We get it, we’ve all be there before. Whether you’re a male or female teen, self-confidence is very important. While most times the emphasis is on girls’ self-esteem, let’s acknowledge boys need to be and feel confident too and often struggle just as much. Here are 5 quick tips to help teens build self-confidence.
You have talents, recognize them
It’s easy to blow off your abilities, especially if your friends/peers make fun of them (and they probably do so out of jealousy). But get serious with yourself and make a list of things you love to do and are effortlessly good at. Keep this list just for yourself and look at it often. Remember it when you may fail a test or say something you wish you hadn’t. Those talents of yours won’t go away, and you can rely on them for the rest of your life… as long as you pour into them.
Pour into your passions
You may have so many interests and abilities that it’s impossible to develop them all; or, you may have one thing you really love to do. Regardless, explore your passions by looking into developing and using some of your abilities in applications beyond school. Not only will it open more opportunities to look for activities around your community, but it might also remove you from peer reviews and judgment.
Act like a teen, think like a duck
Have you ever heard the expression that you should be like a duck and let negative words and attitudes roll off your back? It’s a good thing to adopt early on – if you take every criticism or off-hand comment to heart, you might find yourself paralyzed with the fear of judgment. Remember, being a teen is not forever – enjoy your teenage years full of fun and exploration. You will get out of this stage and you shouldn’t let the criticisms of others sabotage your future, which lasts a lot longer than middle and high school!
Know your worth
When you look at your friends, classmates, or celebrity Instagram accounts, try to resist the temptation to hold them as the gold standard to which you should aspire. Someone will always have something better, superior athletic prowess, nicer hair, etc. than you – but those people don’t set the standard for you; you are who you are, and they can’t measure up to that, either!
Silence negative self-talk
Stop and listen to your inner thoughts for a while. What do you automatically think of yourself in response to certain situations? What do you say to yourself when you wake up, interact with family, friends, or when you enter a classroom? If you are tearing yourself down with negative thoughts, you need to stop. Address the negative self-talk and replace it with positive self-talk instead. Create a daily affirmation that reminds you of who you are.
My true power lies within my belief in myself.
I am enough.
I am worthy.
I am capable.
I deserve everything great coming my way.
Lynnecia S. Eley is Founder & Managing Editor of Soigne’ + Swank Magazine. She is a career-driven entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, she is an award-winning University Assistant Dean and Adjunct Professor committed to excellence, dedication, and caring for others. Known as the Confidence Doula, Lynnecia is a best-selling author and coach, a founder of Two Queens Media and Black & Ivy League, Inc. You can learn more about Lynnecia and her platforms at www.shecaninspire.com.
