Do you struggle with self-belief? Do you worry about how others see you or that you’re going to fail? One of the things I hear the most from new class members is ‘But I’ve got two left feet!’ ‘But I’m not a dancer!’ ‘I’ll never dance like the girls in your promos!’ And sometimes a new Turn’d Up instructor will qualify and then get the wobbles when setting up her first class. ‘Am I good enough?’ ‘Will anyone come?’ (Yes, because you passed the training, and yes, of course they will!)

Newsflash: We **all** struggle with confidence sometimes. Me, the girls at the front of class, Beyoncé (more on her later!). But you are bigger than your fears.

Push yourself

Confidence comes when you are progressing in life: trying new things; meeting new people, learning new skills. You surprise yourself. Not just with what you are capable of, but because you have left your comfort zone, survived and maybe even thrived. After their first Turn’d Up class, new members are *always* buzzing. Yes they may have tripped over their feet or gone left when everyone else was going right, but you know what? They never care as much as they thought they would. Why? Because the endorphins are pumping, they’re beaming from ear to ear and they have been challenged in the best way. And as for instructors after their first ever class? That high lasts for *days*.

You surprise yourself. Not just with what you are capable of, but because you have left your comfort zone, survived and maybe even thrived

 

Take care of yourself

I very rarely go ‘out out’ these days. But I know that making an effort with my appearance is such a boost. So for class I blow dry my hair, put on a full face of makeup including red lippy and I feel a million bucks and ready to lead my girls! And yes, it’s a high-energy dancefitness class so by the end my makeup is melted and my hair is soaked in sweat, but so what!  Whatever this means to you – we all have things that make us walk that little bit taller – take the time to invest in yourself.

Looking good, ladies! 😍

Putting the right food into your body is a big part of this. When you make healthy choices, you feel in control and vibrant. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no angel.  I’ll go for a curry and I’ll have the breads, the creamy sauces, the works, and I’ll be loving my life. But the next day I have a food hangover so I’ll counteract that with healthy choices. It’s about balance, and not beating yourself up for being human.

Remember: ‘What other people think of me is none of my business’.

One of the reasons I’m proud of Turn’d Up is that it’s a ‘safe space’ to let go, dance and be free; a ‘judgement free zone!’. Our members tell us this a lot. But what’s even better is to not fear the judgement anyway. That’s why the quote above (thanks Eleanor Roosevelt) is so true. Thoughts are just things inside people’s heads. They’re not actually facts. Besides, how do you even know what people are thinking – are you a mind reader?! Chances are, they’re busy worrying about themselves! Here’s another great quote (also from Eleanor – wise lady!) ‘No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.’ Don’t give other people the power.

Act like you know you got this; like you are Beyoncé owning Coachella

 

Fake it to make it

We’ve all heard this saying before. But it’s so true. Change your behaviour and the feelings will follow. Act like you know you got this; like you are Beyoncé owning Coachella; like you never had any doubt and your brain will catch up. Speaking of Beyoncé, remember her alter ego Sasha Fierce? She explained: ‘I have someone else that takes over when it’s time for me to work and when I’m on stage, this alter ego that I’ve created that kind of protects me… Sasha is the fun, more sensual, more aggressive, more outspoken and glamorous side that comes out when I’m working and when I’m on the stage.” In other words – Bey faked it to make it.

Repeat positive affirmations

I’m going to write a whole blog on this in the future but here’s a summary. Affirmations work by programming your mind into believing. These are a few of mine; you can use these or come up with some tailored to you. If you want my full list, email info@turndupfitness.com or comment below.

I am unique and special.

I love and approve myself.

I matter, and what I have to offer this world matters.

I am brave courageous and I can do this.

I am what I am, and what I am is beauty and strength.

I am unstoppable.

I can, and I will, watch me!

I am a powerful confident individual, all events in this day serve me goodness.

Read one at a time slowly and repeat it until you really feel it. When I first started doing affirmations, I used to feel the complete opposite to what I was saying. Now I truly believe them. I would suggest reading them and saying them out loud to your self morning, noon and before you go to sleep, or whenever you feel you need them.

What are *your* tips for confidence?  Did you find this useful? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you!