The easiest first step for you may be going to the store and buying special toothpaste or a new toothbrush. It may be researching products online. Whatever your first step is, make the celebration of success a focus. Write it down. Get it done. Then cross it out and put a star next to it.

You’ve started a journey on the road to self-confidence.

When Time is Of the Essence

Experts say it takes 28 days to form a new habit, and even longer to ditch an old one. You don’t always have that kind of time to devote to one change, let alone the baby steps. The answer is simple: Don’t rely on forming habits.

So many people get caught up in “I’ve always done it this way,” or “I’ll never remember.” With many tasks, computers included, you don’t have to rely on your memory. You can make your own cheat sheet, or use post-it notes. You’ll remember a lot just through making mistakes.

When You Fail

At some point, you will devise a plan, break it down into what you think are doable parts, and you’ll fail on your first try. It’s very tempting at that point to just quit. Your self-confidence is shot. There may be nothing inside you saying, “You can do this.”

The only thing left to say is: try again. Failure isn’t an end. It’s very much part of the process.

Chances are your first bite was too big. I’m reminded of Gayle who said she was starting a sensible, no-stress weight-loss plan … then declared she’d never drink soda pop again. Did I mention she regularly had about ten cans a day?

Gayle needed major help in this area. After tanking her diet, and bingeing for the next 3 months, she tried again. This time she reserved soda pop only for when she was at home, and switched to flavored water on the job.

Through every step of the process remember that self-confidence embraces positive actions that are also realistic for you.

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