Never apologize for who you are because you are exceptional!
The statement above represents an important law in confident living. Many times we cripple our will with debilitating thoughts of self consciousness borne out of mental uncertainty. For too long, many of us are burdened by the perceptions of others about us. We crave validation given by people who shouldn’t matter. Often you hear words like “I’m too fat”, “I’m too short”, “I’m not pretty enough or my parents never helped me”. Usually my answer is; so what!??
Self Consciousness only leads to timidity, and timid people concern themselves with what other people will think or say. They imagine criticism where there is none and live a life of helplessness and super sensitivity. Self consciousness makes us do the things we would rather not do and as victims of the perceived judgement of others, it robs us of individuality and of our power.
On the road to success, a single act of timidity can annul the chance of greatness. So today and everyday, aim for courage. Courage is admired, it is dignified and welcome everywhere. The fact is that we all get nervous but we can overcome this by being absorbed with adding value everywhere. At work and at home; to ourselves and everyone else we meet. In addition, cultivating positive association with people in social settings, as well as repeated use of positive affirmations, greatly improves our chances of overcoming self consciousness.
Whatever the past may have been, whatever the challenges or the sad tales, let them be the fuel for the journey to confident choices, bringing with it, success and self respect. Should you feel your confidence failing or if you find your self consciousness overwhelming, look into the future with courage, smile and say “This is me!” Remember, anything is possible only if you believe and act on it now!
Article Contributor: Femi Adelayo (Speaker/Writer/Trainer – ?: +2348033529826, ?: mestriallc@gmail.com)
If you haven’t heard the song, “This is Me” by Keala Settle, please watch the video below. It was one of the biggest hit songs in “The Greatest Showman” ensemble of sound tracks and it buttresses this article perfectly.
I am not a stranger to the dark. Hide away, they say
‘Cause we don’t want your broken parts. I’ve learned to be ashamed of all my scars
Run away, they say. No one’ll love you as you are
But I won’t let them break me down to dust.
I know that there’s a place for us for we are glorious.
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out.
I am brave, I am bruised I am who I’m meant to be, this is me.
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum. I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me!!
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
Another round of bullets hits my skin. Well, fire away ’cause today, I won’t let the shame sink in
We are…….KEALA SETTLE
Cheers and thanks for reading!