Self-Improvement In 2021: 10 Ways To Grow In Confidence And Maturity
Learning to become more confident and mature is high on many peoples’ lists for self-improvement. It is challenging to learn, and some may never fully understand what it means to be a mature and confident individual. It takes ongoing work and dedication and a level of self-awareness and analytical thinking that not everyone is equipped for.
The past year has been filled with the stress and worries that the coronavirus pandemic has caused. Many people have used their extra spare time to take up new hobbies and crafts, but few have taken the time to work on themselves. As we emerge from lockdown in 2021 and get to grips with working and socializing with others again, there is no better time to work on yourself.
Here are some of the best ways that you can work on yourself in 2021.
Set Yourself Goals
Setting – and achieving – goals can help motivate and inspire us. For instance, you could set a goal to get to a certain point in your career, earn a specific salary or reach a fitness milestone like running a 10k. It is essential to walk the line between a goal that will inspire you and one that is impossible to achieve. A goal set too high can end up causing you more harm than good and make you less motivated instead of more.
Learn To Let Things Go
One of the cornerstones of maturity is learning to let the little things go. Holding on to minor annoyances, petty squabbles, and other little inconveniences do you no good and will only make you angry or upset. Instead, it can help to try letting these things go in whatever way you can so that they don’t weigh you down.
For instance, you could try practicing forgiveness for yourself or anyone who has wronged you in some small way. You could also take a minute to look at the big picture before getting riled up – will this be something you’ll care about in a year, five or ten? If not, then let it wash over you.
It is important to know when to let things go and when not – you shouldn’t ignore or disregard the larger concerns in life.
Do Things That Scare You
Getting out of your comfort zone is one of the surest ways to grow in self-confidence. When it comes to stepping outside of your comfort zone, it is often best to start small. Where to start will vary from person to person. For some, it may be as simple as trying a new food or buying clothes in a style they wouldn’t usually choose. For others, it could be sky diving or travelling solo abroad. What is important is that you challenge yourself and work your way up.
A great way to get out of your comfort zone can be to start saying ‘yes’ more. This can be particularly beneficial if you tend to be shyer and more introverted. You could try saying yes to one or two things a day that you might typically avoid. For example, if co-workers invite you to drinks after work or your friend offers to set you up on a blind date.
Praise Yourself
Confidence starts and grows from within. If you tend to be self-critical, one of the critical first steps is to modify your inner voice. Instead of beating yourself up about things, try praising yourself for your achievements. If something hasn’t gone quite the way you wanted it, you could acknowledge this but also note the things that went well.
It may help to start a diary of affirmations. Every day you could write down things you are grateful for, something you have done that you are proud of and more. This could be simple things like cooking a tasty meal or getting a tough project finished on time.
Learn To Master Your Emotions
Emotional mastery is key to becoming a mature person. The important thing here is to understand your emotions and not allow them to control you. You should always be in control of your decision-making process, and while our feelings are important to consider, they should not rule your thoughts and mind.
There are many ways to master your emotions. What works will differ from person to person, so you may need to experiment with different methods to find the one that works for you. You can learn more about emotional mastery from these articles by best-selling author Ed Latimore.
Get A Pet
A great way to grow in maturity is to start taking care of another living thing. You could consider getting a pet that will give you responsibility and commitment. A cat or a dog are excellent choices, as they provide companionship and require a set schedule that you and they will need to stick to.
It is vital to be confident that you are ready for a pet before you commit to one. You should ensure that you live in a pet-friendly place and give them the freedom and room to grow and play. If you work full-time, it can be a challenge to care for a pet on top of this, so only take on the responsibility if you can fully commit to it.
Start Playing A Sport
Taking up a new sport can help improve your physical fitness, coordination and confidence. If you are less than confident in your abilities, you should try starting with a beginner class in a sport that has always interested you. It may help to try out a team sport, as working as part of a whole can help instill feelings of confidence, community and connection.
Playing sports is also a great way to meet new people and grow your social circle. This can, in turn, help you develop your social skills and learn to communicate and enjoy your time with a broader range of people.
Give Back To Your Community
Getting involved with community events is a great way to learn social responsibility. For example, you could consider volunteering with local charities such as food banks or thrift stores. The feeling of achievement and responsibility can help you mature and become a stronger, more competent person.
A sense of community can give you both confidence and maturity. It may help to get involved in a few different community events to help you get the most out of the experience.
Fake It Til You Make It
One thing that can help you grow in confidence is simply to pretend that you are more confident than you feel. Over time, acting as though you are confident can inspire genuine confidence, as people will treat you in the way you portray yourself. This can be challenging for people whose self-assuredness doesn’t come naturally, but with practice, it can become second nature.
There are plenty of examples of high-powered people who have used this method to get to where they are now—from film stars and models to business leaders and executives. Faking it until you make it can be an excellent way to gain confidence.
Take Care Of Your Body
Living well is a crucial step in becoming a mature and confident person. This includes eating healthily, getting plenty of sleep and exercising regularly. Nurturing your body can have a direct impact on your mind. You should try different ways to work healthy living into your life and see the benefits in your feelings of maturity and confidence.
