The Confidence Walk: Embracing Self-Assurance at Any Age

The Impact of Confidence

How do you feel when you see a woman walking confidently past you? Perhaps you've witnessed a similar scene: a woman taking long strides, shoulders back, and chin up. Sometimes, you might find her attractive but hesitate to admit it. Other times, you might wonder, "What is she so proud of?" Does it ever irritate you that another woman might think she is, as my little sister says, "All That"?

Confidence in one's appearance does not equate to vanity, nor does it imply arrogance. In fact, confidence is something we, as mothers and aging women, should embrace regularly. When we learn to recognize our strengths, we can cultivate the same assured gait within ourselves. Instead of feeling irritated by those who exude confidence, we can relate to and even emulate that feeling. As the saying goes, when we face the sunshine, we don't see the shadows. This can be likened to finding happiness within ourselves rather than pointing fingers at others.

Building Confidence Through Achievement

Confidence often stems from achievement. When was the last time you set a goal and stuck to it? For many, being fit and healthy is a top priority. Let's focus on this goal. When I wrote "Mom Looks Great," I aimed to help mothers participating in the fitness program achieve a confident walk and other benefits by the end of Phase III, if not throughout the entire process and into the maintenance stage. I wanted their children to notice that their mom looks great, and for their partners to acknowledge, "Yeah, Mom does look great!"

But what does "looking great" entail beyond physical appearance? It encompasses the spirit within you that transcends superficial flesh. It's your aura, charisma, and soul. This is why exercise and nutrition play a vital role in helping you achieve your goal of looking great. When you begin a healthy fitness program, you start to look great even before the weight drops and muscles tone. The changes begin almost immediately: better sleep, more energy, and improved moods due to endorphins. This is what "looking great" offers. The resulting weight loss and muscle toning will come, but long after you already have a shine to your skin and a feel-good smile on your face. People will begin to notice these changes early on.

Embracing Compliments

So, what do you do with the flattering comments people start to give you? When someone says you look great, do you graciously accept the compliment, or do you deflect it? Even in our worst moments, a stray compliment can find its way to us, and we need to be prepared to accept it with enthusiasm. From this day forward, every compliment you receive must be accepted with a smile and a thank you. After reading this article, you are no longer allowed to counter compliments with self-putdowns like "Ugh, [this excuse that you are wrong]" or "Oh, [I know you don't mean that]." Remember, looking great is not always about the perfect body, the sharpest clothes, or the healthiest hair. It's about how you are perceived by those around you. Take your compliment and use it as a building block for your confidence.

Attaining Self-Assurance

Reflecting on the unknown woman with the self-assured walk, how can you attain that same confidence? Start by keeping your thoughts focused on your goals and the optimism of achieving them. Follow it up with consistent exercise and nutrition, and top it off with the sheer acceptance of all compliments, whether you feel they are justified or not. Feel proud about strutting yourself wherever you may be. Sure, some people may feel irritated, just as you once might have, but others will think that mom looks great.

Celebrating Inner Beauty

In the end, feel happy for the woman who can convey confidence. You never know the trials she has endured in her life. Whether she nearly folded from a devastating divorce, endured painful suffering from a terrible disease, or struggled for years to lose a detrimental amount of body fat, whatever her story, she finally feels a sense of victory. And, unbeknownst to you, she has likely gained a true inner beauty that is evident only to those who know her well.

Interesting Stats About Confidence

• According to a study by the American Psychological Association, 61% of women report feeling more confident after achieving a fitness goal. Source
• A survey by Dove found that only 4% of women worldwide consider themselves beautiful, highlighting the need for more self-confidence among women. Source
• Research from the University of Melbourne shows that confident people earn higher wages and are promoted more quickly than their less confident peers. Source

By embracing self-assurance and focusing on personal achievements, we can all walk with the same confidence as the woman in the mall, inspiring others and ourselves along the way.