As we step into the new year, many of us are setting goals and aspirations to make the most of the year ahead. Confidence is the key that unlocks our potential and empowers us to reach for our dreams. 

Finding confidence is especially crucial for individuals who have survived domestic abuse. Rebuilding a sense of self-worth and empowerment after experiencing such trauma can be a challenging journey, but it is also an essential part of healing and moving forward. Finding confidence will help someone reclaim their personal identity, help overcome emotional scars, build boundaries and assertiveness, pursue opportunities for growth, discover supportive connections and start to feel in control of their own life. 

I personally am on that journey to find my own confidence, it has been a decade since I fled an abusive relationship but it has taken even longer to find myself. 

In this blog post, I share the 5 tips that helped me to find my confidence along with how I have achieved it for myself. My hope is that you will be inspired to embrace your confidence in 2024.  

1. Embrace Self-Care

Self-care is essential for building confidence. When you take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, you are better equipped to face life’s challenges. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular exercise, a pamper night or indulging in a hobby you love, self-care should be a priority in your daily routine. 

Weightlifting became my therapy back in 2019 and until losing it this year due to 3 major surgeries I hadn’t realised just how essential it had become. I always feel I have a better day if it’s started in the gym. 

2. Set Realistic Goals

Setting achievable goals and working towards them can significantly boost your confidence. Break down your long-term aspirations into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate each milestone you reach. This approach will help you build momentum and belief in your abilities

It took me a while to recognise that my goal setting was poor, my goals would be unrealistic in the time I set myself. Once I realised I needed to break down my goals into bitesized chunks writing my first book was achievable, a chapter a month is much more realistic than trying to write my whole book in two months. It all falls in line with managing my own expectations of myself and start of learning to set those realistic goals. 

3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Growth and confidence often lie just beyond the borders of our comfort zones. Challenge yourself to try new things, take on new responsibilities, or learn a new skill. Embracing discomfort and uncertainty can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs that bolster your confidence. 

A few years ago I decided to challenge myself and I took part in an abseil off the side of a local building, it was 150ft and I had to take myself over the ledge at the very top. I felt amazing once I did it but the surge of fear and adrenaline had me physically shaking despite knowing everything was going to be ok. It took me outside of my comfort zone and my next challenge will be a sky dive. 

4. Cultivate a Supportive Network

Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive individuals can have a profound impact on your confidence. Seek out friends, family members, or mentors who believe in you and encourage your personal growth. Their belief in your abilities can help you see yourself in a more positive light. 

I have recently gained an accountability buddy, we check in with each other once a week and once a month for our monthly goals. This person is someone I have met through my work as a domestic abuse advocate and knows my message as I know hers. My best friend and I check in on each other numerous times throughout the day with diary room voice notes. Without people like this in my life I’d feel almost alone, they keep me motivated to stay on track and enjoy life. 

5. Enhance Your Personal Style

Your outward appearance can significantly influence your self-esteem. Taking pride in your appearance and personal style can boost your confidence and self-image. Whether it’s through fashion, skincare, or makeup, enhancing your personal style can be a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence building. 

Embracing a skincare routine or experimenting with makeup looks that accentuate your features, you can cultivate a sense of confidence and self-assuredness that radiates from within. I love the names of their products that screams out confidence like the Big Lip Energy Lip Oil featuring colours ‘Bossed Up’ and ‘Successful’. The lip mask ‘The Plush Treatment’ takes looking after your lips to a skincare regime level with intense hydrating action it will leave your lips feeling silky-smooth and radiant

My smile had always been an issue for me after what he used to call me (my abusive ex partner) , when the opportunity presented itself I invested in myself and had my teeth straightened. Once I came to the end of my treatment I couldn’t believe the difference it made in me, my confidence started to grow even more. 

I am constantly looking at ways I can increase my self-confidence and this includes looking at businesses and brands that deliver this message. I recently discovered a leading beauty and skincare brand known for their high-quality products and commitment to empowering individuals through self-expression. Ivanova Beauty is designed to enhance natural beauty and confidence.   

Again, finding confidence after surviving domestic abuse is a critical step toward reclaiming one’s life and shaping a future free from the shadows of the past. It represents a transformation from victim to survivor, empowering individuals to live with resilience, self-assurance, and a renewed sense of purpose.

As we venture into 2024, let’s commit to finding our confidence and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. By incorporating these five tips into our lives and exploring resources, we can cultivate a strong sense of self-assurance that propels us towards success and fulfilment in the new year. 

Remember, healing is not linear and to be kind to yourself as your start to unlock your confidence and grow. 

Here’s to a confident and empowering 2024!

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