Insecurities can hold us back, cloud our self-image, and stop us from reaching our full potential. Whether it’s self-doubt about your appearance, skills, or relationships, these feelings are common but conquerable. Building confidence isn’t about eliminating insecurities entirely—it’s about learning to manage them and embracing your unique strengths. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 practical tips to help you overcome insecurities and cultivate lasting self-confidence.
From shifting your mindset to embracing self-care and seeking growth, these actionable steps will empower you to break free from self-doubt and unlock a more confident, fulfilled version of yourself. These 10 tips will help you overcome them and build lasting self-confidence, empowering you to reach your full potential.
Understanding Insecurities
Insecurities have a sneaky way of creeping into our lives. They can arise at the most unexpected moments. Especially in the age of social media, where everything is picture-perfect, it’s not uncommon to feel insecure occasionally. Learning how to overcome insecurities can come in handy and prove to be an important life skill. Feelings of self-doubt and self-consciousness can be disheartening and difficult to deal with. The good news is that there are ways for overcoming self-doubt. There are a few things that might be making you insecure, and understanding these factors better can help you overcome insecurities. They are as follows.
1. Childhood Learnings
Criticism and high expectations from your parents or teachers can lead you to feel like you’re not good enough.
2. Negative Experiences
Experiencing traumatic events of bullying or abuse can lead to self-doubt.
3. Low Self-Acceptance
Struggling to come to terms with who you really are and constantly criticising yourself can take a hit on your self-esteem.
4. Societal Expectations
Unrealistic standards of beauty or success set by societal norms can make you feel inadequate.
Learn how to build self-acceptance with Dr.Shubha Vilas on SoulSensei.
Further, understanding the types of insecurities can help you boost confidence and improve self-esteem. There are four types of insecurities.
1. Social
When you are insecure about how society perceives you and struggle with the fear of not fitting in.
2. Physical
When you worry about your looks and feel uncomfortable in your body.
3. Emotional
When you are fearful about getting rejected and feel unworthy in your relationships.
4. Performance
When you are doubtful about meeting the expectations at school or work.
Explore this dissociation technique to overcome self-doubt with Prachi Mehta.
10 Practical Tips to Overcome Insecurities
When you start comparing yourself with others, insecurities start to creep in. Everyone feels insecure about something or the other. The key is to learn healthy ways you can overcome insecurities and boost confidence. Here are ten practical tips for overcoming self-doubt.
1. Be Self-Compassionate
The first step in building self-confidence is to practice compassion and kindness with yourself. Try to not be your harshest critic and speak to yourself in the same way you would speak to a friend who’s going through tough times. Remind yourself that no one is perfect.
2. Celebrate Your Strengths
Instead of noting where you’re lacking, make a note of all the things you’re good at. Focus on your strengths to remind you of your capabilities.
3. Avoid Comparison
Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on your own personal growth rather than comparing that of others. Remember that everyone moves at their own pace, and you’re worthy of your achievements.
4. Practice Gratitude
Every day make it a point to write down three positive things that happened to you during the day and moments that you were thankful for. When you start practising mindfulness and gratitude, you start noticing the blessings in your life.
Learn how to practise gratitude in this short session with Simran Pawa.
5. Choose The Right Circle
Surround yourself with people who root for you and are good for you. Supportive friends and family can significantly help in building self-esteem.
6. Prioritise Yourself
Focus on your physical and mental health. When you take care of yourself, automatically you become more positive and centred. Eat right, exercise and meditate daily to focus on your personal growth.
Try this visualisation meditation to become your best self with Simran Pawa.
7. Rewire Criticism
Channel the criticism into something positive. Learn from the feedback given to you in all areas of your life. View criticism objectively and use it as a tool to improve upon yourself.
8. Acknowledge Your Insecurities
Allow yourself some time to sit with your insecurities. Instead of dismissing them, acknowledge them as areas in your life that could use some attention.
9. Set Achievable Goals
Take small steps towards achieving your big goals. Every time you achieve a small thing, make sure to celebrate it to boost your confidence.
10. See A Therapist
Talking to a therapist can help you find the root cause of your insecurity and help you work on it better.
Read more: How to find gratitude
Insecurities are part of the human experience, and everyone feels insecure once in a while. Self-doubt can arise from negative experiences, childhood trauma and unrealistic societal expectations. Some ways you can overcome insecurities are by setting achievable goals, acknowledging your insecurities, rewiring criticism, prioritising your health, avoiding comparison, and practising self-compassion and gratitude. Learn more about boosting self-esteem from experts on SoulSensei.
Sources
- Calm – How to not be insecure: 10 mindful tips for overcoming insecurity.
- Wondermind – 7 Therapy-approved tips for when you’re feeling insecure.
