Theresa Emminizer - Believing in Yourself: Achieving Confidence

Published in 2020 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. 29 East 21st Street, New York, NY 10010

Copyright 2020 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer.

Editor: Elizabeth Krajnik

Designer: Michael Flynn

Photo Credits: Cover artpipi/E+/Getty Images; cover 1, 23, 4, 6, 8, 10, 1214, 16, 1824 (background) TairA/Shutterstock.com; p. 5 Courtesy of the Library of Congress; p. 7 Peter M. Fisher/Corbis/Getty Images; p. 9 UniversalImagesGroup/Getty Images; p. 11 Marilyn Nieves/E+/Getty Images; p. 12 Jacek Chabraszewski/ Shutterstock.com; p. 13 LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com; p. 15 tatyana_aleksieva/RooM/Getty Images; p. 17 KidStock/Blend Images/Getty Images; p. 18 Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com; p. 19 Craig Barritt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images; p. 20 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zhang_Lu-Laozi_Riding_an_Ox.jpg; p. 21 Steve Allen/Shutterstock.com; p. 22 Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock.com.

Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Emminizer, Theresa.

Title: Believing in yourself: achieving confidence / Theresa Emminizer.

Description: New York : PowerKids Press, 2020. | Series: Spotlight on social and emotional learning | Includes glossary and index.

Identifiers: ISBN 9781725302129 (pbk.) | ISBN 9781725301900 (library bound) | ISBN 9781725301894 (6pack) Subjects: LCSH: Self-confidence--Juvenile literature.

Classification: LCC BJ1533.S27 E46 2020 | DDC 158.1--dc23

Manufactured in the United States of America

CPSIA Compliance Information: Batch #CSPK19. For further information contact Rosen Publishing, New York, New York at 1-800-237-9932.

CHAPTER one

WHAT IS CONFIDENCE?

The word confidence comes from the Latin word fidere, which means to trust. Confidence is having trust in oneself. It isnt thinking that youre better than others. Its believing that youre capable of dealing with whatever challenges might come your way. Confidence gives you the strength to cope with difficult situations, try new things, and enjoy your life. To a confident person, the world is an exciting place thats full of possibilities!

Confidence isnt something only certain people are born with. Its not a skill or a behavior. Its a state of mind. Everyone is capable of becoming a confident person. Anyone can learn to develop self-confidence through practice. Our emotional, physical, and social well-being all contribute to confidence. Even the most insecure person can build confidence by shifting their mindset, pushing their boundaries, and embracing their individuality.

Michelle Obama, pictured here, said, Through my education, I didnt just develop skills, I didnt just develop the ability to learn,but I developed confidence.

CHAPTER two

OWN YOUR STRENGTHS

Its easy to compare yourself to others. But, in truth, no one is better than you and no one is worse than you. Every person is unique, or one of a kind. There will always be someone who plays an instrument more skillfully, someone who is better dressed, or someone who is funnier. However, its important to remember that another persons strengths dont reflect badly on you. Someone elses successes arent your failures. Whats important is to identify your own strengths and cultivate them!

A key part of confidence is being self-aware. What makes you feel good about yourself? Maybe youre a talented painter or a good listener. No matter how big or small it is, think of something you like about yourself and take a moment to appreciate it. Recognizing your strengths will help you build confidence.

Social media can encourage competing with others for approval. But the number of likes someone gets doesnt help their confidence. Confidence comes from inner security.

CHAPTER three

FACE YOUR FEARS

Courage doesnt mean not being afraid. It means working through your fears and not allowing them to stop you from living your life. Courage and confidence go hand in hand. A good way to build confidence is to do something youre afraid of. This doesnt mean you have to go skydiving or ride on a motorcycle! Just stepping outside your comfort zone is enough.

Maybe you arent very coordinated and feel uncomfortable in gym class. Instead of getting a note excusing you from class, try showing up and doing your best. It doesnt matter if you arent as athletic as some of your classmates. Each time you do something youre afraid of, youll feel a little bit more confident because you know youre stronger than your fears. The more you do, the more youre capable of doing!

Eleanor Roosevelt, pictured here, said, You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.

CHAPTER four

THE POWER OF VISUALIZATION

Having a feeling of control over your life can help you feel more confident. If youre unhappy with the way things are, you can empower, or give power to, yourself by visualizing a better future. This means forming a picture in your mind.

A vision board is a fun tool to help you come up with specific goals for your future. First, youll need a blank board made of cardboard, wood, or cork. Looking at your empty board, think about how you want to feel. What concrete changes can you make to improve your confidence? Maybe you love to sing but are too shy to do it in public. Could trying out for the school musical help you face your fears and build confidence? Cut out a magazine photo or print a picture that represents that goal and put it on your vision board. You can bring to life the things you visualize.

The pictures on your board can help you visualize your dreams and inspire you to turn them into realities.

CHAPTER five

FOCUS ON SUCCESS

How can you meet the goals you lay out for yourself? First, make sure theyre practical and achievable. Dont set goals for yourself that are too big. Choose goals that you know you can accomplish. For example, if you want to become a better student but have trouble getting homework done on time, just focus on that to start. You dont have to focus on having the highest grade in your class.

Most goals arent accomplished overnight. They take time, effort, and a lot of patience.

Then, recognize the progress you make along the way. Every day you finish your assignments on time, take a moment to feel proud of yourself. Each small achievement brings you closer to achieving your end goal.