CULTIVATE YOUR CONFIDENCE

I would of never imagined getting in-front of a camera :D

Confidence was practically non existent in me growing up.

I would shy away from social encounters and dodge bullies - keeping quietly to myself sitting in the back of the class watching the clouds pass by.

I was a quiet character who's theory was:

If I keep quiet it will go away and they will leave me alone.

This (along with other things) created low confidence and self esteem and fed the fears in my mind.

I had unknowingly created a routine of fear, avoidance and dread.

Through influential factors - our environment - our peer group we unknowingly become a victim of low confidence and self esteem.

Anyway enough about me - below is a list of action points you can implement (as I did) into your life to get you feeling good and to cultivate your confidence.

• Escape the internal dialogue  - we all encounter an internal and external world.  We have thoughts and feeling, these can become very negative and self defeating if we let them.  We need to not give our mind too much mind space to ruminate with unwanted thoughts and feelings.  Practice being mindful of the outer world and don't give yourself time to have mind space.  There will be a video with this article with a couple of suggested techniques you can use.  When you feel yourself sinking into a low place get up and move.

• Dress to impress.......YOURSELF - huh?  Dress smart and feel good.  When you dress smart and take care of your appearance you are raising your standards to a higher level of being and this will not only make you feel better and motivated but it will have a positive impression on the people around you.

• Feed Thyself - that's right, to be confident we require abundant energy.  Where do we get this energy?  From the foods we consume.  Do a little research and enhance your nutritional intake so that you have strong and stable energy throughout the day.  People often overlook the benefits of good nutrition, which can dramatically enhance how you think and how you feel.  I teach a short seminar on the benefits and how the food you eat can optimise your mind and body.  Do a little research and implement a good strategy so you are giving yourself the best nutrition possible.

• Hydrate - hydration aids in optimal performance and a slight decrease can knock you off of your game so when you think you are feeling sluggish grab a class of water to keep performance high.

• Significance and negative people - firstly the negative people - negative, nasty people will drag you down like a lead weight - they will do anything and everything to make themselves feel significant by making others feel insignificant.  Kind of like a vampire draining you.  You have to dispel them and move away to break free of their never ending negativity.  Focus on what makes you feel significant and what raises you up.  Once you focus on yourself, great changes will take place and your life will become balanced.

• Do things that make you feel good - make a list of activities you enjoy doing and do at least one activity off of the list per week.  Really enjoy the activity and be mindful when you are doing it so that you fully engage in the process.

• Just do it!! - When you get that feeling of impending doom because you have to take an action that you know will benefit you but it seems scary; say to yourself, JUST DO IT and keep repeating it over and over and just do it :D

• Expand your knowledge - live and learn about the things you are passionate about and begin researching where you can perform the certain activity.  Look into groups you can join and network with other like minded individuals.  Share your energy and enthusiasm with them and allow yourself to enjoy it. 

• Join an acting class - classes equip you with new skills that can be transferred into everyday life along with the creative community you are surrounded by.  You will get into an environment where like minded people will build you up.  Classes are a fantastic place to express yourself and build your confidence.  They also allow you to socialise with others which will stimulate your interlectual mind.

• Help others - helping others will give you an immense feeling of pleasure.  

• Watch funny videos - we all love a good laugh so put on a comedy film or watch funny video's online.  This will lift your spirits and make you feel good.

The above list is obviously just a start but you can work the points into your life.

As with everything, the cultivation of your confidence will take time but it is up to you to implement actions that will steer you in the right direction.

As I say with everything I say (lol) - be flexible enough to give things a try and what works for you, keep and what does not, simply move onto the next.

KEEP PUSHING FORWARD