I know that setting boundaries doesn’t always come naturally, especially if you’ve been conditioned to put others first or avoid conflict. You may feel a pang of guilt or worry that others will see you as selfish. But remember, boundaries aren’t about building walls to shut people out – they’re about creating healthy guidelines so that your

These confident individuals recognise that their worth is not tied to how much they give to others, but in how they honour their own needs while still contributing meaningfully to the world.

Josh Smith explains in Great Chat,

According to his model, 55 per cent of communication is conveyed through body language, 38 per cent through tone of voice and only 7 per cent through the actual words spoken.

In the 1970s, social psychologist Daryl Bem introduced ‘Self-Perception Theory’, which suggests that we shape our beliefs about ourselves by observing our own actions.

It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not; it’s about aligning your actions with the most empowered version of yourself and bringing that version of you to life.

the more you act in alignment with your authentic self, the more confident you feel.4

The fear of rejection often exaggerates the potential outcomes, but, more often than not, people surprise us with their acceptance and compassion. And even if we do face rejection, it says more about the other person’s limitations than our own worth.

Arrogance says: ‘I’m the best.’ Confidence says: ‘I’m working towards the best version of myself that I can be.’