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Harvard Health Publishing shares that self-confidence follows a bell curve, gradually rising as we age, peaking around 60, and then starting to decline. This comprehensive study of self-confidence spans a lifetime, although the fluctuations are noticeable at various stages. For instance, confidence may drop after facing failure in school or work, or the loss of a loved one. So, how do you regain confidence when feeling stuck? Here’s a routine to help you bounce back and rebuild that lost confidence.
Establish a Morning Routine
Starting your day with a dedicated morning routine focused on self-care offers numerous health benefits, including boosting productivity and energy levels while reducing stress. Increased productivity and lower stress can, in turn, enhance self-confidence. Moreover, prioritizing your mental and physical well-being helps foster positive thinking, which can elevate your self-esteem.
A morning routine can be anything that suits you, as long as it's a regular habit. You can start small by making your bed, following a skincare regimen, or practicing meditation. Whatever you choose, ensure that you give yourself enough time so you don’t feel rushed while preparing for the day ahead.
Pick Your Affirmations
Before diving into the day’s tasks, you can enhance your healthy habits by incorporating mental exercises that improve self-esteem and brain function. These small, consistent tasks can gradually create a positive pattern. Daily affirmations are a great starting point. Healthline published a list of The Best Motivation Apps of 2020, which offer apps with daily affirmations or activities tailored to your personality and lifestyle. Focus on building consistency with these exercises to create lasting improvements in your mood.
Master Positive Speech
When I feel particularly inadequate, it's difficult to shift from negative thoughts to positive ones. However, replacing negative thoughts is key to overcoming a drop in confidence. VeryWell Mind offers some alternative phrases to use when you're feeling down:
Instead of telling yourself “I can't handle this” or “This is impossible,” try telling yourself “I can handle it” or “I just need to try my best.”
Instead of thinking “I can do nothing right” when you make a mistake, remind yourself “I can improve next time” or “At least I’ve learned something valuable.”
Instead of saying you “hate” public speaking, try saying “I don’t enjoy it” and remember that “everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.”
Start a Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is a place where you can record things you're thankful for, typically on a daily or weekly basis. As you get into the habit of writing about your gratitude, your brain will naturally become more adept at identifying positive moments throughout your day. As Robert A. Emmons, PhD, shared with Greater Good Magazine, “Go for depth over breadth. Focusing in detail on a particular thing you’re grateful for has more benefits than simply listing many things.” The more you focus on gratitude, the more likely you'll regain confidence in the good things in your life—and in your ability to deserve them.
