Confession? I was a pretty insecure person most of my life. It’s been quite a journey for me to find myself, establish confidence and feel worthy to take up space. And it’s definitely an ongoing journey.
Truthfully, something just sort of clicked and I got totally fed up feeling weak and less-than.
As you know, I got hurled into a pretty scary career change at the start of last year. It’s been fun and exciting, sure. But it’s also been an experience that has given my self-doubt and insecurities super powers.
Recently, I noticed that I was making a lot of my decisions based on fear and doubt. But when I was journaling the other night, a mindset I relied on a lot last year came bubbling back up to the surface:
Nothing actually matters (in the best possible way) and no one cares that much (in the best possible way) so I might as well just live the life I want the way I want.
There are a number of things that have helped me along my journey over the years (some of which I discussed in a recent Youtube video), but that mindset always helps to untether my limitations.
Quotes that will empower you to be and feel confident
A ship is safe at harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. – John A. Shedd
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” – Nelson Mandela
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie
This goes along nicely with what I always say: confidence comes from doing. I never once considered this concept until I actually started pursuing the things I wanted to do and realized like “whoa, wait…I’m getting this!” Something that really unlocked that feeling for me was when I started doing the C25K program back in 2014. I was the most inactive person on the planet at that time. So to actually be able to run, even a short distance, was so empowering!
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius
“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because its trust is not on the branch but on its own wings.”
– Charlie Wardle
I didn’t realize how true this quote could be until my layoff last year. I didn’t know I could trust my wings, but the wings definitely took over without a second thought when the branch broke. I think the thing that really helped me in the midst of that experience was my faith. I made a practice of reading the bible years ago (I need to get back into it), but there are a number of bible verses to help you fight fear, and the more familiar you are with the word, the more ingrained it becomes in you. And I swear that’s what held my foundation together when my knees got swept out from beneath me.
“Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and start being excited about what could go right.”
– Tony Robbins
I used to brag about being a champion worrier. What a horrible thing to be so proud of. I’m a pretty optimistic person, but I also have anxiety that drives me to think through every worst case scenario. Only recently have I started to really let myself dream about how well everything could work out. And you know what? I’ve already seen a difference in the experience I’m having just based on that shift alone.
“Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.”
– Kyle Freedman
I talk about Brené Brown’s 1 inch square piece of paper in this Youtube video.
“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”
– Suzy Kassem
Can confirm.
“Limitations only live in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless” – Jamie Paolinetti
“You can have anything you want if you are willing to give up the belief that you can’t have it.” Dr. Robert Anthony
“If you think you can do a thing or you think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
I’ve heard this quote a million times. I’m sure you probably have, too. But do you know the story of Henry Ford? I only became familiar with it last summer and holy cow he means it, you guys. He means it and he lived it. If you don’t know his story, you should really check it out sometime. It’ll inspire the pants off of you.
“Anything is possible once you believe you are worthy of achieving it.” Jason Pockrandt
“A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms.”
— Zen Shin
“You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving yourself and see what happens.”
— Louise Hay
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
— Dolly Parton
This reminds me of the Avett Brother’s song Head full of doubt/Road full of Promise that says “decide what to be and go be it.” It seems so simple, huh?
It’s funny because I truly believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that you deserve to feel confident. That you deserve to take up space. That you are amazing and the world is a better place because you’re in it.
Now if only we could all collectively remember that all the time. 🤪
That’s it for me today, friend! Now go be the badass I know you are! Until next time! XOXO
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