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Guest post by Lance Cody-Valdez
We all struggle from time to time with being confident. The pandemic pushed many of us into situations where this struggle became our everyday reality. But, as we learn to live with the virus and have a glimmering hope of returning to normalcy, it’s time to make improvements in ourselves that can lead to long-lasting positivity. Read on for six tips on ways to boost your self-confidence through self-improvement.
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1: Appreciate what you have.
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to learn to love the things you already have. Although it’s human nature to want more and to strive for more, we could all be much happier right now if we learned to make best use of what we already have. If you don’t appreciate what you have, you may spend more time being negative about your life than looking forward to making positive changes.
2: Reach for your career goals.
How long have you been in your current job? If it isn’t going quite the way you wanted by now, it might be time to change courses. Think about what you really want to do. If that’s become an accountant, for example, then go back to school. Your accounting degree – this can lead to your CPA certification – can even help you get a better job in other areas, such as business ethics, economics, business finance, and even SMB marketing. You may have to dig deep to decide what you want to do, and now is also a great time to look back to your childhood dreams and work toward becoming a nurse, police officer, or musician. We normally don't think too much about our career in the hustle-and-bustle of daily life, but the pandemic has given us all a great reason to reflect on our career.
3: Change your diet.
Oregon-based Northwest Primary Care asserts that a better diet can equal better mental health. On top of the physical benefits – weight loss, heart health, etc. – maintaining a menu that’s rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and fruits and berries will increase your brain’s production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This is just one chemical that affects our mood, and it’s produced by your gastrointestinal system. Healthy eating definitely has an impact on our sense of wellbeing and self-confidence, and you can learn more by checking out Healthy Eating 101.
4: Nurture healthy relationships.
If you want to be really confident and happy in your life, you need to find your people. The people in our lives give us so much more than friendship. They keep us centered when we are spiraling out of control and lift us up when we are down. Make sure that your relationships are healthy, and that you are not allowing toxic influences to negatively impact your life. This applies to all relationships, and especially your love life.
If you don’t already have a partner, the digital age has made it much easier to find one, and, despite common misconceptions, you are likely to be just as happy with someone you met on a dating app as you would be mixing and mingling with your current network.
Nurturing healthy, happy, and long-lasting relationships is not something you can learn from Hollywood movies and pop music, which is why the Weekly Wisdom Blog has dedicated so many articles to this topic. A great starting point is How to Nurture Loving Relationships.
5: Get more restful sleep.
We live in a fast-paced world, and we often neglect one of the most crucial components of the human condition in order to keep up with our busy schedules. Unfortunately, not getting enough sleep can have a serious effect on your mood. Psychology Today contributor Amie M. Gordon, Ph.D. explains that those in the trenches of sleep deprivation are cranky, irritable, and a little less pleasant than their well-rested counterparts. Remember, your body needs at least seven uninterrupted hours each night to work at peak. If you are looking for tips for how to sleep easier or get more restful sleep, check out Sleep 101.
6: Identify and eliminate derailers.
Finally, evaluate your life, and look for habits, situations, or people that don’t contribute to your positivity. If you feel inadequate after scrolling social media, for example, put your accounts on pause or change the people you follow from negative influences to inspiring influences. Another example is if you allow everyone else to control your life. Remember, you should be in control, not your boss, your friends, or your partner. We shouldn't base our self-confidence on what others think or do, but rather on what we think and do. After all, it's not called others-confidence, it's called self-confidence.
Conclusion
Self-confidence is paramount to being successful in your personal and professional life. If you are just rebuilding yourself after the long couple of years we’ve all had, congratulations. Now’s a great time to come out of your symbolic cocoon and re-take your rightful place in the world.