Weng Sam: Remember, the grass is not always greener on the other side; it is greener where you water it.
“HE aced the examinations and got into a prestigious university. I wish I could have his intellect.”
“She totally nailed that outfit and everyone loves her. I wish I were her.”
“This person made millions at such a young age. I could never accomplish such a feat.”
Sounds familiar? Our self-confidence can take a dip when we constantly compare ourselves with people who appear to be doing better than us, especially on social media.
But here’s how you can boost your self-confidence with five simple steps.
1. Stop comparing yourself with others
Comparing yourself with others can spur you on to strive for the better but it can also get overwhelming and stressful. Instead of wishing to be someone else, focusing on improving yourself in your own unique way is a much more satisfying reward.
Remember, the grass is not always greener on the other side; it is greener where you water it. Allow yourself to grow at your own pace.
2. Join multiple activities
Being involved in fun and interesting events – from competitions to club activities – can help boost your confidence significantly.
By joining various activities, you will get a chance to hone your skills and obtain feedback on how to improve them.
Not only will this help you gain more confidence in your abilities, but you will also improve your social skills.
3. Talk positively to yourself
lf You have yet to enter the examination hall but you are already telling yourself that you will do badly even after months of studying.
Talking negatively to yourself is a really unhealthy habit that will affect your self-confidence.
Believe in yourself. By filling your mind with encouraging thoughts and kind words, you are better able to give the task ahead your best shot regardless of any situation you are in. It will also help curb your anxiety on the big day.
4. Set goals
Setting goals serves to clear your mind from those negative thoughts that tend to distract you.
Start by setting small goals for yourself to achieve daily. As you gain a sense of achievement every time you complete a task, you will find your self-confidence improve bit by bit.
Give yourself a pat on the back at the end of the day for all the work you have done, because feeling proud of yourself is the key to building your self confidence.
5. Spend time with loved ones
Spending quality time with people who have your best interests at heart is a sure-fire way of lifting your spirits.
Not only will it foster your relationship with them, but it will also give you a much-needed dose of love.
In our harried existence, we tend to forget how much we mean to our nearest and dearest, so spending time with them will remind us that we are loved, hence boosting our self-confidence.
Weng Sam, 19, a student in Pahang, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.
