Quiet Confidence

When I was younger, younger I guess you could say being as little as 6 years ago, confidence was something I was lacking.  It's still something I struggle with everyday.  The last two months, I have been taking a mini break from the hard core diets and working out and really been focusing on my ASVAB studying.  For those who are unaware, the ASVAB is the test all military members take to get into the military.

A little background for all of you.  7th grade, I literally had all F's going for me. I hated school, I was horrible at it! I had no organization, I was bad at getting my work  in, I didn't try very hard, and last but certainly not least, I had MAJOR test anxiety!!  I would get a test and start sweating and panicking!!

To make matters worse, everything I didn't have, brains and looks, I felt my sister did! This was my battle every single day!!  I looked in the mirror and told myself "today Cara, you are going to fail!" I know, crazy right?

Studying these last two months, I've discovered something about myself! Not only am I good at working out, and will rock at bootcamp, but I'm not dumb! For the first time in 25 years, I have felt like I can accomplish something big!

So, maybe you're wondering why I entitled this blog "quiet confidence," well, let me tell you it's not just that I've been studying, but there is so much more to this test than just answering questions! It's walking into this exam KNOWING that I have the tools to accomplish what I need! And now I'm really starting to think and believe I can do it!!

I go to work, I talk to people, I experience life, and I see people who are cocky, which is much different than confident.  They can be loud and express themselves, and believe it is confidence, but I believe TRUE confidence simply comes from within.

I get a kick out of quotes, and I believe at times, others can express what we're feeling, so here are a few of my favorites and I hope these will help give you confidence to follow your goals!!

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.  ~Eleanor Roosevelt


Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson


You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.  ~Michael Jordan


Don't let anyone steal your dream.  It's your dream, not theirs.  ~Dan Zadra


and finally:


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