Combating Anxiety → Stabilizing Confidence:
[Part 2] Anxiety and confidence prompt.
In what ways do you work on your self-confidence while being aware of your anxiety?
Acknowledge your anxiety. Challenge yourself:
“Confidence isn’t a lack of fear but a belief that you can tackle the unknown, not perfectly, but still breathing, which is all that matters. I try to be honest with people about where I’m at, what I do and don’t know, and where I want to get.” — Tara ( ) ( )
“Challenge yourself to do the very things you wish to do, but are afraid of or feel you cannot. Also, biofeedback and knowing firsthand that you cannot always change a situation — but you can change your reaction to how you feel about it.” — Denise M. Granito (Chicago, IL)
“I worked up my self-confidence by speaking up even if it didn’t sound smart in my mind. You would be surprised how many people actually think your ideas are worth listening to. Now, even when anxiety comes knocking on my door, fighting me, screaming in my head not to speak, I push back and fight it.” — Anonymous
“Owning my anxiety every day. By explaining the difference between anxiety and laziness, I make clear I will not accept my anxiety attacks being cast aside as an excuse.” — Liz Bajjalieh ( )
“I work on my self-confidence by taking time to acknowledge my accomplishments, my potential, AND my anxiety. When I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder I was constantly told by friends that I just had to relax or to “let it go.” I became ashamed of my disorder which in turn just created more self-doubt. I try to spend more time learning how to own my anxiety but not let it get in the way of opportunities.” — Melissa Vazquez (Chicago, IL)
“Sometimes in order for me to overcome my fear, I have to put myself in uncomfortable situations. This isn’t easy, and requires consistent effort but it has helped me gain more confidence in myself over the years.” — Treasure Pascal (Chicago, IL)
In times of uncertainty, remind yourself of what you already know:
“I acknowledge the anxiety while re-purposing my confidence. I start to think, “what do I know?” The answer to that question is where I find my confidence. I now have a starting point, meaning room for growth. I know I have the ability to progress, so my anxiety lessens, creating a way for me to think clearer and problem solve. This is a really long way of saying I reduce the issue until it’s manageable and then work from there.” — Janay Moore (Chicago, IL)
“Stick to what you know, believe, and are comfortable with. Learned response work’s best for me, so I can conform. What works for some necessarily does not work for others.” — Denise M. Granito (Chicago, IL)
Consciously transform your thoughts:
“I’ve learned to understand the two — confidence and achievement — as non-mutually exclusive. They are not dependent on one another. When the anxiety of failure or incorrectness makes it way to the forefront, I consciously (if I’m able to) try to transform my thoughts. — Janay Moore (Chicago, IL)
Realizing ‘it will pass’ helps you become more mindful:
“It is a simple thought, but I work through my anxiety by telling myself “everything you are feeling and experiencing in this moment will pass with time. Just know your future self is going to be okay.” — Mohammedi Khan (Chicago, IL)
Focus on what is important — for you:
“Life is hard enough when you’re not living two of them. Many of the most impressive people I’ve met tend do focus on their missions and block out the noise. The temptation to prove myself is still very much there but I try to focus on what I’ve accomplished and learned.” — Tara ( ) ( )
You don’t need to prove anything to anyone:
“My failures don’t define me. They are simply an inevitable part of the growth process. I do not think society/workplace/academia has truly embraced that yet considering GPAs, test scores, etc. We get caught up in all these instrumental things we can measure and lose sight of the small, but guiding intrinsic things.” — Cidney Robinson (Chicago, IL)
“You don’t need to prove yourself to try. It is just an unnecessary stressor. Proving yourself happens automatically when you work hard.” — Tara (last name) ( )
Know your triggers, limit them:
“Being aware of my anxiety, I’ve been able to work on my self-confidence through genuine self-love and care. Other people and outside substances can’t cure my anxiety or the depressive feelings that may come with it. The environment I surround myself will either be positive or negative to my mental health and that is important if I want to have a healthier self-image of myself. Which ultimately effects my work performance, how I interact with others, and how I am when I am alone.” — Anonymous
“No one can quantify or see with their eyes whether my anxiousness was lesser today will be greater tomorrow, except for me. So it’s my job to identify those things and be intentional and disciplined about repeating good things/good thoughts.” — Cidney Robinson (Chicago, IL)
“I am” statements are your truths. Believe in their magic:
“I am statements.” — Cidney Robinson (Chicago, IL)
“Mindfulness and positive affirmations. Knowing that the statements you are repeating in your head are your truths, and for only you to believe.” — Mohammedi Khan (Chicago, IL)
