How To Build Self-Confidence in High School
What is self-confidence anyway? Having self-confidence means that you trust yourself and believe that you can accomplish what you set your mind to.
This state of mind is the key to rewarding experiences and fulfilling relationships. How are you supposed to succeed when you don’t believe you can to begin with? For instance, it's easier to focus during tests when you’re not doubting your own abilities.
But, if self-confidence is something you struggle with, don’t worry. You’re not the only one. In high school especially, it’s easy to be consumed by internal negativity when you’re stressed and surrounded by peers to compare yourself to. However, self-confidence is something that you can improve.
In this blog, we’ll help you learn how to build self-confidence and finally believe in yourself.
How to Build Self-Confidence as a Student
Reconstruct Your Mindset
When your brain becomes filled with intrusive thoughts like: “I’m not smart enough” or “I can’t do this,” it’s tempting to accept them as truths. But instead, you can learn to ignore these thoughts that fuel self-doubt.
One way of challenging negative thinking is by practicing daily affirmations. Affirmations are positive, encouraging phrases that you tell yourself.
Here are a few examples:
“I am worthy.”
“I am intelligent and kind.”
“I’m not going to let little mistakes get to me.”
Repeating these phrases will help you to believe them. Eventually, they will change your self-perception and outlook on life.
Affirmations come in many forms—you can journal them, think about them while walking to school, or say them out loud while getting ready in the morning. It’s something that’s easy and simple to do but has a lasting effect.
2. Focus On Inner-Growth
Let’s say that you receive a bad grade, or you don’t make the cut for your school’s soccer team. You might start pointing out your flaws or thinking that you’re incapable. However, rather than feel bad about yourself, you can take advantage of failure and use it as a tool for growth.
Of course, it’s absolutely okay to be upset when things don’t go to plan—sadness and disappointment are perfectly healthy. But once you overcome this stage, try to accept failure as a natural part of life. You will feel more confident knowing that failure is not the determinant of self-worth. Everyone, including you, has the ability to improve their skillset.
There’s one more roadblock that’s challenging but necessary to conquer: stop comparing yourself to your peers. Ignoring them completely is impossible, but instead of putting yourself down, you can look to others for inspiration. For example, use your friend’s impressive essay-writing skills as motivation to achieve the same for yourself.
Although, it’s crucial to note that each individual is unique in their own right, so it makes sense that the talents of you and your peers don’t align. What’s important is that you value reaching your own personal best, not that of others.
3. Set Small Goals
Do you ever hesitate to congratulate yourself? Or feel that your accomplishments aren’t worth praise? This prevents you from realizing how amazing you are!
You don’t need to win a marathon to be proud of yourself. Taking the time to study for a test, completing all your homework on time, and spreading kindness to the people in your life—are all personal victories. You should consider writing down these achievements and brainstorming your future goals. This therapeutic exercise promotes positive self-reflection.
Most of us have large, overarching goals like getting good grades throughout high school or going to college. In order to reach these though, you must first go through a lot of time and commitment. Instead of waiting to reward yourself, acknowledge your hard work through each baby step!
Take going to college for example. One component of the application process is building your college list. Once you do this, pat yourself on the back! Deciding where you want to spend four whole years is challenging.
Another task you must tackle is writing the first draft of your personal statement, which is no easy feat. Maybe give yourself a yummy treat after doing this! You’re one step closer to having a final draft that is authentic, clear, and cohesive.
Final Thoughts on Building Self-Confidence
Try experimenting with some of these strategies and you’ll know how to build self-confidence in no time! Self-confidence will help you through the rest of high school and even the rest of your life. Remember that you can always turn to your loved ones for support while going through this journey.
I know that you’re ambitious, driven, and awesome. I hope that you learn to embrace this fact. You got this!
Still nervous about an assignment? Try working through it 1-on-1 with one of UPchieve’s free tutors! Online tutoring may be just the thing to help you build a little confidence in yourself!