7 Ways to Be More Confident When You Feel Like a Failure
For my Etsy shop success tip this month, I want to share with you my ways to be more confident. If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us go through periods in our lives when we don’t feel confident. And if you suffer from depression like I do, these moments are increased. Beyond that, we might feel like we just are not where we want to be at all and wonder if we’ll ever get there. During those times, we might feel like a complete and utter failure. Let me tell you, when your confidence is that low, it can be difficult to work up the motivation to get anything done. However, we can’t just let temporary setbacks become our new story. We must figure out a way to regain our confidence so that we can pick ourselves up again and move forward. Here are seven mindset shifts you can make that might help to boost your confidence.
Below are my 7 Ways to Be More Confident
Stop Calling Yourself a Failure
The first thing that you need to realize is that you are more than this experience. Even if you have had some legitimate setbacks or made some mistakes, that doesn’t mean that those things define you. You may have EXPERIENCED failure, but that does not mean that you ARE a failure. Those are two completely different things. Once you realize that, you can choose to acknowledge the negative, but focus on the positive. Not just the good things that you have done and experienced, but the things that you can still accomplish and experience.
Reflect Back on Your Successes
When I start to lose confidence in myself, I take time to reflect back on the successes in my life. Even counting the smallest successes and wins help to move me out of that negative mindset. We all have successes; whether it’s finishing a large project at work or just getting the grocery shopping done for the week. You have to train your mind to notice the successes and be able to pat yourself on the back when you accomplish them. If you can’t take pride in your wins, then tell them to a trusted friend who is there to help cheer you on.
Don’t Let a Mistake Go to Waste
I am a firm believer that you can learn a good lesson from just about any mistake that you make. These lessons can help you to make changes in your life that enable you to move forward. View your mistakes as learning opportunities. Dig through them in your mind to figure out how you can use what you have learned to affect positive change in your life. Also, remember that everyone makes mistakes. Even people that you look up to are not perfect. So, when it comes to learning from your mistakes, you are in very good company.
[Tweet “Everyone makes mistakes, even people you look up to. But each mistake you make is a step towards success.”]
Remember That This Is Temporary
Have you ever heard the saying “this too shall pass”? I know that it may seem like one of the biggest clichés in the world, but there is truth to it. If you take the time to stop and think about your situation, chances are you will realize that it is not permanent or set in stone. Ask yourself if the situation can be changed or improved upon in the foreseeable future. Then ask yourself what you need to do to bring about that change and focus on that. Just the realization that a situation can get better can be enough to motivate you to take action.
Find a Good Role Model
Another way to be more confident is when we’re going through a challenge, whether it is a positive one or a negative, we are often comforted, encouraged, and even inspired by people who have already dealt with that challenge successfully. Seeing that someone else went through what we are going through and survived or thrived can give us hope and make us feel more confident that we can do the same. No matter what you are going through, chances are you are not the first. Seek out those people who have successfully navigated the same obstacles and look to them for encouragement. For example, in my Success Circle Membership Group, I’m helping creative entrepreneurs navigate the ups and downs of running an online business, how to market and how to overcome the doubt that comes with being a new business owner.
Seek Support
Other ways to be more confident, is to reach out to people in your life who can remind you that you are loved and that you have a lot of great qualities. It can be so easy for us to forget those things – especially when we feel like we are doing everything wrong. Having people in your life who won’t let you forget is a great way to pull yourself out of a funk. I find that support in my friends, my church family and by reading my Bible on a daily basis.
[Tweet “7 Ways to Be More Confident When You Feel Like a Failure”]
Embrace the Possibility of Moving On
You should also keep in mind that sometimes a failure means that perhaps the path you are on needs to be rerouted. It doesn’t mean that you must give up on your goals. It just means that perhaps you need to come up with another way to reach them. Honestly, sometimes having a new plan of action can make you feel even more confident – especially if you have realized that the old plan was not going to work. So, don’t be afraid to change things up and move on to a bigger and better plan.
These are my 7 ways to be more confident. I hope they helped you. Are there any tips that help you to be more confident? If so, comment below and share…I would love to know.
Julie
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
10 Proven Productivity Tips for Successful Etsy Shops
How to Stay Motivated When You Feel Like Giving Up
How to Quickly Make Your Etsy Shop Photos Stand Out
Julie, thank you for your admission about suffering from depression, and double thanks for not letting that be the full purpose behind this post. As someone who also suffers from depression, sometimes we need to hear from people we admire that we share that common trait, but then to be reminded that it’s part of who we are and that it doesn’t define us. Also, kudos to you for not being afraid to discuss what many people are afraid to say out loud. There is still such a stigma, but, like you, I’ve chosen to be open about it. As a result, it’s brought many blessings into my life. Again, thanks. And thanks for being such an inspiration to so many.
Thank you!
Thank you for this post Julie. It’s good to know that when you are sad or have the blues that you are not alone. I use several of your 7 ways to help when I’m having a really bad time. I’m going to try an incorporate your other suggestions in my life. Thanks for being so supportive to us.
Talk about timing…yesterday I experienced much of what you have written and no clue as to what brought these thoughts and feelings to me. I asked for God’s help so that I would get-through and let go of those thoughts and feelings…need I say more. Julie, thank you soooooo much for sharing “Your” words with us today and you will be included in my prayers. You take care of You…
Awe, this made my day. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing of yourself Julie, and the words to be reread when feeling ‘down.’
Ditto, ditto, ditto to all the above that Trudy posted! You will probably never know how many of our lives YOU have touched, and blessed! God uses many people, places, and timing of life’s events for His purpose in our lives, definitely in mine!!! He has led you in your life and path, and in turn you we all can seen His awesoneness through you with EVERYTHING you do! Thank you for sharing this helpful post.
Thank you!
Thank you
Julie thank u so much for all u do.
thank you for being “YOU” You are my role model and I admire your honesty about yourself, Julie. I admire that in a person very much! There are too many phonies in this world! Thanks for the tips on being confident! Thank you also for the New Years Wreath info, will make one soon. Much appreciate you! Thanks also for caring about me!! Pat from Ohio
Thank you
Good advice! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. As you well know, when you are down, you tend to feel so alone. Although as a Christian we know we aren’t, however, it does help to know other smiling faces share the same struggles.
Again, thank you.
Julie, thanks for sharing! I plan to incorporate these tips when I’m feeling less than confident. I am very much enjoying these videos, and I appreciate your honesty. I can tell watching you that you truly care about your viewers (members). You are an inspiration to me. May God bless you!
Julie, the word ‘depression’ caught my eye…..as I suffer from severe depression and have for a VERY long time. I read your post. None of those things are new to me….but however, none of those have helped me.
I am in such a BAD place and have been for so long. I pretty much feel useless, hopeless and helpless. I am in therapy…and have been for a long time. I just struggle every day to get out of bed. I have NO purpose and can not seem to find one !!!! I wish I could believe there is ‘ a light at the end of the tunnel ‘ but I do not see one. But I do find some solace knowing that I am not alone. I shall add you to my prayers.
Laura,
These are tips that have helped me tremendously over the past 3 years
Volunteer – I volunteer at church (find a bible based church), I help others learn a new craft, I help others grow their businesses, etc. I find that when I help others, it makes me feel complete. There are tons of places to volunteer but make sure you pick one that is near and dear to your heart. Helping others is so fulfilling.
Change your diet – Cut out the sugar and white flours/breads
Exercise – Exercise 3 days a week minimum. It’s hard to get motivated at first to exercise but force yourself for your mental health. Just walking 20 minutes makes a huge difference.
Vitamin D – I take vitamin D during the winter since I don’t go outside as much as I do in the summer.
K-Love Radio – Listen to K-Love radio in the car, at work, etc.
Stop watching the news!
Hang out with people who inspire you and motivate you. People you want to be more like. No people who wallow with you (this was HUGE for me). People tend to hang out with like minded people once I realized some of my friends, needed me to be miserable with them, it was a huge eye opener.
I’m making these suggestions out of love and they have helped me. Commit to do them for 30 days and see if your mood improves.
I’m praying for you.
Julie
Julie, Thank you so much for sharing your story as it hit home with me. I too suffer from depression and anxiety and know how hard it can be some days to get out of bed. It made me feel so much better to know that someone like you understands. I appreciate your tips on staying positive and plan on using them regularly. Thanks again for sharing. Eve Hasty
Thank you.
Julie
Thank you for sharing this post. You are very new to me as I am just starting this new chapter in my life of designing Wreaths. I’m not sure how I found you with so many wreath designers out there but I’m SO glad I did. You are the whole package of not only making beautiful wreaths but your sharing of this post and what I have already learned from you shows me the wonderful sides of you. God Bless and I look forward to following your wisdom advice and creativity in Wreath designs. A beautiful Wreath makes me smile.
Thank you
Julie, Thank u for sharing. I also suffer from depression. Most people do, but just will not admit it. You are such a wonderful, giving, fun loving person.I have never met u, but I can tell from your free spirit attitude. You have shared your knowledge in wreath making with everyone, openly & freely. You give more than u realize. I will pray for God to intervene and pull u out of this. Roman’s 15:13-May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. God Bless You!
Thank you and blessings to you.
Julie, if I want to send you an email, due I send it to Southern Charm Wreaths? I’m also in the Wreath of the month club.
Thanks
You can also click the contact me or contact us here on the site.
Julie – love, love this. Thank you so much for sharing.
I apologize for just now replying to this. I’ve been super busy with the launch and it being 4th quarter. Our project, Creators Digest, is not affiliated with Hometalk in any way. We chose designers we knew personally and have been networking with for about a year. Hometalk right now has a specific demographic and your designs may not fit that demographic is all. We would love for you to come on Creators Digest page and do a live.
At moments like this is when I evaluate how to get in front of my target audience, my avatar. You are not a failure. Your designs are spectacular and I’ve been a huge fan of yours for a while. Prayers to you. – Julie
Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been battling weight loss and often gets overwhelmed with trying to stay focused on my goal. I get a little depressed from it, but as stated, I’m going to focus on my wins or times when I had good moments.
Shuntae
Loved this post Julie, thanks … I also suffer from depression actually depression is part of my life since i was a teenager , crafting have always helped me to overcome my dark days … Thanks so much for sharing this …. I printed this article and posted on my craft room. join this club has been a blessing because this unusual times we are living in the middle of this pandemic is causing a lot mental stress on everyone. God bless you and thanks for inspiring us everyday !
Julie, thank you so much for sharing. I feel this article was written just for me. At times I feel my wreaths are not good enough to compete with the competition and then I stop working on them for weeks. I must learn from my mistakes and not consider them as failures. One thing I’m going to do tonight is to re-evaluate my plans. Maybe I will make my wreaths on a seasonal basis instead of full time. You gave me 7 ways to improve my confidence not only with wreath making, but other areas of my life. I’m so grateful that I read your article! Thank you again.