“One of the greatest journeys in life is overcoming insecurity and learning to truly not give a shit.”
― J. A. Konrath
Everyone has some insecurities and that is completely normal hence, being insecure is okay until it gets to a point where it is not. Sometimes, insecurities lead people to become jealous and envious even of their loved ones. As time goes by, this jealousy can take a very ugly turn and transform into unwarranted hatred.
You might be thinking that you can’t reach that point where you would hate and sabotage others because of your insecurities because you are a good person. Well, let’s stop there and put emphasis on the fact that you are a ‘person’ and that makes you susceptible to developing into someone completely different than your present self without you paying attention. Hence, you should work on overcoming your insecurities and this is how you can do it.
Step 1: Accept your insecurities.
You cannot fix something that you are not aware of hence, the first way to overcome your insecurity is by accepting that you have one. You can either say it out loud or write it down somewhere everything that you are insecure about. When you accept your insecurities, no one can hold them against you. No one has the power to put you down.
For instance, people commenting on your weight will avoid annoying you over it when you tell them “I know, and I am working on it”. When you act as if you are not aware of your insecurity, someone comments hurt a lot more than when you have accepted that insecurity and are working towards making it better.
Step 2: What is the root cause of your insecurity?
Another way through which you can overcome your insecurities is by digging deep down and learning about the root cause of your insecurity. When you are able to fix the first problem, it will cast a domino effect and naturally help you overcome your insecurity.
For instance, if your insecurity is your weight, then the root cause of that insecurity lies in your routine and daily habits. When fix those two factors, then you will automatically start the journey towards overcoming your insecurity. All you need to do is let go of the denial and think what caused you to have that insecurity in the first place.
Step 3: Act “As If”
One of the most effective ways to overcome your insecurity is by faking it until you make it. You should act as if you do not have that insecurity.
For instance, if you are insecure about your body, then you should act as if you are not and wear all the clothes you would wear if you had your dream body. This may initially be hard and you might want to drop it but, keep going and there will come a day when you will truly feel confident and secure.
Step 4: Stop comparing yourself.
“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.”
― Steven Furtick
Majority of the times, insecurities arise when a person compares themselves to others. You must accept that the other person got there due to their discipline, work ethic, or may have not worked a single day for it but, it was meant to be theirs.
Your path has different, your lessons are different so there is no point crying over what someone has hence, the best thing you can do is compare yourself with your past self. That is how you will progress in life.
Step 5: Work on yourself.
The best way to overcome insecurity is by constantly working on yourself. Stop spending your days wallowing in self-pity and focus on becoming the best possible version of yourself. Sure, you might not see the results at once or even until months but, keep moving forward. If you are insecure about your weight, then go to the gym and start eating right.
If you are insecure about any facial feature then try practicing self-love by looking at it and telling yourself that you are still perfect. It will take time but, it will get better with time. If you are insecure about your financial status then work harder and work overtime. Save your money and invest it smartly. Everything is in your hands.
Step 6: Be grateful
If you really want to compare yourself with someone that compare with someone who is below you. Never feel arrogant or entitled to anything instead, you should feel grateful of everything that you have been blessed with.
Gratitude will naturally attract more blessings and stability into your life.
Force yourself to be grateful about at least 5 things daily, maintain a gratitude journal. When you are unable to think of something obvious, you will think about a not so obvious blessing and that will make you feel more secure and grateful. This exercise will open your eyes to your blessings.
Having insecurities are normal but, never let them get in the way of your success and never let them dictate who you are as a person. Keep working on yourself and you will get there.
