big impact on how we feel about ourselves. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people who believe in you and encourage you can help boost your self-confidence and belief in yourself.
Think of your inner circle as your YOU crew, who have your back no matter what. Spend time with people who uplift you, motivate you, and inspire you to be your best self. Avoid spending time with people who bring you down or make you feel bad about yourself.
Be easy on yourself. Building self-belief is not a one-time event, it's an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and dedication. Here are some tips for maintaining your self-belief over time:
Keep Challenging Yourself
To maintain your self-belief, it's important to keep challenging yourself and pursuing new goals. This will help you build confidence in your abilities and reinforce your belief in yourself. Remember, the more you challenge yourself, the more you will grow and develop.
Embrace Failure
Failure is a natural part of the growth process, and it's important to embrace it as a learning opportunity. When you fail, don't let it discourage you or make you doubt yourself. Instead, use it as a chance to learn and grow, and focus on what you can do differently next time.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people is not only important for building self-belief but also for maintaining it over time. Make sure to keep your inner circle filled with people who encourage and inspire you.
Believing in yourself is the key to unlocking your full potential and living a life full of success and fulfillment. Building self-belief takes time and effort, but it's a worthwhile investment in your personal and professional growth. By challenging your negative self-talk, setting realistic goals, practicing self-care, surrounding yourself with positive people, and celebrating your successes, you can build your self-belief and maintain it over time.
