Believe In Yourself

"I'm horrendous at reports". 

A seemingly meaningless message one night on a WhatsApp group chat but one that completely inspired this blog. It got me thinking. Why are we always so positive towards other people but so negative towards ourselves. You're thinking about it now aren't you? (don't lie to me). But it's true. Two people wearing exactly the same outfit. They look at each other. They both say "Wow you look amazing" or "You style that so much better than I do". It's just human instinct. Always looking for faults in ourselves. Always jealous of what other people have rather than appreciating what we have or what we can do. Everyone is different and unique. The world would be boring otherwise. Just remember to believe in yourself. If you don't, why should anyone else?

I believe there are three main ways that we can do this. The first of these is to nurture the positive views that we have worked so hard to accomplish. Think about what you have achieved and how you achieved it. Don't remember what didn't quite work out, but only what did work out. Always remember your successes in life. We all have failures, but these should not control who we are. These views will be supported by the people who love you and care about you. When we are feeling down in the dumps, these are the people who will pick us back and remind us of how special we are. Find a cause you believe in and are passionate about. Stride towards helping others to help that cause. We can be strong as individuals, but we can be unstoppable together. No matter how hard we work or how hard we try, Rome wasn't built in a day (unless it's made from Lego perhaps). Start off with small, realistic and achievable goals that do not seem so mountainous. Strive towards Base Camp first before you even think about reaching the summit. Reflect everyday about the progress we have made towards those goals. Even if they seem small, it all contributes towards a bigger and better cause. And if we have made zero progress, well, use that as a learning curve for further opportunities. If you do find yourself in this position, never, ever give up. That never helps anybody. Imagine if Lionel Messi gave up on football because he missed one penalty in training. Failings do not determine our lives - successes do.

The second way to achieve a positive self image is to further the good habits we have. We all have good habits. We all have bad habits. But this blog is called 'Believe In Yourself' so let's brush the bad ones under the carpet (or laminate if you're like me). Connecting with other people gives them a chance to be positive about us. If I'm having a bad day and a friend gives me a compliment or a work colleague praises me, then that really can be a game changer. If other people won't build you up, do it yourself. I realise not all of us are egotistical, but bigging yourself up now and again never hurt anyone. Use this positive energy to keep pushing forward in your life. Yes you will have setbacks now and again, but these are just bricks in your way. Don't let those bricks become a wall. Be proactive. Knock those bricks out the way. And if the bricks do become a wall, knock it down before the wall gets even higher. Imagine every brick in the wall (thank you Pink Floyd) is a negative point in your life. Concentrate on the positive ones. Good over bad. Get those good vibes pumping through your veins. Expel the negative energy. Challenge yourself to do this. We all want to believe we can't achieve something. Why? Because we all enjoy putting ourselves down (weird humans). Keep pushing through the difficult times and believe that anything is possible. Because it is. Don't just sit by and watch opportunities pass you by. Speak up for yourself. You have a voice (where does that sound familiar from)? We need to grab chances with both hands when they come around. Don't expect any freebies in life because there is no such thing. Yes people might help you or give you advice, but they will not achieve our dreams for us. Only we can manage that.

Third, and for me definitely the most important, look after yourself. This sounds simple, but I bet a lot of you don't do the simple things that can make a huge difference. Who can honestly say that they spend enough time in the bathroom each morning to ensure they are looking the best version of themselves. Brushing your hair, cleaning your teeth and dressing smartly can all kick start your day if you just allow yourself those extra few minutes of a morning (I like my bed so I do struggle with this sometimes - those extra few minutes on the pillow are bliss). When I wake up (and throughout the day) I try to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Ever been peckish at 3pm and rather than having an apple or a yogurt, you go straight for the crisps or chocolate cupboard. Course you do. In fact, some of you are probably eating a chocolate bar whilst reading this (don't worry - I'm halfway through a Cadbury's crème egg). With a balanced diet comes regular exercise. Some scientific studies show that just 15 minutes exercise a day can improve life quality both physically and mentally. Make time to go for the run or to hit the gym - your mind will be just as thankful as your body. And after all that exercise, what's the one thing we all want to do? That's right. Sleep. Eight to ten hours of sleep to be exact. Most adults can function on less, but why take that chance? Also, apparently sleep before midnight is more beneficial than sleep after midnight. (If anyone can prove that I'll buy you a drink). Even if it's the middle of the day and we're really busy working, make time for yourself. Do something, or nothing, that you really enjoy and makes you feel good. We all want to be living in that pleasant environment. That starts with how we treat ourselves. If we treat ourselves like a mouldy banana, why should anyone else treat us like royalty?

There are two things I want you to take away from reading this waffle, rant, or whatever else you wish to call it. Number one. Push yourself. Nothing comes easy in life. Life itself isn't easy. There's no freebies. Go out there, be confident and earn everything that comes your way. You deserve it. Number two. Be kind to yourself. Next time you wear that dress, don't think to yourself "My bum looks big in this". Instead tell yourself "Girl you looking good today". Remember, there's nothing wrong with a big head now and again.

Well, I'm going to go and eat an apple, go for a run and have a good ten hour sleep. Not really. It's nearly dinner time and who sleeps at 5pm?

See you Friday.

Connor

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