What Is Self-Confidence?
Self-efficacy and self-esteem are the two main things that contribute to how much self-confidence we feel.
We feel a sense of self-efficacy when we see ourselves mastering skills and achieving goals that matter to us. This increases our feeling of confidence, knowing that if we learn well and work hard in a particular area, we will succeed. This type of confidence allows us to accept difficult challenges, and to keep trying and moving forward in the face of setbacks.
Self-esteem is a more general sense that we can cope with what's going on in our lives and that we have a right to be happy. Some of our self-esteem comes from feeling that the people around us approve of us and what we are doing. A larger portion of our self-esteem comes from the sense that we are doing the right thing, that we are competent at what we do, and that we can be successful when we put our minds to it.
Building Self Confidence
Take a moment and think about a time when you felt very confident, and be specific. What were you feeling in those moments? Where in your body did you feel those feelings? What did you feel like after, and how did you react to those situations?
Close your eyes and imagine this confident you standing in front of a full length mirror. Notice what you are wearing, how your hair is styled, your posture, your tone of voice, and how you are interacting with other people. Now imagine that you can hear this future version of you talk about how wonderful your life is - in detail - now that you have made the changes you want to make.
This exercise creates a sort of blueprint for your success, because anything we can imagine, we can make a reality. Think about that for a moment. If you are imagining something that makes you feel afraid or anxious, then you begin to feel the tightness in your chest, or the butterflies in your stomach. And if you think about something that brings you joy, you smile and feel lighter, and you may even shed a few tears. You created that physical response, that reality just with your thoughts. Remember, you are what you say you are!
Finally, it’s time to change your inner dialogue. Most people have heard of using affirmations to train themselves to think good and positive thoughts. People use them because they work! Try this simple exercise. Just before sleep each night for a week, sit on the edge of your bed and take three deep breaths. Repeat this phrase ten times: “Every day in every way I am better and better.” As you repeat the phrase, step into that confident you in the mirror, and allow yourself to experience all the ways your success is benefitting you.
Managing Your Mind
With each new goal, continue to visualize your success. Make a mental image of yourself already enjoying that success. Keep celebrating your accomplishments and enjoying success.
You are well into your journey of creating positive changes now, and with each new experience you are building your foundation of self-confidence. Keep practicing and you'll find your self-confidence growing right along with you.
This sets a roadmap for your subconscious mind, who will take that map and set in motion the internal changes that need to happen to make that success your reality. Keep looking for the positive changes that are happening to you.
The Role of Hypnosis
Whether you use self-hypnosis techniques or work with a professional hypnotist, you can learn to reprogram your inner dialogue, improve your concentration, and lower your stress in just a few sessions. Hypnosis is like the owner’s manual for your mind, allowing you to easily and permanently create positive changes to habits and behaviors.🍥
Karen Gray is a Certified Hypnotist, Registered Nurse, and Director of Green Mountain Hypnosis.
To learn how you can use hypnosis to change your life, Schedule your free Strategy Call today.