SolveYourProblem eLearning Series: Self Confidence
How Do I Improve My Self Confidence?

Self Confidence and Disabilities
   

Self-confident people put faith in their abilities, which is a hard thing to do if you physically can not do certain things. Does that mean disabled people aren't self-confident? No way. Huge improvements in quality of life, job possibilities, laws, and general treatment can all be traced back to disabled people who believed in themselves. A blind man didn't think he could see if he looked hard enough, but he did believe he could perform a job, get from place to place, and live life as any "normal" adult. He definitely believed he deserved the same consideration as anybody else.

The Diagnosis is a Starting Point

Some people's disabilities are obvious. They can't hear. They can't see. They have a deformity that keeps them, physically, from completing a task. Others are trickier to pin down, and easily misdiagnosed.

People who feel unable to perform normal tasks because of physical or emotional traits need to get to a doctor and figure their problems out.

Jessica put off going to the doctor because she thought she was just tired. Then one day she couldn't pick up her son. A trip to the doctor confirmed she was suffering from muscular dystrophy, and her problems were only just starting.

Instead of giving up, Jessica used the time that she had to prepare herself for success during the worst of her illness.

Use your diagnosis as a way to plan for future obstacles, as well as ways to deal with them. You cannot possibly for see every problem you might come across, but you can track down the most common elements and devise multiple plans of attack.

Trying New Things

If you're disabled, you might find yourself avoiding new things out of the fear of drawing attention to yourself or putting someone else through an inconvenience. There are things you can put in place to keep from feeling so nervous.

Do your research. If you're interested in doing something, chances are another disabled person has wanted to try it out. You might be surprised to find your interest is completely accessible, or could be if providers would make a few simple adjustments.

If you see an opportunity when you're out and about, talk to the people you're with before making a decision. They probably won't mind a longer wait and can calm your nerves about people stopping to watch.

The confidence boost you get from trying something new, whether or not it's a success, will help drive you toward your larger goals. It's a step that can't be missed.

Working With Protective Care Givers

Sometimes the people who help care for us are the ones who get in the way. Before you attempt something new, have your discussion planned. Highlight the major benefits, but be realistic about your risks. Be prepared to listen, and let them work at their own pace.

The people who have been through the worst with us will always be afraid they'll have to face them again. Be patient and try smaller steps to boost their confidence in you.

Regardless of their level of support, help them help you prepare for failure. You need someone beside you who isn't going to say, "You can't try this again." You need a support system that is encouraging, and focuses on the positive.

Support Groups

It's hard for people who don't share your disability to really understand how you feel. There's no substitute for dealing with what you do. Support groups offer you understanding and support from people who face similar issues.

Similar, not the same. No one is you. No one can judge your abilities and limitations better than you can. No one can determine what is possible for you, but you. And that's the end result of building up your self-confidence.

That is the end result for anyone. This is a tool for enjoying life to its fullest. It's not a system for telling you how to live, how to feel, and it is not a guideline for what you should be striving for.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2006

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