Loading...
Loading...
Negative self-talk involves concentrating on weaknesses rather than recognizing existing strengths. It usually results in persistent self-criticism, self-blame, and highlighting flaws. This behaviour truly signifies a low level of self-confidence.
The solution lies in positivity and doing things that make you feel comfortable, calm, and content. One way to achieve this is by allocating time for meditation to discover your strengths and record the results for further enhancement. Another approach is to stand in front of the mirror and speak to yourself with positivity and kindness.
Effectively combating negative thoughts requires ongoing self-talk, staying aware of self-comments, and affirming the necessity of kindness. It is also helpful to speak about yourself as if you were talking about someone you love and prioritise.
In 2011, The Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology published a study conducted on a group of athletes, exploring the influence of self-talk on performance and efficiency. Findings revealed that constructive self-talk positively enhances participants' success compared to negative self-talk.
A person who is overly dramatic about criticism may react with tears or anger when criticised at work or by a friend, even if the criticism is constructive. Such individuals tend to take criticism personally, responding emotionally rather than rationally. These behaviours often indicate a lack of self-confidence, as those with low self-esteem struggle to confront and overcome challenges, often succumbing to them instead.
Excessive sensitivity to others’ opinions and criticism requires attention and internal change. One important piece of advice is to recognize that criticism is a natural part of social interaction, and not all opinions are necessarily valid or accurate. Thus, it is essential to sometimes embrace criticism constructively, learning from it, or simply ignoring it if not true.
Moreover, it is vital to acknowledge that perfection is not attainable; everyone makes mistakes, and constructive criticism can be valuable. In professional environments, criticism should address your professional behaviour, not your personality. Prioritise the work’s interests and view critiques as opportunities for learning and growth, without taking them personally.
Tip: the crux of the matter is how individuals manage things; they should establish a strong inner barrier around their self-confidence and not let critics deeply affect them. Instead, they should objectively evaluate criticism to determine if it is dismissive and should be disregarded or constructive and should be heeded.
Fear of failure is a crucial indicator of low self-confidence. Those lacking confidence avoid challenges and withdraw from difficult personal and professional situations, doubting their abilities and competence. They also tend to blame others when things go wrong, unwilling to take responsibility or solve problems due to their perceived inability.
The key to this issue lies in confrontation and putting in effort. Sara Blakely, an American businesswoman emphasises: "Failure is not the outcome, failure is not trying. Don't be afraid to fail." Similarly, those hesitant to try should challenge themselves to overcome fear and build confidence without being aggressive. The real challenge is being kind to oneself and progressing step by step, much like a child learning to walk confidently after taking their first tentative steps.
Try setting and achieving small goals to build confidence and overcome frustration with larger goals. Achieving tangible results can diminish the fear of failure and boost self-confidence. Furthermore, volunteering actively and seeking new experiences in any field of interest can aid in fostering determination and learning from each experience.
It is worth mentioning that the United Arab Emirates provides platforms, such as Volunteers.ae, offering opportunities for volunteering in-person or online, helping to overcome barriers of fear.
Last but certainly not least, to foster positivity and inner peace, make sure to prioritise your health by maintaining good sleep habits, consuming nutritious food, and engaging in exercise.
Sometimes, comparing ourselves with others can be beneficial, offering insights into their efforts and achievements, which can inspire us to improve. However, this behaviour can become problematic when it leads to negative self-comparison, fostering feelings of inferiority, despair, frustration, inadequacy, and low self-esteem. This kind of comparison also indicates low self-confidence.
Counter these thoughts by asking: “What makes me perceive this person as superior? Are all aspects of their life as perfect as they seem?”
Additionally, individuals can take precautions against this comparison. For example, limiting time spent on social media, where people often showcase idealised versions of themselves, can be beneficial. It is also helpful to regularly acknowledge and appreciate your daily blessings, such as saying: "Thank God, I am successful," "My house is tidy," "I have reliable transportation for work,"and other uplifting affirmations.
Celebrating small achievements, like conquering a challenging task at work or excelling in a university term, can also significantly boost self-confidence and contribute positively to this journey.
Some people tend to apologise excessively for minor incidents, like sneezing in public or accidentally bumping into others, often overdoing it to the point where others might perceive them as having committed a serious offence. This behaviour stems from low self-confidence, affecting their respect and trustworthiness in others’ eyes.
In this regard, a 2013 study published by the European Journal of Social Psychology found that individuals who avoid regretting every aspect of their lives, whether minor or major, possess higher levels of self-confidence and self-respect.
Tip: assess whether it is necessary to say "I am sorry" or "I apologise" to others. If it is not warranted, avoid saying these words as it can create a negative impression. Instead, opt for expressions like " Thanks for waiting" rather than apologising for being two minutes late and providing explanations.
Prioritising others' needs above one's own, failing to set boundaries, allowing interference in minor and major matters, or favouring others wishes over personal desires or time can indicate self-doubt. Confident people recognize boundaries and ensure they do not place themselves at the bottom of the list.
One should cultivate an aura of love and trust, prioritising self-care by engaging in hobbies and activities that express themselves or desires. It is also important to surround oneself with loving people rather than those seeking to exploit them.
Furthermore, mastering the art of saying no is significant in establishing boundaries. When someone is unwilling to fulfil a request, they can decline firmly yet kindly. For those lacking this skill, developing it can be aided by resources like Susan Newman's well-known book The Book of No.
One last tip: everyone encounters difficult phases in life and experiences moments of low self-esteem. However, because confidence is essential for both success and happiness, it is vital to continuously work on building and boosting it, and never give up or quit.
[1] zencare.co, 9 Signs of Low Self-Esteem & 10 Ways to Build Confidence
[2] lifehack.org, 10 Signs of Low Self-Esteem And How To Gain Confidence
[3] mind.org.uk, Self-esteem
[4] verywellmind.com, The Toxic Effects of Negative Self-Talk
[5] sychcentral.com, Tips to Soothe Your Worries of What Others Think of You
For an optimal experience, please
rotate your device to portrait mode.
