Believe in Yourself

“Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can.” - Richard Bach Believing in yourself and your abilities is absolutely the most important thing you can do on your jou ey to positive thinking. It is critical to develop the self-confidence you need to carry you through to the realization of your goals. Self-confidence is a bit different from self-esteem. Self-esteem refers to your feelings about yourself, your behaviours and your worth as a person. Self-confidence is your belief in your abilities and in the way you present yourself to the world. The actions of others are more likely to erode your self-confidence rather than your self-esteem. However, the two emotions have quite a bit in common. Both are measures of your inherent or developed belief in yourself- and both can be easily pushed off balance, resulting in either over-confident or defeatist behaviours that distance you from your ultimate objectives. As previously discussed, you need to create a balance between too little self-confidence and too much. You cannot accomplish anything without self-confidence; on the other hand, too much self-confidence can ensure that you don’t try hard enough to reach your goals, and you will fall short of realizing your possibilities. Once you understand that you truly can do anything you put your mind to, you will have unlocked the key to changing the way you think. There is no limit to the power of the human mind. Your possibilities really are endless. You can help yourself build self-confidence through a simple daily exercise you develop yourself after learning the basic premise. Like most of the practices for working with positive thinking, you may feel ridiculous at first (yes, we are aiming to make you feel ridiculous. Next we break out the funny nose glasses and technicolour outfit). Here are the basic steps to your daily self-confidence routine, which is best performed in the morning as you prepare to face the day: • Decimate distractions. You need this time to yourself. You deserve this time to yourself. While you’re performing your self-confidence routine, don’t answer the phone, check your e-mail, watch television, or listen to the radio. Let household members know that this time is your time, and you would prefer not to be disturbed. • Get physical. Pamper yourself with your daily physical preparations. When you shower, use your favourite soap or scented body wash. Choose clothing that makes you feel good and matches your mood. Make yourself comfortable with the way you look, and your self-confidence will rise to match it. • Focus forward. As you get ready, reflect on what you want to accomplish for the day. Be sure to consider the mood you want to set for yourself as well as any goals or objectives you will reach. You might even partake in a quick receptive visualization session to see yourself reaching your goals and cement them in your mind. • Get pumped. Now comes the ridiculous part. Stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and sing your own praises. Out loud. Tell yourself that you are the person you want to be; that you possess worthwhile qualities; that you can do that which you are now setting out to do. Be as specific as possible. Instead of saying, “I am competent,” say: “I know how to handle problems when they arise.” The more specific you are, the more effective your self-confidence routine will prove to be. Self-confidence is the glue that holds your personality together. If you are serious about changing your life, developing a healthy self-confidence will equip you to do it quickly and effortlessly. Don’t let fear, worry and doubt keep you from blossoming into confidence. You can accomplish anything, as long as you believe you can. It really is as simple as that. Increase Self Esteem, Overcome Depression, Personal Development, NLP Mind Coaching, and Life Coaching Copyright 2009 Mark J Holland. All Rights reserved. http://www.markholland.com.au/