Building Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt

Everyone struggles with confidence at some point in their lives, but some 85% of people worldwide are thought to suffer from low self-esteem. No matter what form your anxieties take — from your physical appearance to your performance at work — it can help to acknowledge that self-doubt is a profoundly human experience, andconfidence is a skill that can be nurtured, refined and improved.

While you’re not alone in feeling it, low confidence can be debilitating if left unaddressed. The good news is that there are a myriad of tools that can enable you to build a vibrant, evolving sense of self to navigate life with more resilience and positivity.

How Does Self-Doubt Manifest?

Self-doubt or low self-esteem are closely related to self-concept. This psychological principle refers to one’s beliefs about one’s qualities and how these qualities influence relationships with others (and oneself). These factors influence how we think, feel and interact with others, and are crucial for achieving success.

Self-doubt can manifest in a number of ways, including but not limited to:

Second-guessing one’s choices
Overanalyzing situations
Showing a preference for negative thoughts about oneself, rather than positive ones
Judging one’s feelings or experiences
Comparing oneself to others
Feeling inadequate
Fear of risk-taking
Difficulty saying “no”
Difficulty identifying your physical or emotional needs
Difficulty getting your needs met

If you have a low self-concept, you might have a critical self-talk that prevents you from taking romantic risks. Or, you might waffle on career-related decisions for fear of failing.

Psychologists theorize low self-concept stems from early life experiences that condition a distorted view of self. That said, understanding how self-doubt shows up in your life today is the first step in confronting and building confidence to conquer it.

9 Ways to Rebuild Your Confidence and Reap More Out of Life

Building confidence is a gradual process, so it’s important to begin with an attitude of patience and kindness for yourself. These strategies can help you start taking meaningful strides toward a bolder, more self-possessed version of you.

#1 Take Stock of Your Strengths

Acknowledging and naming your strengths shifts focus away from your perceived lacks or inadequacies. By identifying the qualities that make you unique, you can build a foundation for self-worth founded on what’s already within you.

One exercise to try is to write down 5 things you’re good at and 1 skill you’d like to improve upon. Recognizing both strengths and areas for growth can be empowering, motivating you to take on new challenges.

#2 Be Wary of Comparing or External Validation

Most people fall into the trap of comparing their insides to others’ outsides at some point, but it doesn’t need to become a habit. Instead, focus on achieving your personal, meaningful goals.

Remember that you and your life path are exquisitely unique. By focusing on your own growth and life purpose, you’ll develop self-worth independent from others’ accomplishments or outer appearance.

#3 Adopt a Growth Mindset

The notion of a growth mindset revolves around the belief that your aptitudes aren’t fixed — you can cultivate them with attention, effort and an attitude of curiosity (even playfulness!).

With a growth mindset, you’ll start perceiving setbacks as opportunities for growth, rather than evidence of your shortcomings. From this perspective, failure or obstacles to success become essential to your personal evolution, as opposed to a threat to your self-worth.

#4 Advocate for Your Boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries is essential for building confidence — and maintaining it. When you can be your own advocate, you convey to yourself and others that your time and energy are valuable. It also ensures you don’t risk burnout, saving you essential time for development and proper self-care routines.

#5 Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Feedback or Help

Few people are masters of multiple disciplines, and it’s unrealistic for most people to be virtuosic at everything. One of the best things you can do for your self-confidence is to know where you excel — and when to ask for help.

Seeking feedback or support demonstrates strength of character and self-awareness. Moreover, constructive input from others can shed new light on your unique capabilities and areas for growth.

#6 Build Peace Internally

Emotional equanimity is critical for success and personal fulfillment. When you can quell turbulence and create peace internally, you’ll feel more equipped to address challenges — rather than feeling overwhelmed or paralyzed by self-doubt.

Some exercises you can try are:

Gratitude lists – Start by writing down 3 things you are grateful for each morning or evening. It’s a simple practice for shifting a lack mindset to an abundance mindset.
Gladdening the mind– This is a Buddhist visualization technique that encourages you to focus and expand positive feelings. Try imagining a situation where you felt proud or accomplished, or the face of a person who makes you feel unconditionally loved. Hold this in your mind’s eye for a few minutes, and see if you feel any internal shift.
Meditation– Whether it’s a minute of meditation during your workday or a more comprehensive CBD and meditation ritual added onto your night routine, dedicating time to watching your thoughts can help you develop more self-awareness and self-compassion.

#7 Choose Your Company Wisely

When possible, try to spend time with optimistic, loving people who believe in you. In time, you’ll likely notice their influence propels your excitement for life, motivation and sense of self-worth.

#8 Identify What You Can Change, and What’s Beyond Your Control

It’s important to distinguish between what you can control and what you can’t. Tools like affirmations can be helpful, but true change means pairing a perspective shift with behavioral ones.

For instance, if your self-conscious thoughts revolve around your physical health, you might commit to a fitness routine that will make you feel better inside and out. You can start a new nutrition plan, take a new exercise class or lean on plant-based allies like CBD to support better sleep.

By taking control of your habits, you’ll remind yourself of your agency in every situation, no matter how challenging.

#9 Take Risks — and Fail Spectacularly

Sometimes, the best way to build confidence is to take a plunge and embrace the possibility of falling flat on your face.

Whether it’s going to a party where you don’t know a soul or trying a new activity you’ve never attempted before, you’re demonstrating to yourself personal resilience despite future outcomes.

Failure or falling short doesn’t have to indicate your shortcomings. It’s a sign of courage, the joy of trying and having the inner strength to not take yourself too seriously. The more risks you take, the more tenacity you build.

Get More Out of Life with ZebraCBD

Throughout history, people have demonstrated staggering acts of personal resilience against all odds. Your personal journey to self-confidence starts with knowing yourself: your aptitudes, your areas for growth and what you need to come home to yourself each day.

To build a ritual that reconnects you to your self-confidence, check out Zebra CBD. From CBD topicals to our premium CBD gummies for sale, each premium CBD product is third-party tested and free of heavy metals, microbials and unnatural pesticides to keep you steadfast on your path to well-being. Build peace from the inside out by browsing our full range of products today.

Or, find the best ways to achieve personal growth with more of our education-oriented tips, from ways to relax your mind to our techniques for positive thinking. Conquer self-doubt and learn how to build confidence from within with Zebra CBD.

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