Confidence Killers Meet Their Match 6 Confidence Boosting Actions

When I feel confident, theres nothing in the world that can stop me. Blind date? No problem. Presentation?

Done. Heres the thing though, I struggle with feeling confident. Ive tried a lot of different things to feel confident and if theres one thing Ive learned its that feeling confident is completely withing your control.

While a lot of the times we associate feeling confident with looking a certain way, confidence is a way of thinking. Confidence is believing in yourself, and when you believe in yourself (corny as it may sound) you are unstoppable.

So... how do you just start feeling confident? Well, the first step is to stop doing things that are killing your confidence, the next step is to bit by bit work your way up to doing things that will help you to start believing in yourself.

Here, let me walk you through it.

Counter Your Confidence Killers 

Negative Self Talk - Positive Affirmations
The biggest confidence killer, is negative self talk. Negative self talk is basically the act of putting yourself down. Negative self talk is a hard habit to break. Some people dont even realize they are doing it. For example saying things like, "My thighs are way too big for these shorts," or "Im so dumb sometimes." A lot of the times these things are said sarcastically, or in passing. However, even those sarcastic, little comments like that can do real damage to your confidence. When youre thinking or feeling something negative about yourself, save it. Instead of saying something negative. Think something positive. "Im going to rock my skinny jeans today," or "Im going to do so much better next time!" Start trying to think encouraging thoughts when you encounter situations that are less than ideal. Start rooting for yourself. Have an interview? "I have all the skills this position requires an if I do my best, things will be OK." Dont dwell on your insecurities, focus on your capabilities. Even if they are small. And start recognizing yourself for those things.

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Negative Friends - Happy People
Dont waste your time with people who dont help build you up. If you have a bitchy friend who is constantly making snide remarks regarding your clothes or your hair, its time to drop her and stick to the people who love you for you.

Tabloids & Ads - Body Positive Media
If youre consumed by tabloids, looking for the latest trends to try and boost your confidence, you might be doing more harm than good. Constantly looking to the media to tell you whats popular, whos hot and what to buy arent going to help you love yourself more. Dont feel your mind with airbrushed photos and unrealistic body ideals. Stick to body positive media like this campaign from Panteine Pro V that tells women its OK to be strong and dominant.

Mirrors - Skip the Mirror
Every day, I used to spend 20-30 minutes in the mirror trying on outfit after outfit. I didnt like the way one dress hugged this roll too tightly, or the way certain pants were too loose in the butt. It was a constant battle between me and my reflection. Then I moved. And when I moved, my full length mirror broke...And I didnt bother replacing it. I cant even begin to describe how free its been to know that I can put something on because Ive been wanting to wear it, and leave the house without reconsidering a million times. You can feel just as confident wearing something because you like the color and you want to wear it, as when you like the way something looks on you. :) Ditch the mirror for a day and pick out an outfit that makes you feel beautiful.

Comparisons - Self Reflection
Comparison is the thief of joy. When we compare ourselves to others, we overlook our own unique talents, quirks, and blessings to lust after the life of another. What a waste. Youre an individual, so act like it. Stop comparing yourself to others in an effort to be something youre not. Instead, try reflecting who you are and who you want to be. Instead of losing weight to look like someone else, try starting a healthy habit thats important to you because you.

Unrealistic Expectations of Yourself - Positive Goals
At the end of the day, you are human. You make mistakes. You cant expect yourself to be perfect. You can however, set realistic goals that are positive. How do you know if your goal is positive? If the thought of it makes you smile and gives you butterflies, thats a good start. If you propels you to be a nicer, happier person, thats also a good start. When you stumble, when you fail, recognize that its all part of the journey. Each day wake up and set a goal that you can accomplish that day. Maybe its exercising. Maybe its smiling at 10 strangers. Set positive goals for yourself. Even if they are small, achieving a goal you set is incredibly gratifying and its great boost for your confidence.

What are some things that make you feel confident?

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How to Keep Your Resolutions

This year I decided not to set any resolutions, mostly because Im already more than half way to my major goal of losing 120 pounds. That being said, I know there are a lot of people out there who have taken the first step toward changing their life by setting a resolution to lose weight. Honestly, resolutions get a bad wrap. People are going to tell you that youre going to give up just like millions of others will, but you dont have to!

If youre here reading this blog, I want you to make me a virtual pinky promise that you wont give up...PROMISE!

Now that we got that out of the way... Here are 5 ways you can stick to your New Years resolution to lose weight.

1. Want it! 
I never had success losing weight until now. Why? Well besides not having a good program, I didnt want it badly enough. Finally I looked in the mirror and thought, "I deserve better." As soon as I decided that the rest was history. Ask yourself, "why do I want it?" If youre going to hate every second of losing weight you will never be able to stick with it. Dont look at losing weight as torture, look at is a welcomed and needed change.

2. Be realistic
For me to say I want to weight 110 pounds is not realistic. That isnt a healthy weight for my body. When you are picking your goal weight make sure its one that fits your timetable and is going to be attainable for your body type.

3. Dont be vague
Dont say I want to lose weight, say I want to lose x amount of pounds. Dont say I will start in January, say I will start on date x. When youre specific, your goals become more real.

4. Focus on your process
What exactly will you do to reach this goal? What will you eat, how often will you work out, what will keep you accountable. Put trust in the process so when you are having a hard day you know that you will be rewarded by your hard work.

5. Address roadblocks
Make a list of potential setbacks you may encounter. This may include vacations, holidays, moving, family problems, or even surgeries. Plan for these roadblocks and write down solutions. This will prepare you to stick to your process even when the going gets tough.

Did you set a weight loss resolution this year?

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7 Summer Habits to Keep You Healthy

Its finally June! Ive been counting down for warmer weather, and its finally here. When it comes to summer time, I like to spend as much time as I can outside. I stay pretty busy soaking up the sun and hanging out with friends. Sometimes being so busy can interfere with my goals to lose weight and exercise more, but this year I am convinced that summer is going to help me get closer to my goals and you should be too. Here are 7 summer habits to keep you healthy.

Take Water With You Everywhere

Heatstroke isnt cool and not getting enough water on those sunny days will put you at risk of heatstroke. staying hydrated means staying healthy. Stay hydrated for all of your summer activities by taking water everywhere you go. Even if you arent planning on being out in the sun for a long time, you should be drinking water throughout the day. Fill up some reusable bottles and keep them in the fridge so you can grab one as you head out the door.

Skip the Ice Cream

If youre looking for a treat to help you cool down, skip the ice cream. Its high in fat and sugar and it wont help you get closer to your goals. Instead of reaching for the Ben & Jerrys, try making your own Popsicles. There are plenty of recipes out there that are made with coconut water, stevia, and other healthy ingredients. You can usually find Popsicle molds at the dollar store, too. Make several in advance and snack on those when you need a cold treat.

Get Outside as Much as Possible

Go enjoy the sunshine. Lay out and get a tan, go for a run, go swimming, just be outside and enjoy yourself. Vitamin D is essential for your health. Youll feel happier and energized when you soak up some rays. Dont let yourself turn into a couch potato. I enjoy central air and Netflix just as much as the next girl, but spending too much time inside might send you into a lazy funk. Dont waste the sunshine. When winter comes, youre going to miss it.

Take Sunscreen With You

Speaking of soaking up sun, do it responsibly. Cancer sucks, so protect yourself with sunscreen. Sunburns are a real downer, too. Apply and reapply so you dont have to worry about blisters and lizard peeling.

Workout in the Morning

Because summer is such a busy time of year, and because its so hot outside, try moving your workouts to the morning if you dont already workout in the a.m.. This helps you get in your fitness before you get caught up in other things. Plus, working out in the morning sets a healthy tone for your day.

Shop at the Farmers Market

One of the best parts about summer is the farmers market. You can get locally made goods for relatively cheap. Its a great way to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies! Eating fresh fruits and vegetables will help you get nutrients and it feel energized for all of the awesome things you have planned this summer.

Try New Things

Dont be afraid to break your normal routine. Instead of spending your summer by the pool like last year, try going cliff diving, or take a sailing lesson, try an outdoor ropes cores, or go hiking. There are a lot of new adventures out there, and the more adventures you go on, the more memorable this summer is going to be. Not to mention, trying new things is HEALTHY! It helps you stay happy. :)

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