“Inside of a ring or out, ain’t nothing wrong with going down. It’s staying down that’s wrong.” – Muhammad Ali
When we get knocked down, it isn’t always easy to get back up. It can be a crippling feeling to put everything we have into something only to have it not work out. This is where many people give up and decide they don’t have what it takes. We’re not always going feel and perform at our best. We’re going to have ups and downs, and learning to stay focused and remain confident through these dips is crucial to getting where we want. Even the most confident person can start to doubt themselves if they get in a big enough slump. Maybe you have a dream you want to fulfill, a person you want to become, a life you want to lead, but you just keep falling short. This doesn’t mean to can’t do it! So, cut yourself some slack, take a deep breath and get back in the ring! Here are a few ideas to help you do so!
Create opportunities
To break out of a funk, focus on finding opportunities. Within every challenge there are also opportunities. Seek out new possibilities or unexplored potentials. You can also consider the opportunities within your failure. What did you learn? What could be helpful in the future?
“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.” – Joseph Campbell
Find encouraging people
Make sure to find people who can support your efforts, progress, and accomplishments. People who cheer us on will help self-esteem. If you are struggling with confidence currently make sure to avoid negative people. The worst thing to do when we’re feeling unsure is surround ourselves with doubters. The people around you can either lift you up or tear you down.
Avoid comparisons
Each of us is unique and has something special to offer. Focus on your personal strengths. Don’t worry about where someone else is excelling or what they have accomplished. When we compare ourselves to people it can illuminate our self-doubts and steal our confidence. Focus on your successes and recognize that no matter where you want to be it takes hard work and personal growth.
“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.” – Malcolm S. Forbes
Get stuff done
Taking action is a major part of getting confidence back. Getting stuff done feels good and builds momentum. Unfortunately, when we are feeling deflated we probably aren’t motivated to do something so we can feel better. So, when self-doubt creeps in, set some immediately achievable goals and take action. Force action to build momentum.
Focus on progress, not perfection
Remember that we are always in the process of reaching our aspirations. Almost everyone has something they are working towards. We may not always be as close as we would like, but we can still celebrate the small steps we take on a daily basis. Perfection leaves us feeling like “not enough” no matter what we do. Get motivated by reminding yourself you’re in the process of getting where you want. What one small step can take to get you closer to your goals?
Get inspired
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller
Find anything to get your mind off of the failure. Shift your thinking away from problems and negativity, and channel your natural creativity and enthusiasm. I use podcasts, books, and meditation to stay inspired. When I am consuming positive material and keeping a balanced lifestyle it is much easier to bounce back from challenges. It is difficult to stay upbeat and confident after we experience failure, but we can do it. Don’t get knocked out of the match, keep fighting for what you desire. Next time you find yourself feeling down try some of these ideas to help you feel more confident and secure. What other ideas do you have to help someone get their confidence back? Leave a comment with your ideas below!
