I have always believed that developing confidence in one’s self is a necessary step in developing self reliance. I believe that when it comes to standing on your own two feet you can’t do better than following these ten principles.
To your own self are true. Listen to your inner voice; don’t let others derail you. March to your own tune, not someone else’s.
- Create positive thinking. Associate with “energy chargers.” Don’t let negativism drag you down.
- Know that you’re not alone. Remember, millions of people have walked in your footsteps before you, and will do so after you.
- Learn something new. Get busy, sign up for classes, read a book, get involved in your community. Whatever you do, it’ll rejuvenate your brain cells.
- Assess the situation. Be realistic. What would really happen if you lost your job, a bid on a contract, or if business got really bleak? (Tie this commandment in with the next.)
- Take credit for your accomplishments. Pat yourself on the back. Keep a file containing all the complimentary things others have said about you and your work. Review it when things look bleak. In times of crisis, it’s good to have such a positive input at hand.
- Aspire higher. Stretch yourself. Consider your role models in or out of your field of work. Read about them. Strive to be like them.
- Don’t bottle things up; get some feedback. Talk things over with those you can trust. Make sure the feedback you get is from someone who is caring, supportive, and nonjudgmental.
- Take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise, sleep, play. Laugh a lot. Get your life in balance. Learn to make time for yourself.
- Keep in circulation. When rough times or failures hit, it’s common to withdraw, to not let the outside world know that all’s not well. The sooner you reinvolve yourself, the sooner you’ll get back on target.
All or most of the above are universal principles. Adversity is a strong contributor to self reliance. Don’t be afraid to take risks or to take a stand. And whenever someone or something tries to knock you off balance, tough it out! To quote former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission”. Always try to do things that are right, that you know deep in your heart are right for you. Even if you find yourself alone and different from other people, do what you think is right. If you suddenly think, “Who do I lean on? Who do I walk with? Who’s guiding me over the rough spots?” You know the answer: you, and what you’ve got going for you is your self-reliance!
