Lack of confidence and self-esteem are two of the
worst feelings in the world. When you don't have
confidence in yourself, its easy to feel as if you are
falling off the planet or being swallowed by the earth.
People who lack positive self esteem often find
themselves intimidated, or afraid to face the world. If
you have ever felt this way, then you know exactly what
I mean.
I have searched for many years, and tried many
techniques to Overcome my issues with self-esteem and
it took me almost thirty years to finally find
something that let me build myself up and really find
the courage to believe in myself. For me, the answer
was hypnosis...for others it may be some other
technique.
One of the things I learned in studying hypnosis is
how building images in your mind of what you want can
make quick and powerful changes deep down inside. Here
is an example of an easy technique you can use to help
build up your confidence.
Find a quiet place where you can just relax and
internalize for a few minutes. Four or five minutes is
all you need at a time. I would suggest doing this
sitting in a chair...laying down has a good chance of
putting you to sleep.
1. Close your eyes and take a few deep relaxing
breaths. Breathe deeply and easily...and just allow
your mind to clear of any worries and doubts.
2. Imagine yourself watching yourself on a movie
screen as you enter a situation that would make you
feel anxious. In your imagination, see yourself dealing
with the situation with confidence and self
assurance.
3. Watch your movie self standing tall and
confident...smiling and happy to Take charge of and
really enjoy your life. Make the image larger than
life...full of vibrant colors.
4. Hear other people congratulating you and tell you
how great you are. See the image of yourself stand
taller and more confident...until feel as though THAT
you can handle anything.
5. Now in your mind, step into the body of that
strong, confident inner you and imagine all the
feelings and sensations...all the confidence and self
assurance flowing into you as you BECOME that
person.
6. Tell yourself internally that you are becoming
more and more like that person every day...and allow
yourself to feel that same sense of confidence, courage
and strength that your inner self had.
7. Enjoy the feeling for as long as you like. Then
just open your eyes, and hold on to as much of that
confidence and esteem as you can.
Use this exercise for a few minutes before you go
into a situation that makes you anxious...try to use it
when you wake up, and before you go to bed. The more
frequently you use it, the more your outer confidence
will grow to be like your inner image of
confidence.
Robert Taylor is a certified hypnotherapist, a computer
programmer and an author.