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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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