How To Build Self-Confidence

Mental health and self-regard go hand in hand. A healthy self-image is foundational to our overall well-being. The good news, we have the power to drive change. It’s within each of us to challenge and change the narratives we tell ourselves. Yes, dismantling self-doubt and rebuilding our confidence isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey, one that requires patience, persistence, and a whole heap of ‘going easier on yourself’ without shirking personal accountability and hard work. 

Don’t be a dick to yourself:

• How we chat with ourselves can be our biggest critic or our most rousing cheerleader. Our mental state can steer this chatter towards the positive or negative, which in turn, shapes our mental health. Negative self-talk is like a pesky heckler who’s lost faith in you, constantly ragging on you. It’s draining. Switching out the negative banter with a positive pep talk can be helpful. Imagine you’re geeing up a mate—that’s how you should talk with yourself.

Home in on your strengths (we’ve all got ‘em):

Try not to get caught up in the comparison game. We often measure our wins against others, which can do a number on our self-esteem. Instead of getting bogged down in comparisons, we should celebrate our own unique skill set and achievements, no matter how big or seemingly small. When we focus on things we’re good at, instead of nitpicking the things we mightn’t do so well, it can bolster our self-esteem.

Take stock of your physical health:

• Looking after ourselves physically can amplify our self-respect. The more we value ourselves, the more others will value us, thereby reinforcing a positive cycle. Key areas to focus on include: engaging in regular physical activity, eating well, and drinking less. Not remembering what we did or how we acted can greatly undermine our self-esteem and confidence.

Get good people in your corner:

• The company you keep can make or break your self-esteem. Surround yourself with mates who boost you up, not those who drag you down. If someone’s constantly nitpicking at you, it might be time to give them the flick.

Do something nice for someone else:

Shifting our focus from inward to outward can be powerful. Helping someone else is not only good for them, but it also shows us the best in ourselves. It acts like a mirror, showing us our best sides. A simple act of kindness or a genuine compliment can brighten someone’s day. This helps us grow and see our own value in a simple, personal way.

Professional support:

• If self-doubt’s become a toxic ‘mate’ and you’re struggling to see your own worth, it might be time to speak with a professional to get to the root cause of what’s going on for you. There’s no shame in reaching out – It Ain’t Weak to Speak, after all!