I remember a long time ago I was watching YouTube videos, and I came across one from Hannah Hart, or as she's better known "Harto." I didn't quite remember the context, and I didn't even remember the name of the video until I went to look it up to write this article, but I remembered her words.
"When someone tells you that they are 100 percent comfortable with their body, they have either A) achieved some type of 'godlike nirvana' in terms of their sense of self, or B) they're trying to feel comfortable in their body, which is admirable. Fake it 'til you make it."
Fake it 'til you make it.
I loved it. I loved that quote because it made me feel so, so, so much better about my lack in self-confidence. I felt like it seemed everyone else was so confident in themselves, that they never looked at their reflection and thought badly of it, that they all loved themselves, and I was the only loser who was having problems.
I've found that to be not quite the case.
This isn't to say that confidence, real confidence, doesn't exist, but rather that it's not something that can just be achieved overnight. It's something that involves a lot of self-searching, something that involves time and practice, something that you have to work at.
Of course, it's going to be hard and of course, some days you're just going to want to give up because you think you'll never feel confident, but I took — no,amtaking — this advice and it's already helped me in so many ways. I want all of you to feel confident, too, because you're all beautiful in so many ways, so here's some small steps you can take to help you fake it until you've finally made it.
1. Call yourself cute:
I know it sounds silly, but take a step back and look at how utterly adorable you are!
2. Be the person you needed when you were younger:
When you're feeling yourself and you've found just the right lighting, let the world know. Upload a million selfies a day, fill your timelines with nothing but self-love. When someone sees a person who looks either just like them or similar to them (whether they share the same size, skin color, body or hair type) flaunting their stuff, they think to themselves "You know what? They look great! And if they look great, I can, too!"
3. Stand straight with your shoulders back:
OK now, posture is absolutely everything when it comes to interacting with people. Body language is how we communicate without words, and standing tall with your shoulders back radiates confidence and someone who is in charge of what they're doing. Take it from someone who slouches all the time, when I stand straight, I feel different.
4. Spread your positivity:
We can't feel confident if we spend so much time being negative to one another or around negativity. Tell that person you like their hat, skirt, bag, makeup, etc. and watch them light up, it'll make you feel great because you made them feel great.
5. Change your look:
Dye your hair, buy that outfit you saw but were too scared to buy, do something daring and eye-catching. When I dyed my hair, my confidence went through the roof. I felt bold and everyone always compliments me on it! It's done so much for me and it can for you, too.
But most important of all: Don't feel bad if you aren't there, yet. Don't feel bad if you can't do any of these things, right now. Don't be too hard on yourself if you just can't bring yourself to do any of this. It's OK. I promise. You'll get there.
Remember that you're trying and that's brave enough.
