Confidence is not inborn; it's cultivated.

Confidence isn’t something we're born with or taught; it's something we learn over time through our environments and our own inner dialogue. Confidence ebbs and flows, and it's something we need to consistently nurture. Life can throw curveballs and even daggers, but the one thing we can control and influence, which directly impacts our confidence, is our internal thoughts. Our thoughts ultimately affect our feelings, and while it may be easier said than done, I've learned some steps to help keep my mindset strong and embody confidence.?

First, remember: your thoughts become things. What you say manifests in your daily life. Your subconscious can't tell the difference between what's real and what's not. If you tell yourself, “I’m stupid” after a simple mistake and keep repeating it, your subconscious holds onto this thought, and it carries energy. Sound crazy and spiritual? Good, glad I got your attention!?

The first thing I started doing to boost my confidence was listening to positive affirmations—first thing in the morning and as I fall asleep. You can find these for free on YouTube with a quick search of “positive affirmations.” You'll hear things like “I am strong, I am beautiful, I am resilient, I am healthy.” While this may feel silly at first, after some time, you’ll find yourself speaking to yourself this way. Imagine waking up every day and someone telling you how capable you are! How different would you feel if your brain was fed only positivity versus negativity??

Next, TURN OFF THE NEWS. For the love of Baby Yoda, the news highlights negativity, and we already battle enough negative self-talk daily. If you can't fully let go of the news, limit yourself, and definitely don’t start your day with it.?

Meditate. This can be done in 5 minutes or 30. This is a moment for you to just breathe and release all the noise in your mind. I personally love Wim Hof breathing. I feel like I’m floating when I practice this deep breathing technique, and some of my greatest ideas or breakthroughs have come to me while doing this. Please give it a try. It’s uncomfortable at first, but this is something that can not only help your mind but also improve cardiovascular wellness.?

Lastly, WORK OUT. I mean force yourself to move your body every day. You don’t have to hit the gym daily, but at least go on a walk. Your body needs endorphins to feel good. Once you get into a routine of working out, it will be something you crave.?

Oh, and of course, eat well. Try to eat clean—less bread/pasta and no processed food. Meats, veggies, and fruits will fuel your body.?

Once you incorporate these healthy steps into your life, you’ll feel better. When you feel better, you’ll be happier, have more energy, and, therefore, be more confident. This energy is contagious, and your body is a machine that must continuously be nourished.?

If the steps above don’t work, listen to affirmations three times a day for 15 minutes each time. It takes time to retrain your mind, and it’s not always easy, but I promise you, it’s worth it. It's also normal to have days where you just don’t feel confident, and that’s okay too. But you owe it to yourself to feel good, and you deserve a fulfilling, happy life. ?

TL;DR: Boost your confidence with these simple steps:?

1. Positive Affirmations: Listen to them morning and night. Search “positive affirmations” on YouTube for free content.?
2. Limit Negative Media: Turn off the news or at least don’t start your day with it.?
3. Meditate: Spend 5-30 minutes daily to clear your mind. Try Wim Hof breathing techniques.?
4. Exercise: Move your body every day, even if it's just a walk. Endorphins help you feel good.?
5. Eat Well: Focus on clean eating with meats, veggies, and fruits, avoiding processed foods.?

These steps help improve your mood, energy, and confidence, making a happier, more fulfilling life possible. Remember, your thoughts shape your reality, so feed your mind positivity!?