Elanso

In a funny sort of way, this blog is an example of gaining confidence in something simply by doing. And now, I’ve hit 100 posts. My early posts were considerably shorter than what I write now. I can comfortably quote my second post within this one:-

How do you define self confidence? Dictionary.com says “realistic confidence in one’s own judgment, ability, power, etc”, but then defines confidence as “full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing.” And “belief in oneself and one’s powers or abilities” The word confidence originates from the Latin “confidere”, meaning to trust.

Trusting and believing in ourselves in whatever situation we need to perform. What you cannot do is buy self confidence - you cannot get it off the shelf in a supermarket. Advertisers make us believe that confidence comes built in with their products, be it toothpaste or a new diet. To build self confidence you have to do a bit of work - although it should be enjoyable.

Trust. Thats quite an abused word - loved by politicians all over the world! But whether or not we believe other people, trusting ourselves should be simpler. Rational, unemotional, self assessment should tell us whether or not we have the skills and ability to do something. If the answer is yes - end of story?

No, the story goes on. Quite a few posts have been purely skills based - such as learning assertiveness, how to say no, how to improve your speaking voice, how to solve problems. But to date 24 posts have been tagged with “thinking” - automatic thoughts, irrational thinking, affirmations, worry. So much of our self confidence, our trust in ourselves, is undermined by our thinking. Unfortunately, most of us are extremely skilled at thinking negatively!

Another thing I have learned since starting this blog - the world is full of nice, supportive and friendly people. And you can find them all on the Internet! There are very negative stories about the Internet, how it can lead to fraudulent, destructive, anti-social behaviours. If you raise your head above the parapet, you will immediately be subject to abuse of some kind.

I have learned from people generous in spirit and free with advice. A blog doesn’t survive without people making comments and other sites linking in. There are many regular visitors and commentators and others who I have met up with over the past 99 posts. Some I mentioned last time, but I would like to say a special hello to Monika at Freelance Writing and Priscilla Palmer.

But thanks to everyone who has given me support and friendship since I started. It has given me the confidence and motivation to keep going and strive to get better. Here’s to the next 100.