On one of our yoga retreats we talked about our goals/desires for the future. I expressed that I do have lofty “out there” goals but I don’t believe enough in me to apply myself to reach them. That little voice in my head starts talking. The one that says: I’m not good enough! Who do I think I am to think that I can achieve that? That’s what other people do, you’re not strong, committed or dedicated enough. You’re not pretty. You’re too fat/thin/short/old. When it comes down to it I lack confidence in myself. Now, it’s time to turn that sh!t around and start building confidence. So, I was pretty stoked to get my hands on a free copy of the e-book “How to be Confident – The 60 day guidebook to better confidence and self-esteem” by Spear Rhett. Just in time for my Hawaii vacation reading too!
The spark of building confidence
My journey to confidence started in October 2017. I had spent the better part of 3 years not being happy with my job as a personal trainer. Not loving the “workoutwithdi” branding that I’d built for myself (website, social media, youtube channel). Why? Because it wasn’t who I was anymore. My passion had shifted. I guess in website terms they call it “niching down”. I no longer wanted to be workout with Di, because I was struggling to align my actions with my values. When my friend Michelle suggested I use my name for my website. I balked. Horrified. Sure, I already owned the domain. But… that meant not hiding anymore. Being Di Hickman and having my name up there for all to see means people would actually have to get to know me. The real me. And yet, here we are.
Unhelpful advice
Ever been self conscious and a well meaning friend tells you “just stop caring what people think”? Yeah, that’s not helpful. Now I think you’re judging me too. So I stop telling you how I feel. I have always been an introvert but in school even moreso. Add in hormones and the usual cliques teenage years are a nightmare. Things get better as you get older but those wounds stay there. A particular one of mine was a nick-name ONE BOY gave me: Betty Beetroot. Sounds harmless enough. But when you already turn beet-red at the THOUGHT of reading aloud, someone calling you “betty beetroot” doesn’t help at all. Thankfully the name didn’t stick because I refused to rise to the bait. I had some self- worth. Just not a lot.
Better with age
There have been numerous times in life when I felt unheard, invisible, and uncomfortable. But too self conscious to speak up. Why? Because I’m ALWAYS afraid of what others will think. Things did get better as I got older. Now my brain is usually in a constant battle between ‘shut up, don’t say anything, they’ll judge you’, and “they’ll judge me anyway! So what?”. How do I get the latter to win? By self-study. During my last year in yoga teacher training I learned many of roadblocks to my goals, dreams and desires were from lack of confidence.
How to be Confident?
When I got the “How to be Confident” book I immediately downloaded it to my iPad as I knew I’d be on vacation soon and it’d be a great read for the lazy afternoons, and plane journey. The author Spear Rhett an alternative healer, and teacher originally from New York write well. Her self proclaimed mission share practical tools create a coherent, fruitful, and meaningful life. Your best life ever! Serendipitous. I’m in!!!
60 day guidebook to better confidence and self-esteem
Rhett wastes no time and jumps straight into the WHY. “What is your motivation for building confidence?”. Oh boy. In each chapter has a series of questions to answer, observe, and take action on. The whole 60 day program covers journaling, posture, healing shame, body opening, risk exercises, and implementing the practices towards a short term goal. One of my a-ha moments from the book was in chapter four. In this chapter were the words that hit me like a brick.
Caring about what others think, is giving your power away
Chapter four was a tough one for me. Accepting who I am flaws and all. Because accepting and loving who you are, gives you power. In chapter five I’m pretty sure Rhett drew out all the “play it safe” lines from my brain because I related to every single one. Taking risks is a huge NO for me. I prefer to play things safe, because then I can’t be wrong or fail. Taking my RYT and giving a presentation was a risk. Heck writing most of this blog post is a risk. Moving forward I have to get out of my comfort zone, and take risks.
Confidence = Self Care
For the longest time I’ve put myself low on the totem pole. I don’t spend quality time (let alone money) on myself. Everything else would come first, despite me telling clients to put themselves first. Thanks to the book I’m seeing a correlation between self-care and building confidence. Since reading the book I’ve signed up for a wellness program at a local massage parlor and have monthly massages. I gave myself a pedicure (baby steps). Plus I am fully embracing the #mefirst movement, putting MY needs and wants before that of clients and classes (boundaries).
Moving forward
Although I’m still working through the book it’s helping me realize I need to be ME. Unapologetically. I need to love myself. Unapologetically, warts and all. I need to stop caring what others think because it gives MY power away. I let that happen, not them. As I near the end of my 60 days I’m at the setting goals phase. As I look through my list of short and long-term goals. I chose one for immediate action steps. Something I’ve been promising my yoga class members for a while. YouTube videos and blog posts.
Accountability: Moving forward expect 3 blog posts and YouTube videos a week. Monday – Meatless Monday; Wednesday – Yoga related; Friday – wildcard. I may do more, but not less! I’ve got an editorial calendar, a plan, and I’m fired up to work through the final 19 days of this building confidence program. If you wanted to buy the book use the code: LUCKYDAY for 50% off.
Questions
Do you have confidence or self-esteem issues?
What is your biggest dream?
What are your tips for building confidence?
Spear Rhett
I’m so happy to contribute this book to you all! Thanks for getting this labor of love.
-Author of How to Be Confident: 60 Day Guidebook for Better Confidence and Self Esteem
Ananda
this book sounds wonderful! i totally want to get out of my comfort zone, and take more risks in life!
Di Hickman
yep risks for both of us!
Kristyn Medriano
At times I do have confidence and self-esteem issues. I think it’s just my mind playing tricks on me but I try to look at the positive. Blogging has actually given me some confidence back. My biggest dream right now is to be debt-free and enjoy life without stresses. The most important thing to remember to help build confidence is to love and believe in yourself.
Di Hickman
Ah then I’m living your life! Debt free, stress free. Working on myself.
Angela Tolsma
Confidence equals self care. This line is so important to me as I can’t function how I want if I don’t practice self care. I’ve a dream about doing yoga photography and one day I’ll get there. Good luck on your journey too!
Di Hickman
Yep, that was a big one for me! As the ad says “…because I’m worth it”
Joline
I think self confidence really is a journey. And I think it’s worse when you’re younger. I do notice that as I get older I care less and less about what other people think. And I’m more comfortable in my own skin more then ever before.
Di Hickman
I agree to an extent. I’m definitely more confident now than in my 20’s… but there is still LOTS of room for self growth.
jillian
I love that quote. “Caring what others think gives your power away.” Isn’t that just so true?
Di Hickman
Right?! So, darn true!
Dreammerin
It looks like an interesting book to read! Thanks so much for that recommendation! Nice 😉
Di Hickman
it really was helpful!
Kayla
I love your take on confidence. It is something many of us are lacking. Thank you for your perspective and encouragement.
Di Hickman
thank you!
Melanie
This is a great idea. I could do with this book and a yoga retreat to get me refocused x
Di Hickman
I’m actually finding the book has made me journal more, which in turn has really helped my focus. Try it!
Holly
You have such a great perspective. Love this. Thank you for the encouraging words….it really made me think.
Di Hickman
Thanks!
Stephanie
While it may be hard, taking a public speaking course encourages you to be confident. It also is one many people’s lists to fight their fears of speaking in public. It is sometimes hard to be confident and I love your advice!
Di Hickman
Yes, I think this might be something I explore in the fall!
Rachel
I have never heard of this book before but it seems amazing. I am going to recommend it to some friends. Maybe do a little book club with it.
Di Hickman
Yes would be great for a book club!
Marjie Mare
We all have that little voice telling us that we are not good enough. Being confident in ourselves is a process and I am grateful you found that ebook and share with us. I will get my copy. Thanks.
Di Hickman
Definitely a process for sure! Scary one too 😉
cait
this is so great and def helpful in building confidence over 60 days. we all need to just be confident in ourselves like you said 🙂
Di Hickman
Yes, just being able to say “I’m worthy of all good things that come my way!”
Patricia Chamberlain
I had not heard of this book before, but now I will be getting a copy! I really struggle with self confidence and I think this book would be a great addition to my home library.
Di Hickman
It’s definitely helped me work through some confidence issues