Through navigating the numerous trials of the world, confidence is harder than ever to obtain. However, there are a few tricks that can help you with finding confidence and becoming the person you want to be.

Social Media’s Effect on Confidence

We live in a world that constantly compares us to others. The most prominent cause of this is social media. Through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, etc. we are always seeing these images of “perfect” people and lifestyles. Social media sets unrealistic expectations of how we should look, act, and even live. People tend to post a more glamorous & filtered version of their lives. It is a way to be in control. It is so easy to feel down when you see someone posting about a night out, while you’re spending a night in. But if you’re the person having that night out, you might be envious of the person staying in.

It is so hard to be fully satisfied with ourselves and our lives. We find a need to put an immense amount of pressure on what we post and how many followers we have, so much so that we neglect the important things in life. It is so easy to scroll mindlessly for hours and not even realize the effect that it is having on our brains. 

Of course, social media doesn’t have to have a negative effect on your confidence. There are many positives too! Instead of feeling torn down by what you see on social media, use it to better yourself. Next time you’re on Facebook or Instagram and find yourself envious or feel like you aren’t living the life you want, evaluate it. You can use your social media as a way to better yourself. Start by following accounts that make you feel motivated and encourage you to grow who you are, whether it might be physically or mentally, or spiritually. Following accounts that motivate and inspire you is a great place to start.

Finding Confidence From the Inside

Finding our flaws seems to be so much easier than acknowledging our strengths. However, navigating those strengths may be easier than it seems. By having a positive mindset you are allowing your inner strength to push through. Instead of dreading what the future holds, make goals and believe that you can obtain them because if you put in what you want in return, you’ll achieve them over time. Instead of searching for every possible flaw, you might have, search for and live by your strengths. Every single individual has their own different strengths which are pretty amazing. We are all capable of greatness, we just have to figure out what we can do to get us there. 

Building Yourself up

One of the best things that you can do to grow in confidence, is to stop comparing yourself to others. The odds are, it’s going to hurt you more than it is going to help you. You also need to stop doubting yourself, the amount of things that you could accomplish right now with your potential is incredible! Take responsibility for your actions. The ball is in your court with every decision that you make.

The number of choices that we make on a day-to-day basis can make or break how we feel the rest of the hour, day, or maybe even week. By making our own choices, we make our own freedoms for our dreams and our personalities. If you are in charge of your life, you will be able to naturally grow your confidence, the decisions that you make are all pieces of the puzzle that shape you as an individual. 

Finding a Balance

Overconfidence and underconfidence need to have a very careful balance. Overconfidence could be confused with cockiness or narcissism. The root of selfishness is insecurities and self-doubt, whereas confidence stems from self-growth and understanding. You never want to act as if you’re superior to others. That is going to weaken relationships and friendships and it’s going to be pushing you toward failure. You need a strong support system to succeed and find that self-respect and inner confidence.

Underconfidence is unfortunately rarely caused by ourselves. The majority of the time it’s imprinted in your subconscious from a young age. Unfortunately, underconfidence could cause you to miss out on great opportunities because you might fear failing or embarrassing yourself. You want to find that middle ground so that you are confident enough to take risks and put yourself out there, but also humble enough to know your limits.

Conclusion

In a world that makes us feel the need to challenge ourselves consistently, we can find confidence in who we are, and who we have the potential to become. Know your worth and push yourself to get to where you want to be regardless of what the world tells you your limits are. You have greatness inside of you, find your strengths and allow them to outweigh your weaknesses. It all starts with you, not social media, not the world, but you. Make a difference, allow yourself the room to grow, and find your confidence.