How To Work On Our Confidence And Self acceptance

Pride month is a great occasion for all of us to work on our confidence and self-acceptance. Here are a few challenges you can take to get there  – let us know what resonates with you, and we’ll join! 

Don’t compare your behind the scenes to others’ highlight reel

This is something we all do, it’s only human to look at how well others are doing, and compare and cringe. However, this is one of the most limiting and depressing things we can do to ourselves.

Here are a few reasons to do our best and curb this habit:

• There’s no upside to it. Unlike characters we all know from TV and fiction, comparing isn’t likely to help us achieve more but rather block our creativity.
• It’s never-ending. No matter how hard we work and how much we achieve, with a comparison mindset, it will always seem like others are doing better, effortlessly – and that’s just self-sabotage.
• We have no real idea what the other person’s life is really like. In the age of Instagram, we’re all really good at editing out the less camera-ready fights, tears, and mostly sweat.

Trick your brain into happiness – smile!

Now, we know that in so many of those situations, the last thing you feel like doing is smiling. Not only that, but asking people why they aren’t smiling when they’re experiencing difficulty can be downright annoying. So, don’t do it if you don’t feel like it and certainly don’t do it for anyone else. But if like us, you’re on the lookout for instant ways to feel better, consider that even just the sheer practice of stretching your mouth corners upward and looking at the mirror can spur a chemical reaction in the brain that can make you feel better. Worst case, you just made a funny face in your mirror or phone – maybe that could help, too!

 Tell yourself “I love you”

Affirmations are not about lying to yourself. They’re a super-powerful practice (which, we admit it, can definitely feel awkward at first) to train our brain into accepting new truths and beliefs about ourselves. Try starting from repeating a simple statement once a day (maybe just before you fall asleep or first thing in the morning when you’re still in that dream space) that is all about self-acceptance. Even Oprah does it! Over time, you may find that you start believing yourself.

Stand out, Stand Upright

Standing tall with your posture intact projects a strong, confident image, and just like smiling – it will also impact you from the outside in. Try taking a deep breath and then drop your shoulders as you exhale. Do you already feel better? Holding on to your posture while you sit, walk, and go about your day will help you boost your confidence, be happier, and send good vibes into the world.

Has any of these worked for you? What is one confidence-boosting habit you’re ready to take into your life right now?