Empower youth Change Tomorrow

At the individual level, knowledge is a transformative force empowering young minds with skills, information, and critical thinking abilities that lead them to analyze, think, and act. Knowledge enables individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their capabilities and the world around them. This understanding instills confidence in them to navigate the challenges and boosts self-confidence.

 Knowledge in the form of education and access to information empowers societies by fostering social mobility, improving standards of living, and enabling people to collectively address societal challenges.

Self-esteem is an evaluation of how we perceive ourselves, our abilities, and our overall sense of self-worth. High self-esteem means a sense of build self confidence and positive self-image, while low self-esteem is a sense of self-doubt and negative self-perception. 

Self-esteem is developed through positive self-talk, being kind to one’s self regardless of mistakes, engaging with supportive relationships, celebrating successes, and accepting one’s flaws and imperfections. However, self-esteem is a dynamic concept that is shaped by internal and external factors, personal experiences, and social interactions. Hence the construct of developing self-esteem heavily relies on individual experiences.

Confidence develops in individuals when they recognize their capabilities, strength & self-worth. To become more confident, push yourself in self-positive talks, set achievable goals, and challenge yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone. If needed, take part in youth skill development activities that boost your confidence. 

Try new activities, be open to new experiences, and embrace self-growth. Replace self-criticism with self-love, treat yourself with kindness, and know that no one is perfect! Set achievable goals and gradually work your way up. Each accomplishment boosts your confidence and gives momentum to your self-worth.

Empowering young minds means nurturing their emotional and critical thinking aspects towards sustainable development. It means providing them with the tools, support, and opportunities to recognize their potential, to develop confidence & resilience. Empowering young minds involves crafting self-confidence activities for students that are tailored to their developmental stage and interests. Empowering young minds is to cultivate a positive mindset that empowers them to tackle challenges and reach their goal with conviction.

The hardships, challenges, and experiences differ from teenage to adulthood and so are the ways to handle them. Adults usually face difficulties in careers, relationships, and personal fulfillment that lead to stress, pressure, & low self-esteem. In such situations, improving self-esteem is essential for adults & they can begin by practicing various confidence-building activities. One can initiate by taking part in self-esteem exercises for adults on their own or participate in confidence-boosting workshops conducted by spiritual leaders, and mentors that guide and support you along this journey of improving self-esteem.

Gaining confidence is a process of understanding one’s strengths, and capabilities and accepting oneself with all the imperfections.   

To gain confidence in yourself, begin by evaluating your strengths and positive aspects and cherish them. Practice self-care and surround yourself with positive people who uplift and motivate you. Another important aspect that drains your self-confidence is self-doubt and comparing yourself with others. Stop comparing and know that everyone has their own journey. Engage in various self-esteem-building activities like gratitude journaling, upskilling yourself, practicing self-acceptance over regrets, replacing every negative thought with positive ones, taking care of your body, and setting short-term achievable goals.

Self-doubt or being under-confident is a part of human experiences, and if you think, self-doubt is keeping you away from doing most of the things you want to do, here’s how you can do it:

1. Participate in teenage confidence-building activities
2. Analyse the trigger points that evoke self-doubt in you
3. Challenge yourself to replace each negative thought with a positive one
4. Know your strengths and capabilities well
5. Set realistic short-term goals that are achievable
6. Stop procrastinating and get things done
7. Be kind to yourself & forgive often

Low confidence in adults depends on many external & internal factors and their unique experiences. Adults will usually have a more established sense of self and face loss of confidence due to dynamic aspects (professional. societal, personal) they have been through. However, it is essential to build back the confidence in adults by encouraging them to realize their self-worth and their capabilities. It is essential to help them build self-compassion and let them know that they are not alone in this journey.  The process of building confidence in adults can be made effective and mindful by seeking professional help.

The first step to building self-esteem in adults is to understand that our behaviors and decisions are vividly influenced by our unique experiences and the environment we come from and are beyond our control despite our best efforts and intentions. 

Hence accept situations, and acknowledge your worth and value by learning self-acceptance.  

• Avoid self-criticism and embrace your flaws and imperfections.  
• Encourage yourself through positive affirmations.   
• Learn new skills and acquire knowledge. It boosts your confidence
• Set achievable goals and surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you.
• If needed, do not hesitate to consult mental health specialists. Stay patient and know that it’s a journey and you are not alone in this!