My grandfather used to have this saying, “With age comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes the courage to be yourself.”
Now, I’m not about to preach that getting older magically solves all of your problems. But, have you ever noticed how some people seem to grow more self-assured as they age?
Let’s dive into this.
It might seem like these folks are just naturally confident. But here’s a little secret: it’s not about being born with an unwavering sense of self. Instead, it’s about the behaviors they’ve adopted over time.
Want to know what these are?
Well, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to explore seven behaviors commonly adopted by those who gradually let go of their insecurities as they get older.
It’s never too late to start. So, stick around and who knows? You might just pick up a thing or two.
1) Embrace self-acceptance
Let’s face it. We all have flaws, and as we age, many of us tend to become more aware of them. But here’s the deal.
The people who seem to grow more confident with age don’t necessarily have fewer flaws. What they do have, though, is a greater sense of self-acceptance.
They’ve come to understand that it’s okay not to be perfect. They accept themselves, warts and all, and this acceptance helps them shed their insecurities.
You’re not defined by your flaws. Embrace self-acceptance, and you might just find yourself feeling a little more comfortable in your own skin.
2) They say yes to new experiences
Have you ever been too scared to try something new? I’ve been there.
Let me share a story. A few years ago, I was invited to a salsa dancing class by a friend. Now, the idea of dancing in public was terrifying for me. I had two left feet and the thought of making a fool of myself was paralyzing.
But then, I decided to take the leap and just go for it. And guess what? It wasn’t half as bad as I thought it would be.
The point I’m trying to make here is this: people who let go of insecurities usually have an open mind towards new experiences. They understand that staying in their comfort zone won’t help them grow.
So, don’t let fear hold you back. Say yes to new experiences and watch your confidence soar.
3) They show vulnerability
There’s a certain strength in vulnerability, and it’s something that’s often overlooked.
Growing up, I was always told to “man up” and hide my feelings. It was as if showing any sign of vulnerability was a sign of weakness.
But let me tell you, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The brave ones are those who aren’t afraid to show their softer side. They understand that it’s okay not to have all the answers and it’s okay to ask for help when they need it.
Being vulnerable isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength.
It takes courage to open up and show the world who you truly are, insecurities and all. And you know what? That’s not just okay, it’s beautiful.
4) They practice self-compassion
Now, this one’s a game changer.
Remember the time when you made a mistake and you couldn’t help but beat yourself up over it?
I’ve been there too, and trust me, it’s not a fun place to be.
But here’s something I’ve noticed about people who let go of their insecurities: they are kind to themselves.
They understand that everyone messes up from time to time, and that’s okay. Instead of dwelling on their mistakes, they learn from them and move on.
Next time you stumble, be gentle with yourself. Practice self-compassion. Because at the end of the day, we’re all human and we’re all doing the best we can.
5) They understand the power of positive self-talk
Did you know that the average person has about 60,000 thoughts per day? That’s a lot of mental chatter!
And here’s the kicker: a significant portion of these thoughts are often negative. But those who gradually shed their insecurities know better.
They understand that the way they talk to themselves matters. Instead of succumbing to negative self-talk, they consciously choose to shift their focus to positive affirmations.
Think about it. If we’re going to have thousands of thoughts every day anyway, why not make them positive? It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
6) They extend their compassion to others
There’s something truly liberating about letting go of judgements – not just for ourselves, but for others too.
I’ve had my fair share of encounters with judgemental people and let me tell you, it never feels good. But then I realized, those who are quick to judge are often the ones who are most insecure about themselves.
People who let go of insecurities tend to be more compassionate towards others. They understand that everyone is fighting their own battles, and they choose empathy over judgement.
You know the saying: a little compassion goes a long way.
7) They enjoy their own company
This may sound simple, but it’s profound.
Those who have let go of their insecurities often find joy in their own company. They’re not afraid of being alone, because they’ve learned to value their own thoughts and ideas.
They understand that their worth is not defined by others’ opinions of them. It’s defined by how they see and feel about themselves.
Enjoying your own company is about recognizing that you are enough, just as you are.
Final thoughts
Fascinating, isn’t it? How these seven behaviors can make such a profound difference in the way we view ourselves and the world around us.
Letting go of insecurities means becoming the person you were always meant to be, free from the constraints of self-doubt.
It won’t happen overnight. The journey towards self-acceptance is exactly that – a journey. It’ll have its ups and downs. There will be times when you stumble, and that’s okay.
Be kind to yourself throughout this process. Celebrate your small victories, and don’t beat yourself up when things don’t go as planned.
And finally, remember that you’re not alone. We all have our insecurities. It’s part of being human.
