When you make a mistake, fail, or endure a setback, self-compassion is treating oneself with kindness. It helps you become more emotionally flexible and better navigate difficult emotions, improving your connection to yourself and others. Self-compassion combined with self-assurance. So, the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, remember that being flawed or falling short at times is a natural aspect of being human. Make an effort to negotiate these situations with compassion for yourself. Negative self-talk can limit your talents and diminish your self-confidence by convincing your subconscious that you “can’t handle” something or that it is “too hard” and you “shouldn’t even try.”10 Positive self-talk, on the other hand, can encourage self-compassion and assist you in overcoming self-doubt and taking on new challenges. When you start to feel like you have no business speaking up in a meeting or that you are too out of shape to exercise, remind yourself that your views aren’t always correct. Then figure out how to change those negative beliefs into more positive self-talk. Stop putting off things like asking someone out on a date or applying for a promotion until you feel more confident. One of the most effective strategies to boost your confidence in these situations is to confront your concerns. Face some of your worries related to a lack of self-confidence. Even if you’re afraid of embarrassing yourself or making a mistake, try anyhow. A little self-doubt can even help you perform better.
