Advocate for yourself

You are your strongest advocate. If someone mistreats you, speaks down to you, or puts you in uncomfortable situations, you have every right to stick up for yourself! This can feel uncomfortable and even a little overwhelming at first, but it’s essential. It’s important to note that standing up for yourself doesn’t always have to mean defending yourself from mistreatment. It can also mean advocating for your talents–like asking for a raise or more responsibility at work. The more you advocate for yourself, the more you reiterate to others (and yourself) that you are confident, capable, and that you belong.

Learn how to say no

“No” is a complete sentence! While pushing yourself out of your comfort zone occasionally is necessary for growth, you can say no to things that take up too much time or leave you feeling burnt out. Prioritizing yourself and your goals will not only set you up for success, but help you feel more confident in continuing to set necessary boundaries over time.

Combat imposter phenomenon 

Imposter phenomenon, the experience of doubting our abilities, intelligence, or self-worth, can have negative impacts on our self-confidence. Everyone experiences imposter phenomenon at one point or another, but it’s important to know how to challenge it. When you find yourself experiencing imposter phenomenon, take some time to think about the root of those feelings. Did something cause you to feel this way, like getting a bad grade on a test or making a mistake at work? Did nothing particularly bad happen, but you’re still feeling like you don’t belong? Once you take the time to find the root of these feelings, a good practice is to challenge them. Pushing back on your imposter phenomenon and reminding yourself that you are worthy of all the good things in your life can burst your bubble of self-doubt and help you feel more grounded. If you need extra reassurance, talk to an educator, co-worker, or loved one!

Put yourself out of your comfort zone

When was the last time you did something for the very first time? If you’re having a hard time answering that, you might be due for an adventure outside of your comfort zone. Take some time to consider what stepping out of your comfort zone looks like for you–it might not be the same as anyone else, and that’s okay! For example, if you experience social anxiety, try having small interactions with store clerks or baristas to practice your conversational skills. This is a process, and it’s important to remember to go at your own pace. Over time you’ll build the confidence needed to tackle new hurdles.

Surround yourself with people that uplift you

If there are people in your life that put you down, make you second-guess yourself, or don’t fill your cup, it may be time to reconsider your relationship with them. Surround yourself with a community that cheers you on when you succeed and supports you when you fail. Knowing you have a supportive network on your side can give you the confidence needed to aim higher and reach your goals!

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