Okay, let’s get real for a second. 🦁 Ever felt like you’re just… existing? Like you’re stuck in the background of your own life? Yeah, me too. But here’s the thing: I decided I didn’t want to be the supporting character anymore. I wanted to be the lioness—the one who owns her space, her voice, her power. And guess what? I did it. And you can too.
Let me take you on this journey. It wasn’t some overnight transformation. It was messy, awkward, and sometimes downright embarrassing. But it was also empowering, liberating, and life-changing. So, grab a cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment), and let’s talk about how I unleashed my inner lioness.
First off, confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s not this magical trait that only certain people have. It’s a skill. And like any skill, it takes practice. I used to think confident people were just… lucky. Like they had some secret I didn’t. But the truth is, they’ve just been practicing longer. They’ve made more mistakes, faced more fears, and kept going anyway.
One of the biggest game-changers for me was realizing that confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being okay with imperfection. I used to obsess over every little flaw—my hair, my voice, the way I walked into a room. But then I had this epiphany: no one’s paying as much attention to me as I am. Seriously. We’re all so wrapped up in our own insecurities that we don’t have time to judge others. Once I internalized that, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders.
Another thing that helped was reframing failure. I used to see failure as this big, scary monster. But now, I see it as feedback. Every mistake is a lesson. Every rejection is redirection. I started taking risks—small ones at first, like speaking up in meetings or wearing that outfit I was too scared to try. And you know what? The world didn’t end. In fact, people started noticing me in a way they never had before.
But here’s the real secret: confidence isn’t just about how you see yourself. It’s also about how you treat yourself. I used to be my own worst critic. I’d beat myself up over every little thing. But then I started treating myself like I would a friend. Would I tell my friend she’s stupid for making a mistake? No. So why was I saying it to myself?
Self-compassion was a game-changer. I started celebrating my wins, no matter how small. Got out of bed on a hard day? Win. Tried something new? Win. Didn’t let someone else’s opinion define me? Big win. Over time, these small victories added up, and I started to see myself in a whole new light.
Now, let’s talk about boundaries. This was a tough one for me. I used to say yes to everything because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. But in doing so, I was disappointing myself. Learning to say no was like unlocking a superpower. It wasn’t easy at first—I felt guilty, like I was being selfish. But then I realized that setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s self-respect. And when you respect yourself, others will too.
Another thing that helped me build confidence was surrounding myself with the right people. I used to hang out with people who made me feel small—whether they meant to or not. But I started seeking out people who lifted me up, who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. And let me tell you, having a tribe of lionesses by your side makes all the difference.
Finally, I learned to embrace my uniqueness. I used to try to fit into this mold of what I thought I should be. But the truth is, confidence comes from owning who you are—flaws and all. I stopped comparing myself to others and started focusing on what makes me, me. And you know what? That’s when I truly started to shine.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, if you’re waiting for permission to step into your power, here it is: you don’t need anyone’s approval but your own. Start small. Take risks. Be kind to yourself. And remember, you’re not just a lioness in the making—you already are one. You just have to let her roar.