Being Confident

By Varshini Srinivasan

Wasted potential is a terrible thing. More often than not, we tend to back away from great opportunities simply because we want to think we're either not ready or not good enough for it. Many people who are successful in life don't wait until their talent matches their expectations but instead go grab the opportunity, improving en route. The difference between the two is the amount of reliance on oneself.

Also known as confidence.

We'll tackle a few practical steps that you can start implementing right after you're done with this article.

Worse Case Scenario

Whenever you feel stuck, frozen in place with overwhelming fear. Overthinking all the things that would make you a laughing stock, Stop. Just pause for a moment and think of the worst thing that can happen if things go south. Once you've got that, ask yourself this: Will it matter in a week? A month? A year? After ten years? Chances are, it won't. So don't fret about it too much and just be in the moment.

For example, if I am to present something in front of a crowd, the worst-case scenario might be me tripping on the stage. Or off it. People will laugh and talk about it for sometime but eventually down the line, I'll tell that story to someone else one day and laugh at it.

Visualize

Visualization is one of the most powerful there is to nail your confidence. However, visualize not on the outcome but the process. If you're going to debate, visualize what you will be saying and the possible questions you might get rather than visualizing your victory. The latter would make you put too much expectation on winning, that when not achieved might chip away a bit of your confidence.

Launch into it.

The more you think about it, the more daunting the event or scenario is going to seem. You're going to want to put it off, trying your best not to face it. Face so many people or face the opportunity head on. But remember this, if you're going to a new school, college - You are as much new to them as they are to you. That is, If you feel intimidated or nervous to meet or socialize with a new bunch of people it's highly likely they are too. But they're just better at concealing that.

Fake it till you make it.

It's not going to be rainbows and cupcakes right after one successful event. Confidence is a slow process, which will test your patience. So even when you're low on 'confidence battery', act as if it's not and you'll soon find it burning bright in you.

So, just put on your brightest smile, your very own superhero stance and walk with your head held high.