Boost Your Own Confidence by Boosting Others

It is difficult to understate the importance of self-confidence in our lives. It can motivate us to try new things, allow us to feel secure in our authentic selves, and help with responses to stress and anxiety.

Confidence lags in each of us, from time to time. There are a number of things we can do to give ourselves a lift in the self-assurance department. We can remind ourselves of the things that make us feel strong, smart, and worthy. We can do our best to fill our lives with those people, songs, and ideas. We can adopt a posture of strength— backs straight, chins lifted— and fake it til we make it. We can prepare and surround ourselves with people who believe in us.

But my favorite thing to do when my confidence needs a little attention is to lift others in the very way that I need to be lifted, giving the very thing I need to those around me. This isn’t entirely altruistic— practicing generosity of spirit not only prioritizes one of the very things I value most, but it reminds me of ways to be kind to myself.

When we celebrate the wins of others, it is a gentle reminder to celebrate our own victories. When we acknowledge and share something that someone else is doing well, we can call to mind the areas in which we, too, are excelling. Becoming a sincere cheerleader for others can help us to cultivate confidence in ourselves.

By the way, you’re doing great.