Our oldest grandson begins kindergarten this week at a new school. Since he was an infant, he’s attended daycare and preschool at our church. Now, he faces the transition to a new school. Anxiety mingles with excitement as he navigates the newness of a different location, new teachers, and making new friends.
All of us face times when we need an extra dose of confidence and courage to face new and different phases of life. Following are some ways to boost your confidence level:
Avoid Self-Criticism
Sometimes, we make derogatory remarks about ourselves because we want to beat someone else to it. That seems crazy and backwards, but it’s almost like it doesn’t hurt as much if you say something negative about yourself rather than hearing it from others. Occasionally, it even results in attention (laughs or affirmations) that make you feel better about yourself.
However, self-criticism is a bad habit. Instead, focus on your attributes. If you’re talented, gifted or excel in certain areas, or quickly solve problems, take note of your strengths, and utilize them. Look at the many positives in your life rather than dwelling on a few negatives.
Be Yourself
Focus on your unique qualities rather than trying to imitate others. Each of us are “fearfully and wonderfully” made. Trying to model yourself after someone you admire can undermine your self-confidence, so avoid comparisons. Be yourself.
Admit Fears
Fear is the king of confidence busters. Fear drags you down, saying, “you can’t,” “you’ll never,” and “you’re not.” Don’t listen to the many voices of fear. Often, just admitting your fears out loud to yourself or someone you trust, makes whatever it is seem less frightening. Remember, Satan does some of his most destructive work using the tool of fear, so pray and ask God to help you overcome your fears.
Let Go of the Past
Guilt, regret, and unforgiveness are other agents of low self-confidence. Stop beating yourself up for past mistakes. Instead, learn life lessons from times when you messed up. Don’t continually replay mistakes in your mind or repeat your mess ups. Holding grudges, or living with lots of “if onlys,” lowers your confidence level and impedes forward motion.
Find Your Identity
It doesn’t matter what you wear, how you look, if you speak well, are a star athlete, or a business superstar, God loves each one of us for who we are not what we do. The greatest confidence booster available is knowing we are very important and dearly loved by our Creator and tapping into the power available through a relationship with Him. So, if your confidence is low, remember whose you are, and move forward with courage.
“Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident” (Psalm 27:3 NLT).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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