How To Be Independent & Gain Confidence PART 2 (Three-Part Series)

Welcome to the second part of the ‘Self confidence & Independence: the foundations of success,’ series!

In this post, you will learn how to better your self-confidence through your relationship with others, and through your own mental and physical health.

If you haven’t checked out the first post (where I focus solely on your relationship with yourself – the most FUNDAMENTAL step for increasing self-confidence), have a look at it here.

Self-confidence is important when dealing with your relationship with others because you should be able to stand firmly on your feet, express your views and needs and not feel uncomfortable doing it.

Having confidence in your mental and physical health is also essential. I’ve spoken a bit about mental health in these posts especially, but I have always talked about strengthening it, not feeling confident about it.

I want you to finish reading this post with the understanding that no matter where you are in your physical or mental health journey, you should be confident at every single stage.

Whether you’re 10kg heavier than you want to be or still find it difficult to speak to new people, having self-confidence will help you overcome these obstacles and help you reach your goals.

1. Surround yourself with strong, like-minded people

Have you ever heard of the quote, ‘you are the average of the five people you surround yourself with’?

Because it so true.

For example, if you surround yourself with five friends who are not motivated and don’t have many goals in life, chances are you will slowly be influenced by this type of behaviour.

But, surrounding yourself with determined people with goals will motivate you to do the same for yourself.

Make friends with people who are confident, independent and focussed and have qualities that you would want in yourself.

2. Be more open

The best way to achieve this is to actively speak to people who have different views to you. Listen to their perspectives and try to understand why they would think in this way.

I go more into detail about topics related to this in The Ultimate Mind Glow up series where I focus both on self-love and self-development.

This series is for those of you who want to transform your mindset to become more positive and determined. It focuses on bettering yourself solely – and as I said before, in order to gain success you must nurture a good relationship with yourself before anything else!

Doing this regularly may then open up your mind to trying out different activities, watching a different genre of movies or changing your viewpoint on something.

Being open to multiple viewpoints is a sign of self-confidence; it means that you are secure enough in yourself and understand that others viewpoints aren’t something you should depend on, but something you learn from.

3. Challenge yourself

This ties in with the point above – try doing new things!

Staying in an old routine can become really boring and may not give you as much satisfaction anymore. Try a new hobby or even switch up your routine once in a while.

Routines are definitely not a bad thing; they help put structure in your life and make your day to day tasks go smoothly. But sometimes, these routines are so rigid that you forget to be present.

Once in a while, plan a day or a few hours where you don’t have a routine and be spontaneous.

Who knows what you can get up to in that time?

Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset: How To Constantly Be in a State of Growth

Living Your Best Life: A Guide To Help You Level Up

Creative Hobbies For Adults That Will Take You Back To Your Childhood!

The Only Confidence Quotes For Women You’ll Need! (Printables included)

4. Speak less, listen more

Listen to what the others say and give them time to explain their views; this might actually make you change your mind on a topic you’re arguing passionately about.

There are many more knowledgeable people than you. Listen to what they have to say and soak in the information, and make sure to ask questions when you don’t understand something.

Also, don’t force your views on others. Listen to their opinions without judgement.

5. Ignore negativity

You want to start that business? Start that business. You want to start a new degree? Start a new degree.

Get advice from those you trust, do your research and then make the final decision.

You are independent, confident, able and smart; you know what is right for you and what is not, so all the decisions that you make are ultimately up to you.

Do not let negative talk or snide comments affect you.

How To Be Independent & Gain Confidence PART 3 (Three-Part Series)

The Ultimate ‘Mind Glow-up’ Series (Part 1) – SELF LOVE

The Ultimate ‘Mind Glow-Up’ Series Part 2 – SELF DEVELOPMENT

6. Don’t compare yourself to others

Nowadays on social media, we see many things from perfect bodies to being a millionaire at the age of 20. Because of this, you may feel pressured to do the same.

Bu, everyone has their own journey and this rush to fame and wealth, while it may be great, can be an unhealthy mindset to have. Enjoy the life you have now, work hard but make sure to enjoy the scenery.

If you find it difficult to stop comparing yourself to others, these simple tips will help you end this bad habit fast.

7. Take care of your mind and body

Figure out the best workout routine for you (don’t feel the need to force yourself to the gym if you don’t like it, at-home workouts can be great too!) and eat foods that have good nutritional value.

Create organic body scrubs and face masks, identify the physical aspects of yourself that you would like to improve, and then find ways to treat it.

Or journal to get through some personal issues you have, have a self-care day, read a book or see a friend.

8. Educate yourself

Read books, watch shows and listen to podcasts that will enrich your mind.

Education doesn’t just come through academic learning. You could learn practical skills like DIY and maintenance, or learn through the social networks you build.

You don’t need to fit a specific definition of ‘smart,’ smartness comes in many forms and you are definitely a smart person.

So why not further your skills and gain more knowledge?

9. Follow your interests, even if people find it weird

If you want to perform at a poetry slam, do it; if you want to take a shoe making class, do it. I don’t know what I’m saying at this point, but I hope you’re getting the gist of it.

Don’t think about what others think, and whether they’ll find it weird or not.

Life is too short and you should live it intentionally. At the end of the day, people come and go – the only person that will always stick with you no matter what is yourself (and maybe your Mum),

So create an environment that fosters happiness and growth for you.

There you have it!

Check out the third and final post in this series, where you will learn how to have self-confidence when managing your goals, and dealing with finances.

For those of you have anxieties and worries when dealing with finances, this final post is the perfect read for you. It will give you simple and initial steps you can take to handling your finances confidently.

How To Be Independent & Gain Confidence PART 2 (Three-Part Series)