Confidence is Key
If you need to believe in something, why not believe in yourself?
The Secondhand Inspiration Project begins with a motivational quote and ventures wherever the creative path meanders.
“You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits.” — Michael Phelps
I hate admitting this, but there was a time when a lack of confidence was a dominant factor in my life. It seems embarrassing, not because it happened, but because it took so long to recognize, diagnose, and treat the issue.
Fresh out of college, I took a horrible first job. At the time, I was thinking more about getting money and less about building a career — which is laughable since the paycheck and meager benefits were crappy, too. I languished in that gig, believing the figurative scraps and passive-aggressive disrespect were all I deserved.
It was the longest nine months of my life.
Back then, I didn’t stick with good habits, either, because I could not muster enough discipline to sustain them. I was shy with women, found it challenging to make new friends, and hesitated when I should’ve been assertive. I was terrified to share my creative writing with others, even…