I am very wisdomess – Joey Tribbiani

I’m not necessarily an expert, but I do have a certain level of self-confidence (of which I am very proud of). I have so much self-confidence, I thought I would share some of my wisdom with you… read at your leisure. 

1. Wear what you want!

When it comes to my style and sense of fashion, I’m not usually one to follow the trends in magazines or TV. If I do, it is a decision made completely independent from advertising. I literally buy and wear what I think looks cool, what makes me feel comfortable and what makes me feel confident. Sometimes I’ll shop at trendy stores like cotton on and sometimes (quite often actually) I get my clothes from op-shops – ain’t nothing wrong with a bargain!

I buy what I like and then from day to day I factor in weather – not that its very reliable here in Melbourne, haha – what I’m doing that day, and what makes me feel good, or my particular mood. If you are interested in specifics, what I’m really digging right now is long boots, scarves and my leather jacket – which is actually pleather because you know, #cheapie. 

2. Surround yourself with good people

I would not be where I am or half the person I am if it weren’t for the people who have had my back my whole life. My family first and foremost, but also close friends and relatives who have played an integral part in my personal development and confidence.

Having people who make you feel good about yourself is absolutely crucial to build self-confidence. Human beings are social creatures; we need company to survive. But it also needs to be good, healthy company. People who can lift you up, push you forward, support and encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

3. Pursue what you’re good at

Finding a hobby or career aspiration that you know you can do, in my experience, can be hugely beneficial to your self-confidence. I must specify that there is a difference between pursuing what you love and pursuing what you’re good at. You can love what you are good at, but you may not always be good at what you love.

For example, the thing I loved most in life was dancing. I did it for so long because it brought me pure joy and made me feel good about myself. However, I am also aware that it was never something that I was particularly talented at and definitely not something that I could pursue as a career in the long-term. That’s where writing came in. I learnt that I could write early on in high school and after that it became something I loved and wanted as a career. Pursuing what you are good at means that you can set goals for yourself and actually achieve them which is what contributes to your self-confidence. 

4. Have a badass playlist

It has been scientifically proven – by yours truly – that music effects your mood. I could be having the shittiest day, but put on a killer song, and my mood whips around just like that! Music is my life; I cannot live without it. When I leave the house, I make sure I have my keys, wallet, phone and headphones otherwise I might die.

My favourite time to listen to music is in the back of the taxi on my way to any appointment, meeting, social function. Putting on the right playlist (usually one of my favourites mixes or my badass woman playlist) can really set the mood for the whole day. I can disappear into my music and by the time I get to my destination, I’m ready to face the day with my head held high and a skip in my step (figuratively speaking, obviously).

5. Fake it

And finally, as annoyingly clichéd and cheesy as it is; the saying “fake it till you make it” is still one of the wisest pieces of confidence advice I’ve ever received. I promise you I wouldn’t be reiterating it if I hadn’t tried and succeeded at it.

Remember that post I made a few months ago, with the video of me doing a speech in front of my cohort at uni? A lot of people told me they thought I did so well and looked super calm and confident. Well guess what?… I wasn’t. At least not at the beginning. As soon as I faced that room full of strangers, I was shitting myself! Of course, I didn’t want them to know that I’d never done this before, so I pretended that I knew what I was doing. As I got through it, I started to relax a bit more and by the end I was as confident as a professional speaker. And yet, nobody noticed the difference the whole way through. Trust me! Fake it till you make it, works!

At that’s it from me, take what you want and disregard the rest or share your thoughts in the comments below. But make sure when you walk away, stand up straight and keep your head held high. You got this!