On Self-Confidence

I thought I had a subject for this blog entry, which had nothing to do with self-confidence and everything to do with the upcoming American holiday. Then I got to thinking about some of the great writing I've read recently, whether it be in books, on the web, or in the local paper(s).

And I wished I could write like that again. Please note, I am not fishing for compliments, so don't think this is a cry for ego-stroking. It's just an observation: I'm not as habile with the written word as I once was, if I even ever was.

That fact got me thinking about self-confidence, and what a shaky, fragile thing that can be. One day I'll look in the mirror and like what I see. The next, I'll be horrified at some flaw. Some of my flaws I have control over, and some I don't. I can't change the crease in between my eyebrows or the size of my ribcage. I can protect my skin and my smile and my body by taking certain measures.

I can become a better writer by reading good writing, and by practicing writing, which means not suddenly thinking "Oh shit, I have to write a blog entry!" at 8 o'clock in the evening. 

What part of you are you self-conscious about? What do you need to "work on"?

Comments

[bhd]

My confidence is all tied up in a very sick way with my appearance. And evidently I'm about 3 feet too short for my weight.

However, when I've been slender I got a lot of attention. And I certainly didn't know how to handle that, either.

*sigh*

[Margaret]

My ego is too tied up in my appearance and my ability to GET THINGS DONE. So, I get quite OCD if there is anything that needs to get done. Relax, Margaret. P.S. I'm having a couple of beers. And you know why.

[Beth]

Whew. It's a good thing the Internet is infinite in its capacity. That's a doozy of a query, Alison.

Like bhd, I'm also about 3 feet too short for my weight. But I'm already over six feet tall, so if I was height/weight proportionate, then I'd been REALLY self-conscious about my height. And I'd have to move. Because this house has 8-foot ceilings. Or I'd have to sit all the time. Oh, wait. That wouldn't be much different than my life now.

And like Margaret, I need to GET THINGS DONE. I have a lot of ideas, I have (if you'll allow a momentary boast) a lot of talent. I've been very blessed with a lot of abilities. So why am I not hugely successful and being of great benefit to mankind?

I'll tell you why: Fear. Stupid fear. Four little letters. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of how people will treat me if I break out of this mold.

Thanks for the virtual couch, doctor.

[Sizzle]

On the days I don't feel confident, for whatever reason, I can't see any of my goodness. I do not like those days.

I get shaky about being a good friend, or being enough, or excelling at my job or juggling everything on my proverbial plate. I wonder if I'll ever fall in love and it will last. I worry I am not lovable in that way. I lose my gusto when I can't find an outfit to wear or my hair is not cooperating or I have a blemish (I am almost 37 so what is WITH this acne nonsense!).

Those sorts of things.

[bothenook]

ali, i'd write an in-depth and cogent reply to this post, but i don't feel confident enough to do it justice.

[Mari]

I hate my stomach

[ace]

your blog was one of the first I signed up to follow because of this: "I can become a better writer by reading good writing"