A good way to boost your confidence is by looking back at your past successes. No matter how much you’ve done (or feel like you haven’t done) in your life, you’ve accomplished some things and come a good way up life’s path.
You may doubt this if you’re currently struggling with self-confidence. It’s hard to see the stars when you feel like you’re trapped in a cave. That’s understandable. But you can beat this feeling.
There are two ways to do this. Both involve a pen and paper. Sit down in a quiet place where you can be by yourself. The first method is the Journey method. Think about where you were when you started whatever Journey you’re currently taking. Maybe you’re trying to start a new career, reach a new goal, or something else.
Where did you start? Write that down. What have you done since then? Write done everything you’ve done to advance yourself on this path. Everything, from the smallest to the largest item.
What have you learned? About the goal and about yourself. Write it down. What worked and what didn’t? Write it all down. Then look back over the list and see how far you’ve come. You might not be where you want to be yet, but you’ve come a long way from the starting line!
The second method, for overall confidence, is the Success method. It’s the same thing, only you’re going to write down every one of your life’s accomplishments. Put everything you’ve ever succeeded at on the list. Include big and small items. Scored top of the class in 5th-grade reading? Put it down. Ran a marathon? It goes on the list.
If you have trouble with this method, ask someone you trust who cares about you for help. Other people might be able to come up with things you didn’t, particularly if you’re dealing with a horrible self-confidence crisis.
When you’ve finished with either of these lists, you’re going to have a tangible record of things you’ve accomplished in your life. It doesn’t matter how much you feel like you’ve failed at; this list will show you things you’ve succeeded at too.
Use these lists to remind yourself that you can and have accomplished things in the past. You can do so in the future. You can reach any goal you set. All you have to do is believe in yourself!
