Being a veterinarian can be challenging. Vet school was hard, but being a vet is a whole different ball game. Complications, chance, and being at the mercy of client scrutiny, are just some of the ways our self-confidence is tested regularly. It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been out. But it’s up to us to maintain it, and not allow outside forces to shake it.
Maintaining Self-Confidence
When your confidence receives a blow, learn from the incident and bury the outside noise. Value yourself, your judgment, and your ability. YOU ARE WORTHY. Take it from these notable figures. Ponder their thoughts about self-confidence and know that you are not alone.
“The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence.” (Beyonce)
“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms” (Zen Shin)
“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” (Vincent van Gogh)
“Stop thinking you’re doing it all wrong. Your path doesn’t look like anybody else’s because it can’t, it shouldn’t, and it won’t.” (Eleanor Brownn)
“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.” (Frederick Douglass)
“With the realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” (Dalai Lama)
“Live from the heart of yourself. Seek to be whole, not perfect.” (Oprah Winfrey)
“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” (Marie Curie)
“Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” (A.A. Milne/Christopher Robin)
“If you want to improve your self-worth, stop giving other people the calculator.” (Tim Fargo)
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” (Arthur Ashe)
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” (Eleanor Roosevelt)
“Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.” (Vince Lombardi)
“Through my education, I didn’t just develop skills, I didn’t just develop the ability to learn, but I developed confidence.” (Michelle Obama)
“Don’t waste your energy trying to change opinions … Do your thing, and don’t care if they like it.” (Tina Fey)
“You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving yourself and see what happens.” (Louise Hay)
“I used to hate feeling embarrassed but then I realized, nobody’s watching, and nobody gives a damn.” (Barbara Corcoran)
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” (Dale Carnegie)
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” (Dolly Parton)
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” (Coco Chanel)
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” (Dr. Seuss)
“Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear.” (Norman Vincent Peale)
“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
“People who repeatedly attack your confidence and self-esteem are quite aware of your potential, even if you are not.” (Wayne Gerard Trotman)
“Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong.” (Peter T. McIntyre)
Turning Quotes Into Actions
Pick one or two quotes that resonate with you, print them out, and post them somewhere visible. During times of stress or when you feel self-doubt creeping in, look at the quotes. Recite them out loud if you have to. Let these be your inner voices.
5 Extra Ways to Boost Your Confidence
- Get out and exercise: This may not be the first thing you think to do, but getting active can be satisfying, cleansing, and can also boost your self-image.
- Surround yourself with positive people: Being in a supportive environment can do wonders for your psyche and life in general.
- Face your fears and take some risks: Give yourself permission to do something different. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try it. Keep growing and continue to do things outside of your comfort zone.
- Stop comparing yourself to others: Everyone has their own unique story, so embrace yours. Everyone’s story is different.
- Check in with yourself regularly. If you’re feeling stuck and having a hard time finding ways to boost your self-confidence, hire a therapist or coach to help you work through challenges standing in the way. Stay encouraged and never forget to be kind to yourself.
