Everyone has heard the phrase “Confidence is key,” but what if you don't have said confidence? Being confident with yourself can be one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish, but once that summit is reached, the rewards are so worth any struggle.
What is confidence? How do we gain confidence? I, a shy college student, have complied some of the ways that have helped me gain confidence.
1. Eat a meal alone.
Sure, this may sound irrelevant for some people, but eating by yourself can help bring you out of your comfort zone. Contrary to what you may think, no one cares that you are eating alone, nor will anyone think you are a friendless hermit. Seat yourself or be seated at a table for one, put down the technology and indulge your senses in what you are consuming.
2. Lose the scale.
The only time I am ever weighed is at the doctor’s office. So many girls and guys become obsessed with the number on the scale. Throwing away an object that dictates what you can and cannot eat, what you can or can do, even what you can or cannot wear will feel extremely freeing.
3. Travel solo to someplace new.
Yet another point of being unaccompanied by no one but yourself. Whether you go to a town two cities over, or to another country, be sure to go somewhere. Being by yourself forces decision making, whether it's to turn right or left or whether or not you should you should buy that tacky tourist souvenir.
4. Treat yourself.
Okay yes, this may seem like a silly point to add, but buying new, matching underwear can make you feel very well put together, organized and confident. Whether you splurge on a new set from Victoria's Secret, Aerie, or even just from Target, purchasing new underwear should make you want to dance around your room. Who cares if only you and your cat Mr. Snowball will view the lingerie. Work it!
5. Change your look.
Of course, changing an entire wardrobe requires a vast amount of money that college students may not have. However, I encourage you to go through your old clothes, and donate what you haven't worn in the past year. This will leave room for new items. Keep an eye out for sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops. You do not have to spend much to feel good.
6. Become comfortable with silence.
Life can be hectic, but "after a storm comes a calm." With this calm, there may be silence. Push yourself to be at ease in the absence of sound, whether literally or figuratively. Ignore the urge to grab your phone when the chattering ends.
7. Carpe diem, lads.
Is broccoli the bane of your existence? Maybe try the vegetable cooked another way. Do you go the same route to work every day? Take the backroads. Do something different even if it makes you uncomfortable. It can be as miniscule as tasting a new food, or as large overcoming your fear of heights. Seize the day.
8. Be a leader.
Be in a leadership position.Whether it be choosing where to have lunch with a group of friends or working with children, take time to make yourself be in charge. Have people that look to you for guidance. It may feel unnerving at first, but it will force you to be stable.
9. Surround yourself with confident people.
Immerse yourself in a strong, confident circle of friends. Friendships should lift you up rather than tear you down. Remember, if you hang out with crappy people you start to smell.
10. Forget about it.
Firgure out what is stopping you from being confident. Is it the way you look? Forget about it. Focus not only on the good, but on how you can improve. Set goals and be sure to stick the them. In the end, it is only you that can tackle your self confidence.