Ever wonder how to build yourself up? I’ll show you how.
Confidence is just like anything else in your body-
If you use it more, it’ll become stronger. I remember back when I was (believe it or not) a shy, quiet book worm who had no idea about fitness or fighting. I was that lady who didn’t want to take up too much space on a train or bus, in fear of “getting in the way”.
I had lost myself in alcohol and video games, numbing myself to the life I had built in fear of realizing I was a shell of myself.
I never used to stand up for myself.
I never would try to win arguments in fear of someone ‘not liking me’.
I tried to toe the line, do what was expected of me, and keep quiet.
That’s When I Realized I Wasn’t Happy With My Life.Â
In my head, I wanted to be this strong, confident, young woman, who didn’t need NO man to keep her company. In reality, I was a 24-year-old stuck in a job I hated (and honestly, wasn’t very good at). I never worked out, and would run a mile and a half in over SIXTEEN MINUTES. I hated myself for not standing up for anything I believed in, or even having a hobby. Things had to change, and I knew it started with me.
Confidence Comes from Knowledge.Training martial arts taught me the knowledge of self defense. At one point, I was a weak, mild-mannered girl, afraid to have my own opinion. Once I started training jiu jitsu, I realized there are SO many situations out there that can be nullified just by training martial arts! How do you react when you think you’re being followed? How do you turn someone who asked you out down? How do you handle the aggressive guy at the bar? Once you know HOW to handle those situations, the fear of it dissipates.
Confidence Comes From Strength.
Do you think Arnold Schwarzenegger lacks confidence? Maybe on some days, but the constant challenge he puts himself under in order to get strong every day is a HUGE deterrent of doubt.
Confidence Comes From Discipline.
This one is tricky, but bear with me. The person who practices doing ‘the hard stuff’ when they reeeaaalllyyyy don’t want to is the one who becomes stronger. Challenging yourself every day to lift heavier, jump higher, fight longer is a KEY trait to those among us who really reap the benefits of life. Discipline forms courage, the key to living a confident lifestyle.
Flash Forward 8 years. Â
I’ve become a completely new person, the one I’ve always wanted to be. I am Knowledgeable, teaching others about self defense and the importance of exercise in a healthy lifestyle. I am Strong, constantly exercising, running, jumping, grappling, fighting and leading others to do the same. I am Disciplined, living my life day after day with the goal of becoming the best version of myself, the best fighter in the country, and the best personal trainer in the world.
