Confidence issues tend to affect genders differently. Indeed, according to a study run by Cornell University, mean tend to overestimate their abilities and performance – professionally, socially, physically, etc. – while women generally underestimate both. While it doesn’t mean that men can’t struggle with low confidence, poor self-esteem consequences are more commonly found in women, both in their private and professional lives.
Regardless of your gender, however, it is crucial that you learn to identify and manage your confidence drops. The way forward is not to believe that you are not good enough at this or that, but indeed to address areas where you might feel less qualified or suitable. Failure to address confidence drops can have dramatic consequences on your mood, your mental health, your income, and your overall propensity to happiness.
Skills can be learned
According to data accumulated by Hewlett Packard, men are more likely to apply for a position even if they have only 60% of the required skills, while women don’t apply unless they have 100%. From a recruiter’s perspective, companies are happy to hire the right applicant even if they don’t have all the required skills. The bottom line is that skills can be learned at any point in your career. If you prefer to boost your CV before an application, you can take online classes – take a look at the Stem Squared’s software learning tool review if you don’t know where to start. You can gain professional confidence from improving your knowledge.
Don’t hate your body; change it instead
Body confidence is a crucial issue, especially for women as girls as young as 9-year-old embark on a dieting journey. Whether you dislike your body or feel exposed when you can’t fit in a size 0, you need to understand that dieting is not the key to managing your body issues. On the contrary, the right approach is not in depriving yourself, but in feeding your body wholesome and healthy meals. Getting rid of the addictive junk food and drinks and changing your habits to nourish your body effectively can dramatically improve your mood and energy levels. Finally, there’s nothing exercise can’t help your solve, including reclaiming your body but also your positive attitude.
Don’t hide behind excuses; you can control your thoughts
Your inner voice can push you to stay away from opportunities. Negative thinking can lead you to believe that you’re not worthy or that you can’t do this or that. There’s no secret around it. Learning to think positively takes time and effort. But you can actively stop yourself from criticizing your performance and regain your lost confidence.
Do something for you only
Last, but not least, most things in life are imposed on you. Consequently, it’s not uncommon to feel a stranger in your own life. Taking back control with simple decisions can boost your self-confidence. Sleeping more inhibits negative stimuli, for instance. Similarly, choosing to spend time outdoors, or with friends and relatives can also increase your happiness, and therefore make you feel in control.
Spend time outside to maximise happiness
A variety of factors triggers self-confidence troubles in your professional and private life. But by identifying those factors and eliminating them, you can rebuild your lost confidence, one step at a time. From learning new skills to laughing with your friends, the happy version of you is closer than you think.
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