Breaking down the confidence barrier

Are you debilitated by lack of self-confidence? Do you believe that even if you possess the skills and the required knowledge to succeed in your goals, your lack of confidence becomes a barrier to your success? It is to be noted that even at the heights of one's career, people are still plagued by thoughts of self-doubt.

Getting to grips with any new set of skills requires a huge amount of work. There would be times, when you might have to struggle. But you should also remember that confidence is a learned trait and not something one is born with.

Here are some ways that can help you overcome the confidence barrier. However, neither waving a magic wand and hoping to become confident overnight nor reading them and putting them on the back-burner would help. What you need to do is practice them and with time you too can become a confident person.  

Abstain from comparisons: Comparing yourself to others is toxic. It destroys your confidence and makes you feel small. Stop comparing and start focusing on your own life. Keep moving in the direction of your goals and aspirations without worrying about what others are doing. Comparisons are unhealthy and should be avoided at all costs.

Set realistic goals: Having big dreams and hoping to reach the stars is wonderful. But what is equally important is to understand that having enormous goals can undermine your confidence level. It is thus essential to set small and realistic goals. Achieving small milestones can boost your confidence level and gradually help you achieve big dreams as well.  

Stop self-criticism: Criticising yourself for everything and thinking negative about yourself can lead to emotional turmoil and low self-esteem. Honour your needs and believe in yourself. Don't be critical of yourself always.

Fight your fears: Your fear is your greatest enemy. It can steal your confidence and make you helpless. It can hinder you from achieving your goals. It is thus important that you learn to face your fears and fight them.

Savour your accomplishments: Instead of constantly bashing yourself and thinking that you are not enough, spend some time pondering over your accomplishments. There are innumerable instances where you would have achieved success. Focus on your achievements and take pride in that.  

Have faith in your abilities: Nothing is more important than believing in yourself. If you believe you can, you definitely will. All you need to do is put in your best and have faith in your abilities. Only a positive mindset can foster a positive outcome. Believing in yourself not only brings you happiness but also boosts your self-confidence.

Empower yourself with knowledge: Rather than ruminating over you negative qualities, do something productive.

Indulge in reading and gaining knowledge. Empowering yourself with knowledge
is the best way to develop self-confidence.

Take control of your thoughts: If you are constantly thinking negatively, you will slowly become what you are preaching inside your head. It is very important to take control of your thoughts. Whenever your mind is filled with negative thoughts, switch them to positive mode.

Invest in yourself: Last but not the least, you should invest in yourself. Go the extra mile to work on yourself. If you feel that you are not good at certain tasks, take out time to master them. Consider the possible setbacks and work on them.

(The author is director, Aakash Institute, New Delhi)