Cultivating Confidence in Your First Year of College
Starting anything new can be an exciting and challenging adventure for anyone. Confidence is the essential tool needed to step into any unknown endeavor courageously. Whether it is a new job, a competition, a presentation, or transitioning from high school to college, confidence is the secret sauce that keeps us focused and able to thrive.
By Sharon Callender — August 26, 2022
Starting anything new can be an exciting and challenging adventure for anyone. Confidence is the essential tool needed to step into any unknown endeavor courageously. Whether it is a new job, a competition, a presentation, or transitioning from high school to college, confidence is the secret sauce that keeps us focused and able to thrive.
We've all experienced newbie fear and the anxiousness that goes along with it—from jitters, sweaty palms, racing heart, or an overall uneasiness as we walk into an unfamiliar situation. The pressure mounts, and we feel fear getting the best of us. Sometimes those feelings may cause us to retreat and decide not to move forward. Our confidence may shake before we even take a step. When this happens, fear can make us feel like a prisoner in our skin.
Starting your first semester can be stressful, bringing up feelings of insecurity and doubt as you leap forward in your academic life. But how do you stop those unhelpful emotions from getting in your way?
It starts with our mindset.
If we positively reframe how we process new opportunities, we can transform the outcome in a way that allows us to shine and be the best version of ourselves. A growth-centered mindset helps us to see the possibility hidden within the perceived challenge.
Here are a few mindset tips for cultivating confidence in the face of fear and new beginnings:
Seeing Fear as Your New BFF
What if you viewed fear as an unexpected ally? What if it was waking up to the excitement of the unknown and your limitless potential? We define fear as a belief that a particular situation will threaten or cause harm to us. When we see fear as our best friend, we can use it instead of it using us. We can use it as a partner in our growth by appreciating its presence and the wisdom we can discover from it.
Suppose we decide to flip our traditional beliefs around fear on its head and instead choose to look at feeling fear through the lens of growth mindset thinking. In that case, we can take back control. This outlook shift can start by simply speaking and/or reflecting on these words when apprehension stops you in your tracks:
I am not fearful of this new situation. I fear what might happen if I don't take a chance or a courageous step forward. I feel this fear because it reminds me I am ready to grow.
Another reframe involves asking fear a question: What would I lose or miss out on if I don't embrace this new opportunity?
From this viewpoint, fear serves as a jolt to our senses. It s us of the harmful impact of not trying and staying stuck. This reimagining of fear gives us the perspective needed to take empowered and wise risks that help us excel. Remember this when you consider auditioning for a role or joining a club, applying for a new job, making new friends, or making any decision that takes you out of your comfort zone.
Whenever fear crops up, we can also ask this question: What is the worst possible outcome if this does not work out? Rationally exploring the what-if scenarios creates a space for clarity and logic. Suddenly, we begin to see the answers are not as scary as we might have conjured up.
Then spend some time visualizing the scenario working out perfectly. Imagine the best possible outcome with your mind's eye, and let that image be what you revert to when you feel doubt creeping in. This simple practice helps you to always default on the side of confidence.
Fear's palpable presence lets us know we are about to achieve our goals. It can be the barometer we use to gauge the power and significance of this new experience and the impact it may have on our lives.
You Have Done This Before, and You Are a Pro
Your accomplishments brought you to this place. You are successful. In many ways, you are not starting from scratch because your academic strengths, extra-curricular achievements in sports, theatre, or volunteer service made you an ideal candidate to be a part of this college's or university's student body. Your selection happens because of your knowledge and your capacity to learn. All these factors should give you an immediate confidence boost.
You may even want to list at least ten accomplishments you are proud of from the last six months. Keep it nearby as a visual reminder. Use your list as a motivator to consider taking on new opportunities in college. Let it inspire you to run for a student government position or audition for the choral group.
Please recognize that you have many transferable skills, whether public speaking, teamwork, writing, time management, or organizational skills. They are incredible assets. Now is the time to develop these skills even further as you adapt to being a college student. Give yourself permission to explore and grow, knowing you have unique wisdom and experience to bring to the table.
Standing in the Power of Who You Are
Create an "I Did It!" journal where you celebrate all your progress, big or small wins, and everything in between. Did you take on a leadership role for the group project in marketing class? Did you get an A on that British Lit paper? This is a space where you become your own best encourager. When you write about your achievements and the positive strides you create, it automatically magnifies your confidence. You can also refer to the journal when you feel unfocused or face a challenge. It reminds you that you can rise above whatever roadblock you face. Seeing written proof of past accomplishments shifts you into a positive mindset.
Remember, you have exceptional skills in your toolkit to thrive, so be confident! Incredible success in your first year of college and beyond awaits. Believe in yourself and the immense potential you have!
You are ready!
Sharon Callender
Rev. Sharon Callender is an interfaith minister, assistant registrar, and coach with certifications in life purpose, mindfulness & spiritual coaching. She specializes in helping individuals discover clarity, healing, and self-love through creative expression. Sharon is also a published fiction author and poet who is currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree at The New Seminary.
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