High School — The Beginning of My Struggles

My confidence began to wane during my 11th grade when I moved to Chandigarh. Coming from a small town, I was suddenly surrounded by exceptionally accomplished peers who appeared confident and stylish. This environment made me feel small and uncertain, overshadowing the vibrant student I once was.

University — The Ongoing Battle

This sense of feeling insignificant followed me into university, where I found myself constantly comparing myself to others. I enjoyed moments of fun but often procrastinated on my studies, letting fear of inadequacy prevent me from fully engaging in campus life.

Full-time Job — Establishing My Own Guidelines

Fortunately, my final year at university marked a turning point. I resolved to reclaim my confidence when I landed a full-time job in Bangalore, a city that came with its own set of challenges. I decided to adopt a few guiding principles:

Rule 1: Embrace Opportunities

I made it a point to say "yes" to reasonable challenges. Here’s a glimpse of my journey: - Despite not being a fan of physical activities, I participated in the Bangalore 5K marathon. Crossing the finish line at a walking pace was a triumph that filled me with pride.

• I joined my team for various meals, enjoying diverse cuisines and fostering connections through conversation—food being a perfect icebreaker.
• I attended a creator's meetup, even with short notice.
• I embraced travel, exploring new places and cultures, which broadened my perspective.
• I assisted a friend in designing a café on a budget.
• I returned from a memorable trip to Bali and attended my first South Indian wedding on the same day, just two hours away, because I didn’t want to miss it.

Rule 2: Engage Fully

I committed to participating in every office event and seizing opportunities, even those outside my comfort zone: - I volunteered for workshops.

• I joined an office basketball match.
• I gave a talk before quickly changing to walk in a retro fashion show.
• I took part in research trips, enjoying the luxury of staying in five-star hotels.
• I took on responsibilities during the office's annual event, participating in three different activities, including an indo-western fashion show and two dance performances.
• I even engaged in a sales activity for my product.

Each of these experiences played a significant role in my personal development.

Rule 3: Invest in Your Skills

I faced challenges in identifying my passions, starting with coding, which I quickly realized wasn't for me. This led me to pivot towards User Experience (UX), a field that aligned with my creative side. Those six months were transformative, but it was during the lockdown that I found my true passion for writing.

Engaging in various activities and honing new skills gave me the confidence to create content on Instagram and transition into full-time freelancing. My move to Bangalore and the leap into freelance writing marked a significant evolution in my self-confidence.

Here are my top ten tips for nurturing your confidence:

1. Practice Your Communication Skills

   During campus recruitment, a recruiter once told me, “While you might not be as technically skilled as other candidates, we admire your communication abilities.” This reinforced the importance of effective communication in the professional world. Join communities, initiate conversations, and don't shy away from public speaking opportunities.

2. Build Something from the Ground Up

   When I launched my online business, I lacked experience and direction. Nevertheless, the journey of constructing my business was immensely fulfilling and boosted my self-esteem.

3. Have Engaging Stories to Share

   My unique experiences in Bangalore provided me with relatable anecdotes to share, enhancing my social interactions and boosting my confidence.

4. Reach Out to Others

   I made it a point to connect with colleagues from various teams to learn from their experiences. As I ventured into freelancing, I expanded my network online, realizing that meaningful conversations outweigh mindless networking.

5. Surround Yourself with Positivity

   The company you keep can greatly influence your confidence. Being around motivated individuals encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone.

6. Dress for Success

   Experimenting with my wardrobe has proven to significantly uplift my confidence. Finding a style that resonates with you, whether casual or formal, can make a remarkable difference in how you present yourself.

7. Engage in Meaningful Activities

   Volunteering at a children’s NGO not only brought joy but also enhanced my teaching skills and inspired me to create my own writing bootcamp.

8. Embrace New Experiences

   My recent move to Australia has taught me to adapt and embrace change, cultivating a mindset of confidence.

9. Focus on Your Own Journey

   I learned to stop comparing myself to others, concentrating instead on my personal growth and achievements.

Final Thoughts

While moving to a new city initially shattered my confidence, I rebuilt it through self-reflection and embracing change. This journey has shown me that confidence is not static; it is a continuous process of self-discovery and belief.

What challenges are you facing in your confidence journey? Share your thoughts in the comments, and I may offer some tips to help you out!

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My ongoing journey of self-expression and experimentation.

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