Go With Confidence

School is back in session and many students went to class with eagerness and anticipation of what the new year would bring. For others, a new start might be faced with more anxieties and trepidation.

What causes our nerves to get the better of us? Why is it that some people seem to have confidence to spare while others struggle to realize just how much they have to offer the world?

For the lucky few, confidence comes naturally. But for many, it comes with time ... and work ... and patience. When you walk into a room and anxiety takes the lead, it's usually due to a fear of rejection, fear of failure, or just feeling like you aren't good enough. Having confidence doesn't mean you think you're better than everyone else, it means you know you don't have to compare yourself to anyone in the first place.

No one can see your insecurities OR your confidence unless you let it show. We all have a little of both. So, which one are you going to let shine? When you feel inadequate, nervous, or rejected for whatever the reason, quickly think about five things that you love about yourself, five things you are awesome at, or five things that are unique about you. When you have your list, stand up straight and tall and let your list of greatness carry you through. Let your accomplishments, talents, and/or qualities put a smile on your face so you can go throughout your day with confidence. Don't worry about what anyone else is thinking. Chances are, they are too worried about themselves and their own insecurities and shortcomings to be thinking about you (sorry to burst your bubble).

Don't compare yourself to anyone around you. It's not a fair competition because there's no one else like you!

Confidence

Learning To Laugh At Yourself

When you are the first to laugh at yourself, everyone else laughs with you ~ not at you.

We all have bad days, embarrassing moments, and sometimes feel like burying our heads in the sand. Hanging our heads in shame and running away only intensifies those paralyzing feelings. In these situations, laughter is always the best policy!

When you are the first to laugh at yourself, everyone else laughs with you ~ not at you. This is a lesson that can often be difficult to put into practice. I'm still trying to master the task! Laughing at our mistakes and blunders actually helps eliminate and relieve the anxiety that builds up in awkward situations. When that anxiety disappears, we become more clear-headed and can (hopefully) convince ourselves and any on-lookers that we have the situation under control. 

Life is too short to stress out every time things go wrong. Laughing at ourselves can be very entertaining ... and contagious. It's also a great way to tighten those abs and burn some calories. See ~ benefits all around!

The hardest time to find the laughter is when we feel insulted. But, like anything else in life, the hardest tasks usually lead to the biggest rewards. If we are dodging verbal bullets, laughing or smiling often lets the other party realize that their insults aren't as affective as they had hoped. They realize their words aren't as powerful as they had hoped. Remember, you have the power to let things affect you ... or laugh about it and move on.

Laugh At Yourself