Welcome to the second installment in my series on how to grow your confidence! Are you ready to get back into it? Let’s start with a big one.
Do Something That Scares You
Remember how I talked about lying to yourself? Use that tactic to convince yourself you aren’t scared. Push your boundaries by trying things that make you nervous. Even if you are afraid, the key is to do it anyway!
One activity that makes a lot of people nervous is public speaking. If this applies to you, force yourself to take a speech class (I know the thought of that just made your stomach drop, but if you’re an A.A. or A.S. student, you’ll have to bite the bullet eventually). If you do something that scares you and you crush it, your confidence will skyrocket. So make that class believe you exude confidence — because you do! Even if you don’t do your very best, it’s usually not as bad as you think. We’re always really hard on ourselves, but odds are good that everyone will be worried about their own speech. They won’t be thinking about you once you step out of the classroom.
Other options might be to take the lead on a group project, or to get involved with the SGA. Whatever it is, put yourself in a situation where you need to follow through with something — that’s the important part! It’s easy to back down when you get scared, but having grades you need to maintain or people depending on you, for example, makes you more likely to go through with whatever feels uncomfortable. Keep yourself accountable. Consistency will mold your self-assurance and make it easier to repeat that action the next time.
Here are some questions to ask when you’re feeling doubtful:
- Is this activity safe?
- Will it make me a better person?
- Is fear the only thing holding me back?
The answers? Yes, yes and yes. I have asked myself these questions a hundred times. We’re all afraid — so do it afraid.
Make a To-Do List and Finish It
This is a simple, yet helpful strategy that will instantly boost your mood! There’s something really enjoyable about checking a completed item off your to-do list. Any time you’re feeling unmotivated, make a list of the little things you need to get done that day. It can include chores, errands, homework and anything else. (Life hack: Include things you know you’ll already do!) As you tackle these items one at a time, you’ll start to feel better, happier and more motivated. If you don’t have a planner, consider getting one. You can use it to schedule things into specific time slots, ensuring you get them done — and you’ll feel more organized in the process.
Another good practice is to make daily promises to yourself, such as reaching a water intake goal or eating a piece of fruit. These tasks are small, yet enjoyable to accomplish, and they prove that you can follow through on the goals you set. How easy is it to pack your favorite fruit and take it with you to class? You build self-esteem by building self-trust, so do the work, and keep those promises!
Join a Club or Organization on Campus
Joining a club or organization is a great way to meet and strike up conversations with people who have common interests. You’re all in the same place for the same reason, and that makes it easier to bond. It’s also a guaranteed way to develop new friendships, as you’ll get together regularly at meetings and events.
Not only will joining a club present you with a plethora of opportunities to socialize, but it’s also a good way to get involved in something beyond your daily routine. Participating in new activities can give you a greater sense of purpose than your day-to-day commitments alone — which also has a motivational effect! Having access to a positive outlet and supportive people is a great morale booster that will help you to stay upbeat throughout the semester.
That rounds up our second collection of ways to grow your confidence. Read the last part of the series here!
- Build Your Confidence by Coming To Campus: Part 3 - February 19, 2020
- Build Your Confidence by Coming To Campus: Part 2 - February 5, 2020
- Build Your Confidence by Coming To Campus: Part 1 - January 8, 2020
