No matter what path you have chosen in life, there are bound to be countless challenges in your way. There are bound to be pitfalls, detours, dead ends, and any number of other problems that will stop you in your tracks. We are all aware of this fact, aren’t we? After all, we have all faced enough troubles since our childhood to understand that this is just how life works.
Now, when faced with a challenge, you have two options:
- You can rely on someone’s support
- You can believe in your abilities
The option you choose depends very much on the type of person you are and the type of mindset you hold. Of course, there is nothing wrong with seeking help when it is necessary. But consider a popular quote that says:
“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking because her trust is not in the branch, but her own wings.”
This quote reminds us of the importance of trusting ourselves and our abilities instead of relying on others to provide a sense of safety and security. It tells you that no matter what comes your way, you can overcome it if you remind yourself that you already have what it takes to beat the odds.
Leading by Example in the Face of Challenges
As a leader or an aspiring leader, others are looking up to you for guidance. In times like these, you need to spread your wings and show others how to fly against the wind. If you think you can’t do it, remind yourself that you have survived 100% of all the challenges that have ever cropped up in your journey. Those challenges are not there anymore, but you still are. At the end of the day, you have always found a way to deal with your challenges. And all of that has led you to this moment.
When you develop the mindset of trusting yourself by default, you gain a lot of confidence and determination to pursue your dreams and desires. Even when the path ahead seems uncertain, you are able to push through. This helps you take calculated risks and face challenges with courage and perseverance. Somehow, you know in your heart that you will make it (just as the bird knows that it will be able to fly into the wind even if the branch breaks). This is a must-have quality in every leader.
Also, if you think about it, choosing to have faith in yourself is just logical. That’s because, when you rely on external factors to support you or make you feel safe, you are always at the mercy of things you cannot control. You are basically handing your future into someone else’s hands. However, when you believe in yourself, you are relying on the one person you have control over. It is you who determines the path forward and the future.
To be fair, it’s understandable that sometimes, it’s difficult to believe in yourself. Sometimes, life’s challenges can really test your self-belief and confidence. They can make you doubt not only your abilities but also your dreams. There may also be people who criticize you and your every move. This can further hamper your faith and give rise to feelings of insecurity.
When you find yourself in such a situation, there are a handful of things you can do to cultivate a strong sense of self-belief. And if you do these things regularly, your self-confidence will become so strong that it would almost never be shaken. So, what can you do? Let’s take a look.
1. Focus On Your Strengths
While your mind may try to divert your attention to your weaknesses, you need to take control and focus on your strengths. Sure, you might have your own flaws. But it is also true that you are blessed with tons of strengths. And you have used these in the past to overcome challenges. So, when you already have something that works, there is absolutely no reason to doubt yourself!
2. Remind Yourself of Your Past Achievements
This is one of the best ways to build self-confidence. You see, in the pursuit of our long-term dreams and goals, our past victories kind of become blurred. After all, when your gaze is set on the future, the past is bound to become invisible. However, when you are in a tough situation, it might be a good idea to think about everything you have ever achieved. This is to simply remind you that you are bigger than your challenges. And just like the past challenges, you are definitely going to conquer the next one.
3. Surround Yourself With Positive People
The type of people you surround yourself with has a huge influence on your mental and emotional states. In fact, it is said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So, if you hang around people who have a strong sense of self-confidence and self-belief, the same attitude is going to rub off on you. Therefore, you need to carefully choose your social circle and make some changes if needed.
4. Improve Your Self-Talk
Everyone has an inner monologue going on at all times. The quality and type of this self-talk determine the quality and type of your thoughts and emotions. Negative self-talk is obviously going to lead to negative beliefs and attitudes. So, be watchful of how you talk to yourself and reframe any negativity you come across. The transition might take a little time, but the results are sure to be impressive.