We were lucky to catch up with Ashton Hooks recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashton, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Growing up, I struggled with low confidence , self-esteem and no one took me serious. I often doubted my abilities and felt overshadowed by others. However, through years of self-reflection, positive affirmations,my faith in God, and setting achievable goals, I was able to develop a strong sense of self-confidence and self-esteem.
Self-reflection played a crucial role in my journey towards building confidence. I started by exploring my strengths and weaknesses, identifying areas where I excelled and areas where I wanted to improve. Understanding myself better helped me gain clarity on what I wanted to achieve and the steps I needed to take to get there. By taking the time to reflect on my experiences and evaluate my actions, I became more aware of my capabilities, and this self-awareness significantly boosted my self-confidence.
Positive affirmations also played a significant role in transforming my mindset. I began consciously practicing self-affirmation techniques, regularly reminding myself of who I am, my strengths, talents, and uniqueness. I replaced negative self-talk with positive and empowering statements. Initially, it felt unnatural and forced, but over time, these affirmations became ingrained in my thinking. By consistently reinforcing positive messages to myself, I started to believe in my abilities and value my worth. The power of positive self-talk cannot be understated; it has been instrumental in cultivating a strong sense of self-esteem for me.
In addition to internal affirmations, setting achievable goals aided in my journey towards confidence and self-esteem. I began by breaking down larger aspirations into smaller, actionable steps. These smaller goals allowed me to experience consistent progress and build momentum in my journey. As I achieved each milestone, I gained a sense of accomplishment and reassurance in my abilities, further fueling my confidence. The process of setting and attaining goals taught me that I was capable of overcoming challenges and achieving success, boosting my self-esteem in the process.
Throughout this development process, self-reflection, positive affirmations, and setting achievable goals have worked collectively to transform my confidence and self-esteem. Through self-reflection, I gained a deeper understanding of myself, paving the way for self-acceptance and self-appreciation. The power of positive affirmations reshaped my mindset, eradicating self-doubt and replacing it with self-belief. Lastly, setting achievable goals allowed me to experience consistent growth and success, reinforcing my confidence and self-esteem.
In conclusion, my journey towards developing confidence and self-esteem involved a combination of self-reflection, positive affirmations, and setting achievable goals. Through these practices, I was able to overcome self-doubt and cultivate a strong sense of self-assurance. My experiences serve as a reminder that building confidence and self-esteem is a continuous journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a professional model and actor, I have had the opportunity to showcase my talent and creativity in various projects. I did commercial for Verizon and was apart of a music video for a popular Christen artist hulvey. I am passionate about the art of storytelling through visual mediums.In addition to my work as a model and actor,
I also have the privilege of running a
podcast with my Co host Chris Johnson and ty Smith called “The Nude Podcast.” This platform allows me to engage in meaningful conversations with individuals from all walks of life. Through thought-provoking discussions on topics ranging from personal growth to social issues, “The Nude Podcast” aims to foster a space of vulnerability and authenticity.
Being a professional model and actor has taught me the importance of embracing my truth, vulnerability, unique qualities and channeling them into my work. Each project is an opportunity for me to step into different roles, explore new dimensions of my creativity, and challenge myself to constantly evolve as an artist.
With “The Nude Podcast,” I aspire to create a safe space where individuals can openly share their experiences and voices can be heard. It has been an incredible journey connecting with guests who have gone through diverse life experiences and hearing their inspiring stories. The podcast has not only allowed me to delve deeper into important topics but has also provided a platform for others to share their perspectives and insights.
In summary, as a professional model and actor, I have nurtured my passion for creative expression and storytelling. Through my work in various projects, I have learned to embrace my unique qualities and continuously push my artistic boundaries. Additionally, “The Nude Podcast” has been a fulfilling endeavor, allowing me to engage in meaningful conversations and amplify diverse voices.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When it comes to going after the life you want and being successful in whatever you choose to do, there are a few key pieces of advice that I have found to be invaluable:
1. Follow your passion: Take the time to explore what truly makes you happy and ignites a fire within you. Find that one thing or multiple things that you are truly passionate about and make them the core of your pursuits. When you are passionate about something, it becomes easier to stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and excel in your chosen path.
2. Set clear goals: Define what success means to you and set specific, achievable goals to reach that level of success. Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps that can be pursued on a daily or weekly basis. By setting clear goals and regularly assessing your progress, you can maintain focus and track your achievements along the way.
3. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Failure is inevitable on the path to success, and it’s essential to view it as a valuable learning experience. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, use them as stepping stones towards growth and improvement. Reflect on what went wrong, identify lessons learned, and adjust your approach accordingly. Embracing failure with a growth mindset will help you bounce back stronger and more resilient.
4. Seek knowledge and continuous learning: Never stop learning and expanding your knowledge in your chosen field. Stay curious, seek out mentors, read books, attend workshops, and invest in your personal and professional development. The more you know, the more confident and capable you become, positioning yourself for success in your chosen endeavor.
5. Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals: Build a network of individuals who support your goals, inspire you, and challenge you to grow. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who share your ambition and vision can provide you with motivation, guidance, and a sense of community. Collaboration and support from others can often lead to new opportunities and open doors that you may not have discovered on your own.
Remember, success looks different for everyone, so it’s important to define what it means to you personally. Stay true to yourself, persevere through challenges, and never lose sight of your goals. With determination, a positive mindset, and a willingness to adapt, you can create the life you want and achieve success in whatever path you choose to pursue.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I’m going to keep this one short !
Breathe , pray , and remain consistent.
And lean towards my community to hold me up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ashtonhooks
Image Credits
Photography credits @is_tim @monicagosselinphotography @g_gavalli
