If a person loses confidence in their abilities, how do they go about getting it back and restoring faith in themselves? Any ideas/helpful hints?

listening to all their friends that constantly tell them theyre wonderful,

reading self help books that tell them theyre wonderful, I dont know what

else...

yeah, thats right. because it makes you feel needed, probably the best confidence booster around.

Having a good support system.

psychodelicide said:

i would start with something new ... to rebuild on

then as you develope a new skill and confidence in that it will boost the old confidence to return

remember too that much in life comes in cycles ... round and round

have faith in knowing that the low-down times are part of rebuilding faith

Believe in yourself

Monitor your "self talk" which is negative. Saying to yourself "This
will be scary," "I will be nervous as always," etc. will do nothing
but reinforce that in your mind. Control your self-talk and replace the
negative statements or thoughts with "positives." Your mind can be
programmed to act as your best ally or as your worst enemy. You are in
control of your thoughts. Practice positive thinking and it will make a
world of difference.

- Remove yourself from situations and people who are critical.
- Allow yourself to define your own pleasures, and take time to experience them.
- Strive to gain knowledge on a subject that interests you.
- Appreciate all the good things you've done for others and yourself.
- Remember that the world wouldn't be the same without you in it; you were meant to be here in this time and space and your contribution is as valuable as everyone elses, no matter what you do or what the outcome of your actions is.


xxx

elusivefatale said:

I so agree!

With time.

I've recently lost self confidence because of the reactions I got from people around me, which basically reminded me how bad my social skills are.
It made me feel that I do not belong around people, and probably should keep my communication with my surroundings to work only.
I try to warn people that I don't do well in social situations. That I'm shy and quiet. Rarely talk, if at all. But I guess no one believes me, and when it happens, they think I'm a snob.
It's just that I can't find anything interesting to talk about. If there are more than 2 people in the room including me, I just go to the corner and 'disappear' in the background, unnoticed.
It has always been this way, and always will. It's part of who I am.
That is why I've decided to just 'disappear'. That was I don't get hurt from people's reactions, and they don't get offended that I don't talk to them.

Heavenly said:

Aw honey but you shouldnt think like that, cause if you tell yourself you will be able to do something then you will be! dont be negative. acceptance isnt always best.

Ive lost a lot of confidence because of peoples reactions too,for example Ive always really wanted to be a singer, and i used to practice in my room, but then when i sang for someone they didnt react quite the way i wanted them too, or without as much encouragement as i expected, so i was convinced i couldnt sing. as a result now i cant even sing along to the radio or tv when someone else, anyone, is there, i automatically mime, all because it was so important to me that the let down wasnt worth it.

but im working on it

dont give up. orgers love you!

I'm in the same boat as some of you. I've never had high self-esteem and for me it was mainly because of my weight. I always told myself that I was no good if I was fat, no one would want to be with me because of my weight and all this stuff. It's a lie and I'm realizing that. Through prayer and postive thinking, I'm in the beginning process of accepting me for me and loving me in the process. I will get to where I want to be, I just have to be patient. But it's so true, it starts in the mind. Speak positively about yourself. I've found that this is true, you have what you say. The only way you can say anything is by first thinking on it. Have faith.

purplecam said:

Doing what they can do. You said 'their abilities', meaning that's something they can do. Therefore, they do that thing that they can do and in doing that there is restored their belief that they can do it. If they can't then it's not an ability they have. That's a whole other issue entirely. Can they do it or not? Not to seem cold, but that's the long and short of Buddha.