We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Baris Yesilbas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Baris, 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?
Confidence and self-esteem are integral components of one’s personal development, shaping the way individuals perceive and navigate the world around them. My journey toward building confidence and self-esteem has been a multifaceted process, influenced by experiences, challenges, and a conscious effort to embrace personal growth.
One key aspect of my confidence development was acknowledging that i can achieve everything once i put my mind and heart into it also understanding that everyone possesses a unique set of abilities and limitations allowed me to appreciate my individuality. Rather than fixating on perceived shortcomings, I focused on honing my strengths, gradually realizing that self-worth is not solely determined by perfection but by the continuous effort to improve.
Surrounding myself with a supportive network of friends and mentors played a crucial role in my self-esteem journey. Positive relationships offered encouragement, constructive feedback, and a sense of belonging. Sharing experiences and learning from others allowed me to gain valuable insights into my own strengths and areas for improvement. On the other hand; haters and nay-sayers from all around me became a cornerstone in developing a more positive self-image because i always look to impress myself and doesnt care about all the noises besides that.
Facing and overcoming challenges also significantly contributed to my confidence growth. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, I reframed them as opportunities for learning and resilience. Each obstacle became a chance to prove to myself that I could persevere, adapt, and emerge stronger. This mindset shift not only bolstered my confidence but also instilled a sense of resilience that became an invaluable asset in navigating life’s uncertainties.
Engaging in activities outside my comfort zone was another strategy I employed to foster confidence. Taking risks, whether it was public speaking, moving to a different country, or pursuing having my own studio, allowed me to confront fears and expand my comfort zone. The more I exposed myself to unfamiliar situations, the more I discovered my capacity to adapt and thrive, contributing significantly to my overall confidence and self-esteem.
Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves, and in my humble opinion everyone should value themselves to the highest. The development of confidence and self-esteem is a dynamic and ongoing process shaped by self-reflection, goal-setting, supportive relationships, resilience, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
When people inquire about how I began my journey in tattooing, I often find that my story stands out as the most unique one I’ve ever come across. While I always had a fondness for tattoo parlors, working in one provided me with a fresh perspective on life.
Having graduated from one of the top high schools in my country, I immediately enrolled in university, as it seemed like the necessary path to secure a respectable career. Becoming a tattoo artist wasn’t initially a burning desire of mine; my true ambition was to follow in my father’s footsteps and become an architect. However, my mother insisted that I study economics, and so I did. But during my final year, I made the decision to drop out and embark on a new adventure in Istanbul, where I found employment as a consultant in a courier delivery services company. Unfortunately, after just three months, I unexpectedly lost my job, without ever understanding the reason behind it.
From that point on, my life took an unexpected turn. It was during this period that my tattoo artist approached me and offered me a job at his parlor, suggesting that I work there until I found another opportunity. Naturally, my family opposed the idea of me working in a tattoo parlor, considering the sacrifices they had made for my education. However, it was the pivotal moment when I decided to take a leap of faith and accept my tattoo artist’s offer, becoming his apprentice and committing to doing whatever it took to become a tattoo artist myself. To this day, it remains the most significant risk I’ve ever taken, as I had no certainty of succeeding along this path. Yet, after completing my first tattoo, I discovered that this was my true calling, a lifelong passion. Creating tattoos allows me to express my authentic self, as each design is a personal creation inspired by the individuals who will carry them throughout their lives.
I have no regrets about the decision I made 12 years ago. As a tattoo artist, I have had the privilege of encountering countless individuals, hearing their stories, and becoming a part of their lives and families. I’ve listened to their experiences and learned valuable lessons from their mistakes. Moreover, I strongly believe that I have served as a source of inspiration for many, encouraging them to embrace risks and make bold choices in their own lives.
Amid the uncertainties following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I embarked on a bold journey by opening my own tattoo studio. It was a significant risk, considering the economic aftermath of the pandemic, but the passion for my craft and the belief in my skills fueled my determination. Embracing the challenges, I dove headfirst into the venture, navigating through uncertainties and adapting to the changing landscape. The journey has been slow, yet every milestone achieved is a testament to the resilience and dedication invested. As the studio steadily flourishes, I find immense joy in overcoming obstacles and savoring the sweet taste of success.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Building self-esteem requires patience and a willingness to take risks. I consistently emphasize to those in my circle that self-belief is the foundation; if you don’t believe in your skills and character, others won’t either. In a world that can be both harsh and self-centered, it’s crucial to recognize the potential for self-marketing and skill development. The journey is a roller coaster with its share of challenges, but cultivating patience and maintaining self-belief is essential. Despite the ups and downs, persevering and having confidence in oneself are key to navigating the complexities of this ever-changing world.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Chuck Palahniuk’s Lullaby had a profound impact on my early years, influencing my perspective on maximizing the limited time we have. Within the pages of the book, a singular sentence resonated deeply: “Life will always present various paths, and your choices will determine your life’s destination, so choose wisely.” This particular sentence fundamentally altered my outlook on life, prompting me to reconsider how I perceive and utilize the time at my disposal and guiding me toward a more intentional and thoughtful approach to my life’s journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.barisyesilbas.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/barisyesilbas
