Confidence is mostly built on our life choices and accomplishments. But let's admit it, it's not always easy to be confident in yourself, especially if you're naturally self-critical or if others bring you down.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to boost and maintain your self-confidence.
Here are seven things you can do to boost your self-confidence, according to social media influencer and professional radio DJ Show Suzuki.
Standing out isn't something one can do overnight. It's a process. And to stand out, Suzuki stressed the importance of creating a strong impression on other people.
"It is important to make yourself stand out, not to the point na may matatapakan ka (not to the point that you will step on other peoples’ shoes), pero kailangan mo talagang mag-create ng sarili mong strong identity (but you really need to create your own strong identity)," Suzuki explained.
What do you think your best traits are? Take pride in your own capabilities and skills. Show them proudly!
"Know how to highlight the best of your work and personality. Find ways to highlight the best parts of you, the best parts of your work," Suzuki said.
In job interviews, employers always start with "Tell me about yourself." This is your chance to highlight the skills and traits that make you a good fit for the job. Remember to emphasize your most impressive qualities and achievements.
Do you sometimes feel that your body isn't good enough? Is your wardrobe not trendy enough? Sometimes, these thoughts might make you feel like you aren't enough. While feeling insecure is hard, it's totally normal.
You don't have to compare yourself to other people, know that you are unique in your own way-- you are unparalleled.
"Insecurities, envy, it's hard to get rid of those emotions and sometimes it's natural. We naturally feel competitive and envious, and it's okay. Sometimes you have to accept it," Suzuki added.
"Use that to push yourself even further. Don't bring [others] down. I understand because sobrang competitive ng society natin at mahilig tayong magcompare-compare dito sa Pilipinas... (our society is very competitive and we like to compare ourselves to others here in the Philippines...) Always remember, mas lamang yung ibang tao in other ways at mas lamang ka rin in your own way (other people are better in other ways, just like you are also better in your own way). You have your own skillset din."
Project it anyway—even if you aren't feeling as confident as you should be!
"Do your best, have a standard for yourself, and then keep building on that... Fake it till you make it, and then you'll start to get used to it,” Suzuki stressed.
Mindset is the key. But this doesn't mean you need to fake your credentials to succeed. Instead, you consciously cultivate an attitude, feeling, or perception of abilities that you don't currently have by pretending you have them until they come true.
A voice inside your head may tell you you cannot accomplish your goals, and it’s not true!
Remember when you thought of quitting and still pushed through? Remember when you were afraid to fail and still triumphed? Don't count out your wins, big or small.
"Be kind to yourself, because we're humans. Even the best DJs, the best hosts, the best accountants, and the best doctors, unfortunately, make mistakes too. You have to be kind to yourself," Suzuki said.
"Pati mga (even) pageant queens make mistakes, they stutter, they buckle, it's okay. Ang pinaka-importante dun (but the most important thing) is not the mistake itself, it's how you recover from it."
Exercise and good sleeping habits help enhance memory retention, allow you to focus better, reduce stress, and improve your mental health.
"Exercise and get enough sleep. Don't underestimate the power of that. Lalo na ‘yung tulog kasi sobrang nakaka-affect talaga siya ng mental clarity mo and even your emotional state (Especially sleep because it really affects your mental clairity and even your emotional state). So take good care of yourself," the radio DJ said.
"It really starts there. If you don't take care of yourself, it's almost like feeling mo hindi ka deserve to be taken care of. That's why they say love yourself first."
Just like what they say, you only miss the shots you don't take.
"It's part of the process and you need to get used to it kasi sayang naman, sayang naman if you actually don't fail at something (It’s better to try and fail than to regret missed opportunities)," Suzuki continued.
"Get used to failing because you deserve to take every shot for yourself. You deserve to take every shot that comes your way."