Strategies to Build Confidence Amidst Hardships

Good morning everyone, I hope all is well wherever you are. Life here is a bit busy and complex. Trying to stay a float while remaining positive has its challenges and so today’s blog I wanted to share some encouragement with anyone who may be struggling with self doubt. So garb something yummy to drink and lets get into todays conversation.

Life isn’t always a smooth ride. Sometimes, it feels like a relentless obstacle course, throwing curveballs and testing our resilience. And when those difficult circumstances pile up, self-doubt can creep in, whispering insidious lies that erode our confidence and hold us back.

“You’re not good enough.” “You’ll never make it.” “Why even try?”

These are the insidious voices of self-doubt, amplified by hardship. I really believe that when we go through hardships we have to stay so focus on the Lord. As soon as you feel low you have to make room for the drink. Which means take a quick moment and breath in His breath (drink from Jesus). Now, concerning those self doubting voices here’s the truth: you are stronger than those whispers. You have the power to overcome self-doubt, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Understanding the Roots of Doubt in Difficult Times:

Difficult circumstances, whether they’re financial struggles, relationship breakdowns, health issues, or career setbacks, often trigger a cascade of negative emotions. We might feel overwhelmed, insecure, and vulnerable. I know with me, I can start to feel anxious and sad. I even start to think about what I could have done better to avoid my current situation. These feelings, when left unchecked, can fuel self-doubt.

• Loss of Control: When life feels chaotic, we may feel like we’ve lost control. This can lead to questioning our abilities and decisions.
• Increased Stress: Stress hormones can impair our cognitive function, making it harder to think clear and positive.
• Social Comparison: When we’re struggling, we may compare ourselves to others who seem to have it all together, exacerbating our feelings of inadequacy.
• Past Experiences: Previous failures or negative experiences can resurface, reinforcing negative self-beliefs.

Strategies for Building Resilience and Bashing Self-Doubt:

While overcoming self-doubt isn’t an overnight fix, these strategies can help you navigate challenging times and reclaim your confidence:

1. Intimacy with Jesus
   • Everyday spend time with the King
   • Learn to quiet yourself and wait on the Lord until you feel yourself being filled with His Spirt
   • And cast your cares on the Lord.
2. Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings:
   • Don’t try to suppress your emotions. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, scared, or frustrated.
   • Acknowledge that your feelings are valid responses to difficult circumstances.
   • Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing your emotions.
3. Challenge Negative Thoughts:
   • Become aware of the negative self-talk that fuels your self-doubt.
   • Ask yourself: “Is this thought based on facts or just assumptions?” “What evidence do I have to support this thought?”
   • Reframe negative thoughts into more positive and realistic ones. For example, instead of “I’m a failure,” try “I’m facing a challenge, but I’m learning and growing.”
4. Focus on Small Wins:
   • When you’re overwhelmed, break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
   • Celebrate every small victory, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
   • Focusing on your progress, however small, can build momentum and boost your confidence.
5. Practice Self-Compassion:
   • Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend who’s struggling.
   • Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and experiences setbacks.
   • Avoid harsh self-criticism and focus on learning from your experiences.
6. Build a Support System:
   • Connect with supportive friends, family members, or mentors who can offer encouragement and perspective.
   • Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
   • Sometimes, simply talking about your struggles can alleviate feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
7. Focus on What You Can Control:
   • In difficult times, many factors are outside of our control. Focus your energy on what you can influence.
   • This could be your mindset, your daily habits, or your actions.
   • Taking action, even small steps, can restore a sense of agency and control.
8. Cultivate Gratitude:
   • Even in the midst of hardship, there are always things to be grateful for.
   • Practice gratitude daily by reflecting on the positive aspects of your life.
   • Gratitude can shift your focus from negativity to positivity, reducing feelings of self-doubt.
9. Seek Professional Help:
   • If self-doubt is significantly impacting your life, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.
   • A therapist can provide you with tools and strategies to manage your self-doubt and build resilience. I’m not an advocate for taking medication but I do believe sharing your issues can be helpful.

Remember:

• Overcoming self-doubt is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress.
• Difficult circumstances don’t define you. Your resilience and ability to overcome challenges do.
• You are stronger than you think. Believe in yourself, and keep moving forward.

By implementing these strategies, you can navigate difficult circumstances with greater confidence and emerge stronger than ever before. So until next time have an amazing day!

-Kenya