How To Become More Confident+ My Confidence Journey || Collab with Wanderlust Dreamer

Hello friends!! I have a jam-packed post for you today. I’m going to be sharing my confidence journey with you all, as well as tips on how to become more confident! And just when you think this post couldn’t get anymore exciting, it’s a collab with the lovely Caitlin from Wanderlust Dreamer! Caitlin has tons of extremely impressive socials, all of which focus on travel, lifestyle, and positivity content. Not only does she create amazingly helpful and relatable content on her blog, Instagram, and YouTube, but she is a kind human. She organized and is partaking in the walkathon with me! Make sure to go check out her other half of the post over on her blog once you are done reading!

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My Confidence Journey

It would be an understatement to say that my confidence was ground level. In fact, to expose it, you would have to dig 10 feet or so. There it would be curled up in a ball shaking. My self esteem was so low that any answer I gave you would end in a question mark. “When’s your birthday?” “November?” It actually makes me so sad and embarrassed to think about. Like, girl you know your own birthday. I was scared to take up space, thinking that other’s deserved it more than me. Not a spot or anything, just space in general.

Things started to change mid-February, which is around the time I started my blog. It may have been because I had finicky settled into the school year, but I think I also was more grounded in myself. Ugh, I wish I kept a diary around that time to actually be able to see my progression. (I recommend journaling, or keeping a diary, throughout this process and in general. It’s a great way to check in with yourself, and it will be great to look back on.) I slowly began to talk more, and showing others my true self. I felt strong enough to voice my opinions, and I didn’t feel like I needed to hide. I hadn’t found my space, but built my own around me. I became comfortable with myself, which made me more comfortable with others.

Now, I am happy to say that I am dramatically less reliant on others and their opinions. I definitely have to credit my blog, and you guys for this, as it gives me a space to express myself and be authentic without judgement. I also have to credit the law of attraction, meditation, and affirmations, three things that played a huge part in my journey. I am not as scared of people judging me, and I’m willing to make mistakes and learn from them (which is something that would have killed me months ago). I’m incredibly proud of myself for getting this far and putting in the work to do so. Now, I want to share the wealth and help others. Let me say though, I am still not nearly as confident as some people, but I am confident by my own standards.

Tips for Becoming More Confident

Use affirmations and meditate

I swear by affirmations! They’re kind of like “fake it till’ you make it,” but more structured: if you tell yourself something for long enough, you’ll start to believe it and become it. I repeat my affirmations twice a day. Here are some affirmations that I use:

• I am confident.
• My voice is valuable.
• My words are powerful.
• People are drawn to me.
• Other’s thoughts do not have power over me.

I could go on for days about affirmations and meditation, but they can really be grouped together with the “law of attraction.” The law of attraction basically state that you receive the energy that you put out, so if you believe something, it will happen. ‘Daisy’s Corner’ has a brilliant post on the law of attraction that I think will help if you are interested in it.

Stop comparing yourself to others

Comparison is the thief of joy. You are on a different path than everyone else, so it really isn’t applicable to compare yourself to them. Social media makes it effortless to compare ourselves to others, but we have to remember that we don’t see the full story. Honestly, the easiest way to combat comparison is to make a conscious effort to stop. Once you find that you’re comparing yourself significantly less, start challenging those thoughts— why do you think they’re better than you?

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Shut down negative thoughts

Positive vibes!!! Ew, I know. I used to be the kind of person who absolutely hated positive people, but then I realized that all of my classmate’s positivity was toxic… That’s not what we want! It’s not really beneficial to force positivity onto others, but to rather elude it. To do this, you’ll have to change your mindset. Every time you think something negative, or that puts you down, flip that thought around! For example, if you have a lot of schoolwork, don’t follow your peers and complain about the teacher. Instead, figure out how you will attack the work and get it done. Surround yourself with people that lift other’s up and do the same– energy is transferable.

Look how you want to feel

I’m pretty sure the wording on this one is confusing, but hear me out. Don’t you feel really good when you wear your favorite outfit? That’s more or less what this tip is about. It’s okay to feel good about your appearance! Don’t feel guilty for feeling pretty or loving your body– all of these things make you a more confident person! If you think that you’d look cute with bangs, or short hair, do it! Pick out clothes that make you feel good and give off the vibe you want to emit.  I believe that change can happen from the outside in!

Go outside of your comfort zone

This is probably my least favorite one, but it’s probably one of the most important things you can do to build your confidence. Do things that scare you; raise your hand in class, text someone first, post that pic on Instagram! Progress is progress, even if you fail. Failure will only make you stronger, and who knows, maybe you’ll surprise yourself and the thing that you do won’t be so bad! Aim to do at least one scary thing a week to overcome your fears and get stronger.

That’s all for my tips on confidence, but make sure to go check out Caitlin’s post for even more tips! I’m so glad that we wrote these posts because I know how awful it feels when you lack confidence. Anyway, thank you so much for reading and thank you to Caitlin once again for collating with me (her socials will be linked below)! I wish you all of the best on your journey— please know that it gets better! If you make an effort, you will see results!!!

Caitlin’s links:

Blog

Instagram

YouTube

I am participating in a walkathon to benefit Yemen. Along with four other content creators, I will be walking 10,000 steps everyday and donating $5 for every day that miss. The funds raised will go to Islamic Relief to provide the people of Yemen with food and other necessities. It would mean the world to me if you would take the time to check out our donation page. Please share with your friends and family and consider donating! Even the smallest bit makes a difference! Thank you in advance for your support!