10 Ways to Increase Your Inner Strength and Confidence

What is it about being broke that makes us want to break inside? What is it about feeling powerless that leads us to powerlessness?

We may have become our own worst enemies, our barriers. We end up sabotaging ourselves because the doubt, fear, and vulnerability cause such profound pain. Maybe we are afraid of what others might say or do if they know the truth. Perhaps we’re worried about what that voice in the back of our minds will tell us and how rough self-criticism can be.

Whatever the reason, we all suffer from having a “poor me” attitude sometimes. Many of us excuse that our circumstances are weak because we’re not used to having less. We don’t know how to handle it and feel helpless. “No one will help me,” is a frequent thought.

Even when we’re blessed with a pile of resources, it can be hard to accept. We may become obsessed with what we have and forget to be grateful. We think that our lives will finally be perfect if we make more money, another job promotion, or find the right mate. Or maybe we’ve been dealt a bad hand and are making excuses in our heads for why we haven’t gotten ahead.

The thing is, you can’t always tell how strong you are when you’re standing in your way. To get past these imagined obstacles and reach your true potential, you have to increase your inner strength. It would help if you had some tips (and a little wisdom) to help combat the inner critic that can beat you up more than anyone else ever could.

Here are ten ways to increase your inner strength and confidence:

1. Look beyond yourself.

“My lack of income is not a problem because I can fix it.” But honestly, what is the source of our pain? Why are we so determined to keep ourselves stuck? To overcome our obstacles, we have to start with a clear understanding of why we are suffering. It’s time to take off the blinders and let go of self-pity!

2. Start measuring your progress.

One way to feel more confident is to track your progress. You can use a spreadsheet, one of those fancy online programs, or write down your biggest wins.

It’s also important to keep track of your weaknesses. Don’t go through life feeling like you’ve “been there, done that.” It’s essential to be aware of where you may need more work. In other words, don’t forget to honor your progress!

3. Take action.

One of the quickest ways to lose confidence is by taking forever-justifying actions. Sit on the couch and wait for the perfect opportunity to come along. That might never happen!

If waiting has become a habit, it’s time to start taking action. You may not get it right the first time, but you can learn from every mistake along the way. Remember to laugh at yourself for stumbling too. You’re human! Focus on your big wins and use them as a stepping stone for future endeavors.

4. Listen to your inner voice.

When we talk about our inner voice, we’re not just referring to what we think. We’re talking about how certain events make us feel. There are lots of things that can influence your mood. As a result, it’s easy to lose touch with who you are as a human being. It’s time to start listening.

Your inner voice will address the fears and doubts that might be hindering you from reaching your goals. Whatever you are thinking or feeling, it’s essential to be in touch with the source.

5. Understand your core values.

No matter what happens, take time to think about what motivates you. You may not be able to change your circumstances right now, but you can change how you react to them! The way you handle situations can make all the difference in the world.

6. Find a role model.

One of the best ways to boost your confidence is to find other people who are succeeding at what you want to do. It’s essential to find someone who has had similar experiences and is doing well now. The only thing that will hurt is if you believe that you can never achieve what they have! Remember, everyone has a different lesson to learn.

7. Pay attention to the small details.

Dwelling on the past will keep us stuck in our misery. Even if you don’t like where you are, keep your mind on the present. What is happening right now? What do you need to do to move forward?

How can you turn bad into good?

Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. If things don’t go as planned, be ready and willing for what the next chapter will bring! Everyone has a path to follow, and it’s okay if yours seems different from everyone else’s.

8. Be an eternal optimist.

Who wants to hang around with that negative Nancy? It’s important to remember that the glass is half full. No matter how awful a situation may seem, there’s always room for growth and improvement!

9. Become compassionate with yourself.

We all make mistakes, but we’re human! It’s essential to be compassionate towards yourself in times of struggle or difficulty.

If you’re too hard on yourself, you’ll lose sight of your inner strengths and talents. Take some time to look within. What do you have to offer the world? There is always something unique that makes us special and different from everyone else. We can’t expect ourselves to be exactly like them!

10. End the pity party.

We’ve all been there, but we can’t go on feeling sorry for ourselves. Accept that everything happens for a reason. If you’re having a tough time, remember that the sooner you move forward, the sooner your life becomes easier!

To live the life we want is one of life’s biggest challenges. Some days when the struggle to keep going could be overwhelming. We have a tendency to stereotype what life should look like or how it should be lived, but when we inevitably come up short on expectations and goals, we feel worthless. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative voice that tells us that we’ll never be enough, regardless of time, energy, and money. It’s easy to see failure as a reflection of yourself, rather than the result of a series of choices. Look at failures as a result of a choice. This then means you can make another choice.

Focus on what matters most.  Keep an open mind and always remember that everything happens for a reason. Just be strong, hold on, back up, pause but keep moving forward.