Since we were little girls, the world has been chipping away at our self-esteem and confidence through institutional and societal racism and sexism. Even if you grew up in a loving and encouraging environment, constraints are still put on Black women concerning who we can be, what we can do, and how we can look. When we let other’s opinions and thoughts shape our own belief in ourselves then it tears down our self-esteem. In this erosion, we can adopt limited beliefs and a scarcity mindset. This can limit the opportunities we seek and how we approach and achieve goals. It’s time to take back our confidence. Step assuredly in our journey and keep pushing toward our goals.
Understanding the Foundation of Confidence
Confidence is more than just a state of mind; it’s a reflection of self-assurance, belief in one’s abilities, and a deep understanding of one’s worth. Building a confident mindset requires a combination of self-reflection, positive habits, and a commitment to personal growth.
The first step in building confidence is a belief that you are inherently worthy of success and happiness. Black women have been conveyed the message that our worth and value are confined to serving others through the labor of our bodies. Despite our ingenuity and resourcefulness paving the way for a broader perspective, we have often been overlooked beyond this limited role. Thus providing few opportunities for us to expand beyond that. However, it’s important to recognize and grasp hold to the fact that our worth is not determined by external validation but is an intrinsic part of our being. We are born worthy of every good thing! No one person or systemic entity has the power to take it away. As we internalize this truth, we’ll find the strength to pursue our goals with a newfound sense of purpose and confidence.
Affirmation 1: I am worthy of success and happiness.
Russ Harris, the author of “The Confidence Gap,” delineates a four-step confidence cycle in his book. This cycle involves practicing skills, applying them effectively, assessing the results, and modifying as needed. Harris emphasizes that the primary reason many individuals don’t complete the full cycle is that, after evaluating the results and finding the goal unmet, they tend to give up instead of making necessary modifications.
In Harris’s perspective, building confidence isn’t about achieving perfection; rather, it’s a continuous process through the cycle. As we set goals and put them into action, setbacks, and obstacles are inevitable. The key to building resiliency in confidence lies in overcoming these obstacles and disappointments. Adopting a confident mindset entails daring to move past challenges when encountered.
Affirmation 2: I trust in my resilience to overcome challenges.
Building confidence involves trusting in our ability to navigate challenges. Repeat this affirmation during moments of uncertainty and disappointment, reminding yourself of the resilience that resides within you. Challenges are not roadblocks but growth opportunities. Embrace them with the understanding that each hurdle conquered adds another layer to your unyielding strength and confidence.
Lastly, the key to building confidence is through discipline. Staying committed and disciplined must be our main objective of building confidence. Building discipline is extremely difficult but self-accountability and discipline require us to push past the things that may be unpleasant to achieve our goal. Let’s not sabotage ourselves in this part of our journey.
Affirmation 3: I know discipline builds confidence and I am committed to ensuring my success by fully embracing and honoring every step of my journey.
Building a confident mindset is an ongoing process rooted in self-love, awareness, and positive habits. Through self-reflection and the incorporation of empowering affirmations, we can cultivate a resilient mindset that serves as a guiding force in navigating life’s journey. Remember, confidence is not a destination but a continuous evolution, and every step taken in its pursuit is a testament to our inner strength and empowerment.