How did you develop your confidence and self-esteem?

Bryson White

I kept the promises I made to myself. If something was hard, I did it anyway. For years I would let my anxiety run the show. I pretty much decided enough was enough and challenged myself to do anything I was scared of. For me, that was singing in front of anyone. Now I’ve played hundreds of shows and take that “anxiety” I feel and tell myself I’m just excited about it! For those still nervous about pursuing what they truly want you have to understand it’s very very uncomfortable at first. Accept that and keep moving forward. Read more>>

Lupe Cambiasso

In my opinion we are all working on our confidence throughout our lives. In my case, being an artists helped me to build up my self-esteem by try and failure. We need to be open to criticism about our work and we also put ourselves out there when auditioning or looking for a job. Those types of experiences try us and allow us to test our strength. My family played an important role in my confidence. I was always told I was smart enough, talented enough and that I could do anything I wanted to do. Having people around me trusting in me, loving me and encouraging me was crucial to build my self-esteem. Read more>>

Marchele Kimbrough

I developed my confidence and self-esteem by first understanding that loving me was a journey that would require a process and I had to be committed to it no matter how long it would take. I then had to understand that being kind to myself was the foundation of this development. How can you love something your’re not kind to? In being kind to myself, I had to forgive myself for mistakes I held onto from the past and vow to move forward acknowledging my progress and celebrating my victories in growth. Next, I had to acknowledge my positive qualities and attributes. I had to take into account beautiful inside and out and it is totally ok if others don’t see it or my value. It only matters that I see myself as all of the beautiful things I was created for.Read more>>

Alexandria Carroll

Achieving high self-esteem and confidence has never been an easy feat for me. It wasn’t until I got to know my true identity that I started to learn my likes and dislikes, as if I was rediscovering myself all over again. As we age, our sense of individuality can often be lost in the process of maturing, yet it is only when we identify who we are that feelings of confidence, self-esteem and joy can truly set in. That’s why I decided to build a brand that not only brings me happiness but which also celebrates my own character – creating from passion rather than purely for profit. Read more>>

Sandra Duran Wilson

I have always been a traveler; from the time I came into the world. Growing up we lived in a ranching community along the Mexican-US border. One day while visiting family friends at their ranch, a neighbor’s horse ventured into the area where we were playing. I climbed a gate next to the horse and scampered onto his back, no saddle or bridle. I was almost four. The horse began a gentle walk back to his home nearby. We kids thought the neighbor was a cranky old man because he would chase us off his property but when he saw me on the back of Ole Blue a big grin took over his face. I knew then that people are not always as they appear. Read more>>

Akeila Francis

When it comes to the topic of confidence and self-esteem, the answer for me in quite simple. I have no choice in the matter, and that’s mainly because I don’t understand the lack of it. It’s all about self focus to me, I exist therefore I have value and a purpose in this life and any other. I’ve never been one to be too focused on what anyone else is doing or what they have unless I am directly affected by it. Most times we aren’t, and for whatever reason society has us hyper fixated on the what and the why’s of other people. I have never cared enough if that makes it even more simple. My abilities are mine and mine alone, if I am not confident in them, then who is supposed to be and why would they want to be even if I am doubtful. Read more>>

Erica Thomas

Self-love. I lift myself to the highest pedestal because if I don’t, no one else will. Self esteem starts with self so if I didn’t love myself enough and hold me in high regard, my confidence would take a beating. Read more>>

Elizabeth Emmanuel

My confidence and self-esteem developed through encountering difficult situations. Even if I did not always win or the circumstance did not always turn out in my favor, the fact that I was willing to encounter the situation in the first place allowed me to become confident in my own abilities and talents. Also, a strong belief in God and what He has enabled me to do has also strengthened and developed my confidence and self-esteem. Read more>>

Tyler Pina

I learned a lot about myself during the lockdown in 2020. I’ve always been very confident and extremely extroverted, but I never realized that this confidence primarily came from my ability to do well in social situations. The external validation I received from being quick-witted, telling jokes, or making people feel good fueled me. Read more>>

Timneisha Greene Kim

Truthfully told, I have always felt a sense of self-love within, even with being bullied growing up. Words genuinely used to hurt my feelings often because I would always wonder why I would get teased when I did not feel those things about myself. I never felt inferior on the inside, but whenever someone would muster up harmful words towards me, I tended to cry because I never felt I deserved it, and it genuinely confused me. I often wondered what I could do to get people to look at me in the same light that I saw myself. It took a while to break the emotional trauma that stemmed from being bullied, but over the years, my self-confidence and self-esteem developed in such a remarkable and positive way because I listened to my own voice. It was such an overwhelming feeling to hear myself, to listen to my inner voice. I had to take accountability and create boundaries, and in doing so, I realized that nobody ever deserved to have my power, so I decided never to give it away. Read more>>

Nicqueva Haughton

I believe that confidence and self-esteem are muscles that have to be continuously exercised in order to remain strengthened. We are human beings and through each phase of life, we have to develop the proper amount of esteem and confidence in order to conquer what we are facing. I think coming to the realization, as an adult, that it’s ok to be yourself, was very pivotal for me. I realized that growing up, the people who made fun of me or downplayed my ideas, weren’t the rule makers of life. So many people I know, were looking to fit into the mold that was created for us, and I somehow consistently went against the grain, I learned that I was much happier and content when I chose myself over people pleasing. Learning to be bold and express my standards, boundaries, and dislikes is where it started for me. I can love other people and respect them, but I don’t have to do the things they do or live how they want me to live. I can have enough faith, confidence and esteem within myself to know that I am enough. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and God didn’t make any mistakes when he created me. Read more>>

Carli Brinkman

Although I’ve had moments of self-doubt, I’ve never lacked in confidence, and I think that is due to the fact that I grew up with a healthy sense of self-esteem that never limited my understanding of what I am capable of, what I deserve, or what I can achieve. From a young age, when it was time to start creating independent experiences and venture out on my own, I took big risks, worked hard, and challenged myself, while at the same time, really experiencing life to the fullest and exploring the world. I found that, though it took a ton of energy, I was becoming successful and loving life at the same time. That was when my confidence caught up with the self-esteem I’d been building. The more I was able to work hard and experience professional success, and enjoy hard and experience personal fulfillment, the more I felt confident in the fact that I understood how to “do” life. Although it isn’t a completely linear equation (and boy, do kids through a wrench in any perceived “formula” for easily making your way through life), this theory tested over and over again, for me- starting in my formative years- definitely instilled a life-long confidence that anything was possible if I truly wanted it and believed it was attainable. Read more>>

Anthony Carranza

I developed my confidence and self esteem from simply realizing everyone is just as scared and intimidated as you are. By changing the status quo, standing up and believing in yourself, you can set an example and new standard for artist. That we can be business owners, entrepreneurs (or artreprenuers!) and make an impact on the world we live in. I just felt the imposter syndrome in art was too prevalent for it to impact me. I wanted more for myself and that’s what drives me to push myself more and more every day. I also gained a lot of confidence by taking my health into consideration with my workflow. Adopting good eating habits and a fitness schedule keeps me disciplined and in shape for long periods of drawing. Read more>>

Taylor Dante

Personally, I have found that pushing myself into uncomfortable situations gives me the most confidence. It is always during those situations I am reminded that life is not as scary as it appears. For instance, a few months ago I spoke on a social media panel. Even though very hesitant to say no at the end of the day I was overwhelmed with such a rush of confidence. Read more>>

Callie Smith

I developed my confidence and self esteem by believing in myself and my abilities, and I trust that I can handle whatever challenges come my way. I have become more assertive and willing to take risks, I learned how to be more comfortable speaking up and sharing my opinions. My confidence comes from many sources, such as past successes, positive feedback from others, and a strong sense of self-worth. It is important to remember that confidence is not the absence of fear or doubt, but rather the ability to move forward despite those feelings. When you are confident, you are more likely to achieve your goals and succeed in life. Read more>>

Antonio (Teezy Mcfly) Bomar

My confidence and self esteem comes from years of self love and understanding myself and accepting my flaws and tendencies. Telling myself there’s only one me, I don’t need to be the loudest in the room to stand out, it’s okay to be myself and I need no explanation for who I am. I fear no one and I give respect when due. Become comfortable in the skin you’re in and understand we all have a purpose and a gift to express ourselves in a special way, just have to find that itch and step out the box. Read more>>

Walter Cortez Mooney

Well Jehovah god doesn’t give you things you don’t need and growing up in the environment I grew up in let’s just say people are not going to show a lot belief in you anyway and if you show a interest outside of playing sports, hustling, or rapping good luck with getting the support of friends, family or the community . So coming out the gate I had to have a lot of confidence and believe in myself cause I fount out fast nobody else gone believe in you like you believe in yourself. No else can accomplish your dreams but you and it start with having the self esteem & confidence to feel your strong enough to take that sometimes dark and lonely road that at time will feel not real and unattainable Read more>>

Khristy Johnson

I developed my confidence from my mother she always told me to be me and love me and she showed me how to love others as well as myself and I make sure everything I do I do it to the best of my ability. Read more>>

Kathy Linden

Two words of consummate importance to those of us in the arts! After years of honing your craft and reaching a level of satisfaction it is then that we are ready to present US to the world. We don’t always receive the reactions hoped for or the accolades we desire. But once we have garnered the courage to test the waters…. then we are all in…….no matter the temps. Yes there are unexpected rejections and disregard for all our efforts. But indulging in complete perseverance is key!!! Then, behold the affirmations, the awards, and the beautiful sentiments relayed…………ahhh, the acknowledgements that make the heart swell and the bravado !!! Therein lies the confidence and the building of self esteem. They must be nurtured; they must be strengthened; they must be enhanced by skill. Read more>>

Chris Rodway

This is actually a good question for me, as I’ve always struggled with major self esteem issues, & it’s still a very ongoing process. The most important part, for me personally at least, is to constantly remind myself that I am capable of doing this, it’s okay to trust myself and to trust the process. And also just accepting that everything won’t happen all at once, and that it doesn’t for anybody it’s not me falling behind, and that the success will come. And I find the more I work and the more I do it gets a little easier too, truly putting my all into my craft has done more for my confidence than anything else in my life. Read more>>

Lennette Ramirez

Growing up with constant doubt and low self esteem I never in a million years thought I would be where I am today. I grew up somewhat of a loner. I was a young mom and stayed to myself for the most part. Always admiring others from a distant, the popular girls, the confidence others had and always finding the negatives in myself. Read more>>

Jelena Yowell

As a little girl I wanted to dance ballet and play piano badly but I was super afraid of myself and others. So during my school years at ballet and piano schools I had amazing teachers and Professors who helped me gain all my confidence and self esteem. Both my professors used to tell me how good I am in what I do and how I can do anything that I want only if I want it and I work for it . They always challenged me with new things that were above my levels so I can improve and develop faster. It’s amazing to have good professors who can help you develop that’s what I carried over to my students too . Read more>>

Zaida Alfaro

Everyday, I wake up and set realistic goals. The goals may seem minimal at first, but I realize that these goals set my day. I also practice daily, positive self-talk. I make time for myself, such as reading, playing music, even a spa day. I distance myself from social media, with the exception of my business. Social media, interlaced with society, set these expectations that deter one from developing confidence and self-esteem. Read more>>

Diane Howard

When it comes to injecting it is extremely important to build your skill, learn different techniques and have a mastery of facial anatomy. In order to build confidence for injecting, I think it is extremely important to start slow and work with experts to help build your skill set and confidence. I believe it takes 2-3 years to build a good injecting skill base, so working and mentoring under other experts during that time will help get you to the next level. Read more>>

Janmetra Waddell

I developed my confidence and self-esteem- truly out of necessity. As a survivor of domestic violence my confidence was completely destroyed ! I was depressed, combined with post-partum depression it was tough! Read more>>

Sarah Daye

I”ve gratefully be exposed to the arts so young. I started dancing and training in ballet, jazz and a little tap since I was a wee little thang at age three. And I have been entertaining since I could walk basically. I used to put on shows for my parents and their friends and they quickly knew that I was definitely in my element dancing and singing. It is who I was meant to be. Read more>>

malasurfcartel

Putting myself in uncomfortable situations. The best parts of your life happens when you do the things that you’re not use. You learn and understand more about yourself. Figuring out limits that you never knew were there. I think you should embrace every situation like this. Do the things that you normally wouldn’t do. The roads that you’ll find is way more exciting than the ones you’ve already experienced. My confidence is always building from this approach. I know what I am capable of now but embrace learning and understanding of every situation I go and put myself through. Read more>>

Rhian Bristol

Confidence and self-esteem can be challenging to attain and maintain especially, I feel, for women. At times, it can be difficult to believe in yourself and your abilities, so it is important to remember that everyone has their unique strengths; acknowledge your weaknesses but always focus on your positive qualities and lean into what feels good. Take time to practice self-care. Know that through hard work, you can achieve the things you set your mind to. Surround yourself with family and friends who believe in you and your potential and challenge you to be the best you can be. It took years of training myself to not care what people think of me. More importantly, it took years of training myself to believe I am worthy. I stood in front of the mirror and told myself, “You are beautiful and worthy of love” until I believed it. I have struggled with imposter syndrome most of my life; learning to ignore the voices in my head that told me I would always be stuck was a hurdle that took years to overcome. Read more>>

Tom McGeoch

It actually took me many years to develop my confidence and self-esteem. I remember a specific therapy appointment I had about 8 years ago where I just wanted a quick-fix for those things. I was like, “what books do I need to read to be more confident”. I just didn’t believe in myself at all at the time. Looking back, one of the biggest things that helped me develop my confidence and self-esteem was just creating positive evidence for myself. If it was something as small as just going to a party to make new friends, I would go home at night and write down what went well. If it was something bigger like performing on stage, I would write down all of the positive things that people said to me after I performed. I would read these things every day and then started to actually believe what was written down. I was always so focused on the negative stuff growing up, and now I try to look at the positives. As long as I’m in action towards my goals, and learning along the way, it’s all good. Read more>>