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I’m no stranger to off days, and I’m sure most of you aren’t either. With the chaos that life always manages to bring our way, it happens. We have to shrug it off and keep going, but sometimes, it feels really difficult. Personally, this is something I’m still working on. It’s so much easier to focus on the negative things about yourself as opposed to holding onto the positive things.

With people, things, and society constantly telling us what we should look like, what we should buy, what we should eat, what we should do…we never end up feeling good enough. But when we’re honest with ourselves, do mainstream trends actually convey who we are as individuals? No–duh. But that’s the point. It’s easy to feel pressed about how you come across/look like to others. I’d like to share some of the things that I’ve learned on how to feel more confident (in general), but especially on the worst of days.

Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy

  1. Smile: it makes you seem brighter, happier, and approachable. I don’t care if R.B.S. prevents wrinkles. Smiling has a feel-good ripple effect.
  2. Stand up straight: you’ll feel better and more alert. Pulling your shoulders back will help you look taller, slimmer, and will make you feel ready to take on your next task.
  3. Laugh at yourself: bottom line…stop taking yourself so seriously. If you mess up, embarrass yourself, say something not-so-smart; LAUGH. It’s okay. Everyone has those moments, and it’s so much easier to move on when you can find the humor in the situation.
  4. Take a compliment: even if you feel uncomfortable, if you aren’t used to them, or don’t know how to respond, just say thank you! It’s even better when you can reciprocate a compliment back.
  5. Do, wear, try anything that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful: and I mean try it all! This is the easiest way to “fake it till you make it”. It’s basically a little extra boost of confidence. It could be makeup or perfume or a nice outfit. Whatever makes you feel most like you.

The more often you can practice these small things, you’ll eventually notice a difference. It won’t be an overnight confidence boost, 0 to 100, type of thing. Confidence in yourself and your place in the world develops over time, but you’re responsible for starting the ripple effect.

Just know that no one and nothing is judging you as hard as your judging yourself. Always remember to be kind to yourself!

Written by GUADS staff member Toni