okay it’s 3:12 a.m. now (time flies when you’re word-vomiting your trauma lol) and i just spilled half a la croix on my keyboard so if there’s random letters missing later that’s why
build confidence fast, man. i still can’t believe i’m the one writing this because six months ago i was the human embodiment of the 🥺 emoji. like legitimately mute in groups, rehearsing “can you pass the salt” in my head at dinner parties. one time at chipotle i just pointed at the chicken and nodded aggressively because words felt impossible. the cashier looked at me like i was having a stroke.
why trying to build confidence fast felt impossible for the longest time
everybody kept saying “just love yourself bro” and i wanted to scream because how?? i hated my voice, my face, the way i walked like i was apologizing for existing. affirmations made me gag. therapy was great but slow and i needed something that hit quicker than 47 sessions in.
step 1: the hot cheeto mirror ritual (don’t judge me) Build Confidence Fast
i’m dead serious. i stand in my bathroom at 2 a.m. eating flamin hot cheetos till my fingers look like crime scene evidence and i force myself to stare at my reflection for 60 whole seconds. first time i did it i started crying orange tears. now i just cackle at how insane i look. something about looking ridiculous on purpose breaks the spell. https://time.com/144664/how-to-boost-your-confidence/
step 2: say the embarrassing thing on purpose Build Confidence Fast
i started blurting out the stuff i was terrified people would judge. “i still sleep with a stuffed animal” “i cried during inside out 2” “i think olives are satanic” every single time i waited for the world to end. it never did. people either laughed with me or just went “same.” mind blown. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/building-your-resilience
step 3: buy one item that makes you feel like a badass
for me it was these chunky black boots that go clomp clomp clomp. i swear every time i wear them my posture fixes itself. i look like i could fight god or at least win an argument at target. highly recommend.
step 4: the 3-second rule (stolen from tiktok, sue me)
if i hesitate longer than three seconds i HAVE to do the thing. send the risky text. ask the hot person for their number. tell the waiter they got my order wrong. momentum is everything when you’re trying to build confidence fast fr.
step 5: keep a “not a total loser” list Build Confidence Fast
- told my boss i deserved a raise (threw up after but still)
- wore a crop top in public without a hoodie over it
- parallel parked on the first try (downtown austin, a miracle)
reading it back on bad days is like… weirdly healing?
step 6: ghost the emotional vampires Build Confidence Fast
had this one friend who every time i spoke would do that slow blink like “did you really just say that?” cut them off cold turkey and my confidence shot up like i was on steroids. protect your peace or whatever the millennials say.
step 7: move your body even if you hate it Build Confidence Fast
i do ten push-ups when i’m spiraling. or blast chappell roan and flail around my kitchen till i’m sweaty and laughing. endorphins are free drugs basically. https://positivepsychology.com/self-confidence/
step 8: tell one safe person the ugliest truth Build Confidence Fast
anyway i’m still a chaotic gremlin who sometimes hides in target aisles having panic attacks but i’m like… 70% less terrified of existing now? if my flamin hot cheeto dust covered ass could figure out how to build confidence fast then literally anyone can.
try just one of these today. the cheeto mirror thing is free and you probably have cheetos. do it and then come yell at me in the comments or dms or whatever. i’ll be here stress-eating more cheetos and accidentally liking posts from 2017 at 4 a.m.
you got this (or you’ll pretend until it’s real). either way it counts.
