Developing confidence and self-esteem is something I’m genuinely passionate about discussing, especially because it’s a journey many of us go through. Like most people, I experienced phases of insecurity and often found myself comparing my accomplishments or appearance to others. I learned over time that this mindset can be a huge setback, and it’s a habit we all need to unlearn. My biggest piece of advice is never to compare yourself to others—whether it’s about looks, achievements, or lifestyle. Nothing positive comes from comparison. You either end up undervaluing yourself and feeling insecure or tearing down others to feel better, which benefits no one. The only productive way to look at others is from a place of inspiration—focusing on identifying and applying constructive traits that elevate your own self-development, rather than allowing comparison to discourage you.
Confidence requires a combination of cultivating a strong mindset, surrounding yourself with the right people, and investing in personal growth. Here’s what’s helped me develop true, lasting self-assurance:
1. Cultivating a Healthy Mindset: Prioritizing mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being is fundamental. For me, that means being mindful about limiting time on social media, setting boundaries, and focusing on personal growth without the need for outside validation. I make time for my faith through prayer, and I’ve found that working out is essential not only for physical health but also for mental clarity. Exercise, for me, is a form of release—it allows me to clear my mind, process challenges, and build resilience. When I nurture my mindset, I find it much easier to make confident decisions and pursue my goals without distractions.
2. The Right Circle of People and Building a Growth-Driven Circle: Your circle matters so much. Surrounding yourself with positive, growth-oriented people who genuinely support and inspire you to grow, both personally and professionally, makes a profound difference. These people help you level up; they push you to be the best version of yourself. I look for friends and mentors with genuine, ambitious, growth-oriented mindsets. If your current circle doesn’t inspire you or challenge you to grow, expand it! You can seek out inspiring online groups/communities, attend business workshops or self-development events, or find networking opportunities with like-minded people. I love being in rooms where I can learn from people more successful than me; rather than feeling insecure, I find the potential of knowledge I can acquire empowering. I now prioritize opportunities for learning and growth over social events that don’t serve my goals.
3. Investing In Yourself: Constantly learning and expanding your skill set is so important for confidence. Whether it’s through courses, workshops, or simply watching informative videos, continuously investing in your education helps you become well-rounded and self-assured. Confidence grows when you commit to learning and staying curious. Don’t think you’ve “arrived” or learned it all; there’s always more to learn and ways to improve.
These practices—surrounding myself with uplifting people, caring for my mental and physical well-being, and always being open to learning—have been instrumental in building my confidence. Confidence is something that grows with effort, and it’s a continuous journey of investing in yourself and surrounding yourself with people who bring out the best in you.