When You Feel Down and Losing Confidence

"It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not." - Anonymous

Have you ever thought to yourself that you're not good enough? That you don't have what it takes? And that everyone else is better than you? Well, let me give you some comfort. You're not alone. Look all around you. Every single human being, including myself, that you see felt the same way. And if they haven't, they will.

Really, it doesn't matter whether you think someone else knows more than you, more athletic than you, or looks better than you. It is what you make of yourself.

Other people focused on being knowledgeable. Others focused on training day after day since they were young to become a professional athlete. Others studied numbers to become a prominent accountant. Others read books night after night to become a lawyer. Others focused on giving back to the community. What they all have in common is their complete desire and intensity to become who they want to be.

What about you, have you decided who you want to be? You don't have to be that person who you think is better than you in every aspect. Just be the best person you are capable of becoming because you are all that you got.

There is something about you that no one else have. You have to focus in seeing and believing in yourself instead of thinking of the expectations of other people about you. Besides, you can't read other people's mind. So, don't even waste your time guessing and allowing those certain "voices" to contaminate your head.

Self-Confidence is the difference between feeling unstoppable and feeling scared. What you see of yourself is what others see of you because perception is reality. The more confidence you have, the more likely that you will succeed.

"But Mike, I need help and I don't know what to do and no one will help me!"

One of my favorite quotes has always been, "God helps those who help themselves." If you want others to help you, you must help yourself first. Most of the time, you will solve your own problems if you only try really hard instead of relying on other people to help you. You are helpless only if you choose to be.

However, If you need additional help, here are some of my simple advice that you can apply immediately to start feeling more confident tomorrow and for the rest of your life:

• Dress Appropriately - No one is more conscious of your appearance than yourself so make yourself feel better by dressing for the occasion. If you are going to a formal party, don't dress up like a rock star. If you're going to a concert, don't look like you're a CEO. You get my point.
  


• Walk Faster - Yes, walk faster, really. One of the easiest ways to tell how people feel about themselves is to observe the way they walk. Do they look slow? tired? painful? or more energetic with drive and purpose? People with confidence walk fast because they need to get somewhere, need to get it done, and they have people to see.



• Good Posture - People with slumped shoulders and feeling lethargic display lack of self-confidence. You have to look and feel enthusiastic. Be alert and empowered.



• Read/Listen/Watch Motivational Speeches - You will be inspired because as Plato once said, "Be kind for someone else is fighting a harder battle." It's the small things that will light up that burning flames within yourself.



• Gratitude - When you focus too much on what you need, your head will always come up with reasons why you can't have those needs. Be thankful instead. Treat every day as a Thanksgiving Day.



• Compliment Other People - When we think negatively about ourselves, we often project that same feeling on to others in the form of insult, critic, and gossip. Look for the best in others so you indirectly bring out the best in yourself (Isn't that what "best" friends are for?).



• Focus on Contribution - Too often, we get caught up on our own desires. You have to also focus on the needs of others. The more you contribute to others, the more you will be rewarded with personal success and recognition.
  

Just remember, when you are feeling down and losing confidence, that you are not alone. No one is more responsible for your actions than yourself.

The help you need starts from within.