SELF CONFIDENCE – A PERSONAL STRUGGLE
I think it is safe to say that self-confidence can make or break you. When growing up my confidence was extremely low. Social situations that involved large groups of people scared the crap out of me and even the thought of public speaking freaked me out. I got pretty good at putting on a brave face and smiling through the anxiety.
I wasn’t the best looking guy growing up and kids can be pretty mean. I was a little bit funny looking. I was super skinny and, despite my dad being a hairdresser, I had the worst haircut you’ve ever seen. I would blame my dad for this one but he cut it how I asked. Oops…
I avoided doing things that put myself ‘out there’, and kept to myself whenever I could. I constantly wanted to please others, even if it made me miserable. It scares me to think what I might have missed out on and the opportunities that may have passed me by all because I was worried about what others thought about me. No more.
Learning to build your self-confidence can help you to find that success you deserve in life. I wouldn’t say I’ve ‘made it’ by anyone’s account but I am in a great place mentally and put the majority of my growth in self-confidence down to exercise.
Along with the multiple physical benefits that exercise brings, it can be a great tool in boosting mental well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, the feel good hormones, and helps manage stress by balancing out adrenaline and cortisol.
I’ll be the first to say that no, it’s not all about how you look. However, creating a physique that you are proud of and looks good makes you feel great!
Building physical strength can be a great catalyst for building mental strength. Putting in the hard graft and seeing the results that you’ve worked for…there’s no better feeling! The human body can run ultra marathons across boiling hot deserts and can lift hundreds of kilograms of weight off the ground. When you realise what your body is capable off, the sky’s the limit!
Getting started, especially when confidence is low, can be a challenge. But all you have to do is start! Feeling good about the way you look and seeing the accomplishments that you’ve made physically can only enhance your self-confidence. It is time to realise just how awesome you are, and if anyone has told you otherwise, stuff ‘em! They aren’t worthy of your time and you shouldn’t waste a single second thinking about them. So take the plunge and get started!
If you would like my help, email michaelulloapt@gmail.com for more information regarding personal training and nutrition coaching.
