Everyone loves reassurance, whether it’s in relationships, the workplace or just in everyday life. Hearing other people’s confidence in your own abilities gives a good feeling and can lift up your spirits. What’s more helpful, however, is learning to reassure yourself in times of stress.
Recently I had a friend reach out to me for reassurance on a task she had to do. Of course, I was more than happy to give her the pep talk she needed. She did great as she always does, but it got me thinking. Even if I hadn’t been there to reassure her, she still would’ve done great. There are times we may think we can’t do something or won’t perform at our best. In those moments, words of affirmation from others may help, but the biggest help comes from within. From learning to channel your own confidence in a way that gives yourself reassurance from a place much deeper than anyone else can give. I, too, go looking for reassurance from my friends and family before I take on the task at hand, but what happens when I’m in a situation where I can’t go to them right away? I’ve been learning my mind and my reactions to these situations and have been able to conjure up my own form of mental reassurance that calms my nerves and keeps my confidence up. The tricky part with this is that everyone’s mind is different, so learning how to control it in such a way takes effort. Active thinking and reflection in moments where you may lack confidence can bring solutions you may not have realized before. Keep your mind tuned in to the things happening to you and around you. Learn from others what you may need to work on. Find ways to reassure yourself in times of doubt, and pass this onto the people around you. Building your own confidence often comes from building up your peers’. Give reassurance to others when needed, but don’t forget to give yourself the same treatment.