Confidence Project

Before I was blessed with Wifi in my apartment, I spent a lot of time reading Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project. I had heard a lot of things about how great this book was, but I was hesitant to pick up a "self-help" type book.

However, Gretchen's style was friendly and like something I would write, rather than being filled with useless research and preachiness. I was hooked. Just reading the book made me feel happier and more confident, and I've been inspired to start my own type of "confidence" project. And that's how my Confidence Commandments were born:

1. Reach out to one friend/make plans at least once a week

I am terrible with making plans. It gives me so much anxiety for no reason. But The Happiness Project, and countless research suggests that interaction with other people is absolutely essential to being happy. Plus, every time I make plans with someone, its an instant happiness and confidence boost.

2. Act the way I want to feel

There's a little wisdom in faking it until you make it. Acting confident actually helps me feel confident and the faster I get that through my head, the easier confidence will come.

3. Flip negative comments and ideas into positive ones

I easily get sucked into negative thoughts and bad gossip. It's a terrible habit and something I'd love to change. Instead of saying, "I'm terrible, I can't," I'm trying to flip it to "I can't right now, but here's how I can."

4. Research something that interests me 

I'm a real sucker for googling things. And listening to iTunes U podcasts on different subjects. So my goal is to start learning about things that interest me. There's no more putting things off. I will invest my time and learn about things that I want to.

5. Save money, but reward myself

I got a paid internship (yay!) and I can't wait to be able to save money for post grad life. But I also think it's important to reward myself from time to time. Like after I was offered my job, I ordered a pair of Jack Rogers that I had been holding off on for years. Balance.

6. Take time to relax

As much as I love being busy and productive, I really do need to decompress and relax from time to time. Similarly, I want to start stretching more often. It makes me feel so much more relaxed and calm.

So, here's my project. I just want to work on myself and work through the confidence issues I have. I want to be successful and confident and a fully functioning adult.

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