Stretch the fabric
Imagine confidence as a fabric – you must stretch it or it will stay the same. It takes repetition, too: the more frequently you stretch the fabric, the more it will grow. “We’re exposed to and experience other people’s confidence, and we think they’re born with it (or that they’re great pretenders), but behind every skill set is repetition,” explains motivation expert James Smith. Without stretching the “give” of the fabric of confidence, it will stay the same.
Like running water, good friends and enough milk in the fridge, self-confidence is one of those things you take for granted – until it’s gone. At which point, it can quickly and negatively impact your lifestyle and health.
“We’re talking about self-esteem when talking about self-confidence,” says psychotherapist, and addiction and trauma specialist Diane Young. “This is knowing that we are enough, irrespective of whatever anyone else says or thinks of us.”
