How To Handle Insecurities Effectively

How To Handle Insecurities Effectively

Are you feeling insecure about some things?  Are you having trouble figuring out how to handle insecurities effectively?  Let’s hop into my daily stories as I share with you my proven effective ways on how to overcome insecurities.

Hi readers,

For today’s story, I would like to share with you all the greatest insecurity many people from the Philippines no doubt are facing. Born in 1985, I grew up watching TV commercials about skin lightening. As young and naive I was, I can vividly recall how I easily get hooked to all those TV commercials. I remember how I would instantly get beauty products advertised that will lighten my skin. I got too occupied thinking that my skin is a big hindrance for me to excel or get noticed. Hey, these were my teenagers thoughts. Becoming an adult, the intensity of insecurities that someone can face could be devastating and destructive. I have been there just like you and don’t worry, I will tell you today how I overcome these invented insecurities that media and our society create.

Result of not feeling good about yourself

It’s normal for us all to not feel good about ourselves at some days. However, feeling insecure about ourselves all the time can lead to some hazardous results that will not only affect you but also the people around you. Let’s just include it in here, even your romantic relationship can be greatly affected negatively if you are insecure of yourself all the time. Do you want to know how I overcome my insecurities?

Building self esteem doesn’t happen overnight. With growth mindset and right approach, we can take steps toward changing the way we feel about ourselves.

Here are my personal tips on how to handle insecurities effectively:

1. Recognize your value – No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Reminding ourselves about the things we have done right can give us positive thoughts. Having these thoughts can help you focus on your contributions rather than your shortcomings.

2. Self First- Thinking about yourself first is not being selfish. It is a sign of being responsible. Logically, if you cant take care of yourself, there’s no way you can for others. If you take care of others first than yourself, it only shows how you don’t value yourself. Here are some tips on how to value your self first:

• keep a healthy lifestyle
• reward your self after a heavy task (a spa after a week of work, coffee time with people you love, responsible shopping of course, a little getaway trip)
• set your schedule with your phones/ gadgets and social media (unplug and disconnect)
• talk nicely to yourself

3. Accept Awkward Moments– Too many of us fear awkward situations. Awkward moments are inevitable. They happen and we normally react badly. How should we face these moments next time? Laugh at it and embrace it. Believe me, there are lessons from it that you will be grateful for sooner or later. Here I’ve read 12 ways to make yourself feel better in awkward situations. Try checking it out for more specific and effective ways to combat awkward moments.

4. Defeat Negative Thoughts – Negative thoughts make us feel sad and anxious. They can take a toll out of our well-being. Beating yourself up because you didn’t score that big promotion or forgot to confirm an important appointment keeps you stuck in an unhealthy thoughts of self loathing, and even shame. Here are some tips I can share about how to defeat negative thoughts:

• know that these unideal circumstances don’t and won’t define you, so forgive yourself
• keep a journal of that negative thoughts and get back to it later and evaluate if you overcome it successfully
• think about what you have learnt from every situation and refocus on the positive (there definitely is a positive result from every setback)

5. Spend Time with People Who Appreciate You- Nowadays, identifying people who truly care, appreciate and love you is a struggle. With so many people believe that every social media reactions mean exactly how they meant? I doubt! Be cautious about identifying these people who value you, once you found one or two, make sure to spend time with them. Plan a visit or a coffee time with them and enjoy the feeling you receive every time they’re around. If people make you feel good, the more you feel your value. Then you are boosting your self -esteem.

Again, since this is a daily story post. I intentionally don’t make it too long. I am hoping that a little healthy reminder from journey4us daily can help you start your day right. In line with this “How To Handle Insecurities Effectively” post, there was also a blog post recently by a dear colleague Jeza about “How To Accept Your Weaknesses”. It is also a blog full of personal experiences that we both believe are worth reading.

If you have questions about what you have just read or maybe if you want to share your own journey, we invite you to fill this form up and tell us how we may be of help.