For years, I felt like I was sitting on the sidelines of life; I was moving two steps back with every step forward—treading water. I lost my business. I gained weight. All around me, I saw everyone else being successful at what I wanted to do, but I couldn’t get there. No matter how alone, or how low, we feel we can find our inner strength and confidence through God. If you’re battling to find your strong, courageous side, try these 3 Self-Confidence Tips For Women Who Struggle and start feeling more confident today.
Why is self-confidence so important? Without self-confidence, we can’t carry on. We begin to falter. We doubt ourselves, and we’re unable to move forward with strength. If you’re struggling, know you’re not alone.
Now, I was happy for the people around me living out their dreams. Even though my dreams weren’t happening, I tried to focus on the positive. But then I’d think there was no rebound and nothing good was coming out of my situation. I felt low. I had lost my self-confidence. I was always a resilient person. When life handed me challenges in the past, I always bounced back, but this time I couldn’t find my motivation.
Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go. {Joshua 1:9 GNT}
SELF-CONFIDENCE TIPS #1 FOR WOMEN Use Positive Affirmations
We all have an inner voice, but is your inner voice really your friend? If you tear yourself down in your head, you will start to believe what you’re saying.
Instead, what if you talk to yourself like you’d talk to your best girlfriend? If she were struggling, what would you say to her? You’d tell her she was beautiful and capable. You would show her compassion and the love of Christ. You’d say to her that she could handle the situation!
If you find your inner voice being mean and critical, it’s time to shift your mindset. Remind yourself you are strong. Speak positive affirmations, over your life “I can handle this. I’ve been able to get through difficult situations before. I’m resilient.” Repeat these messages until they feel natural. You may even want to post reminders on your phone, your mirror, your front door—anywhere you frequently look.
SELF-CONFIDENCE TIPS # 2 FOR WOMEN Focus on Your Strengths Not Your Weaknesses
It’s so easy to look at our weaknesses, but this can continue to damage our self-confidence. Instead, focus on your strengths. Ask yourself, “What am I good at? What makes me special?” We all have talents and gifts.
Maybe you’re a great cook, a wonderful mother, a supportive wife, or a creative thinker. Don’t get consumed with what you’re not—focus on what you ARE. When you hear compliments, take them! Write them down, reread them, and remember. Instead of playing a loop of “I wish I were better at X,” start shifting your thoughts to see, “I’m so thankful that I’m good at X!”
When you start getting caught up in a comparison trap, remind yourself that you are on your own journey. When we’re struggling, it’s hard not to look at what other people are doing well, but remember each person has their own challenges. More importantly, each of us has unique strengths born from our experiences and our struggles. Focus on those areas.
SELF-CONFIDENCE TIPS # 3 FOR WOMEN Hold Your Head Up with Confidence
We’ve all heard the term “fake it ‘till you make it.” Even if you don’t feel self-confident in a situation, visualize your best self and work to present yourself that way. You know how they say, “dress for the job you want”? It applies to many other situations in life too.
When you look in the mirror, what do you see that makes you feel really good about yourself? Highlight those features and focus on them. Show that self-confidence to the world, even if you don’t believe it 100 percent.
People respond to us when we show confidence. When we walk into a room with our shoulders slumped and our heads down, it reflects our feelings of not being a confident person. Instead, when we walk in with our heads high and our voices strong, people will respond positively. When we show up brave and bold, something amazing happens—people see us the way we want to be seen.
Walk forward in faith that your situation will improve and you will find your way. Believe in your strength and your resilience. Remember, the Lord wants us to have confidence—to be strong and courageous to live out His purpose for us. We are not alone. Over time, the rebound will happen for you.