This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% from Her Campus.
Sometimes there’s a lot of pressure when starting a new job or trying to “find yourself” during college. Between needing to declare a major, meeting new people, and form a totally new path, it’s oftentimes really overwhelming. It can also make us feel like we’re actually doing the opposite of “finding ourselves” and instead, feel like we’re losing ourselves in the process.
But, if you take that pressure off for a second, and allow your mind to be without judgment, your future and vision will become clearer. So, start to simply embrace yourself – and you’ll see what amazing things follow.
In fact, you can learn more about this from the four inspiring twenty-something women who got together at the “Your Future In Focus” virtual event, which was hosted by Her Campus x PRECISION1® Contact Lenses. They talked about how to fully embrace yourself and your brilliance, how to grow into your confidence, and so much more.
Want to know the best takeaways from the chat?! Read on to get the awesome advice and suggestions that were given by Halie Thomas (Wellness and Compassion Activist), Kassandra Vargas (Plus-sized college blogger), Tyra Fisher (Fashion and Content Creator on IG) and Gigi Robinson (Mental Health and Wellness Advocate, and Content Creator).
Also, catch the full recording at futureinfocus.hercampus.com
Build confidence through your passions.
Tyra Fisher said that she’s gained confidence by speaking about things she’s passionate about.
“I love fashion, affordable fashion, and inclusive fashion, so I’ve been able to build my confidence through content creation and social media [about fashion].”
Dig deeper, and gain knowledge – for yourself.
Gigi Robinson said that she began building her own confidence by digging deeper for herself.
“I really began educating myself on the things I cared about. As I gained that knowledge, I kind of had a moment of self-actualization and awareness…that I was able to bridge the gap and incorporate my real life into my social media life, and be my true self.”
Redefine what confidence is to you.
Halie Thomas said that she once believed confidence looked like one specific image.
“I thought confidence had to be portrayed in a certain way that was very in your face and extroverted, and for me I realized I really didn’t resonate with that expression of confidence. What helped me so much was actually creating my own definition of confidence. I now realize there are so many micro-moments of confidence I could honor [instead] and find ways to kind of cultivate that moment ,and bring it into larger spaces that I participate in. So, one of the most valuable things I’ve experienced on my journey [with embracing myself] is learning the true importance of really creating my own definitions and creating my own reality to exist within, and [knowing that] I don’t have to meet up to a certain standard or expectation of confidence. All forms of confidence are beautiful and are expressed in so many different ways.”
Stop caring what other people think.
Even though she wanted to, Kassandra Vargas said that she wasn’t always confident in starting a fashion blog. She loved fashion and believed that there should be more plus-sized fashion representation online – but it wasn’t until she was a freshman in college that she went after her dreams.
“I realized that no one cares in college, and you can do what you want. [You shouldn’t] focus on other people’s opinions – go for your dreams and strive for them.”
Prepare and always do your research.
Gigi Robinson is big on researching and does so to help build her own confidence.
“I always prepare for things by overeducating myself before I talk about them because you never want to be in a position where you go into something and don’t know anything about it. That’s been something that’s always made me confident.”
Create your own blueprint.
Halie Thomas struggled with feeling confident until she realized that being herself was all it took.
“I realized that creating my own way of doing things would help me feel more confident because then I have full ownership [of it], and that I wasn’t trying to match up to a certain blueprint.”
Support others, and others will support you back.
During the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, Tyra Fisher got messages from her followers telling her she was the only Black content creator that they followed. So, that was when she decided she needed to start posting about other Black content creators and people she loved and followed.
“Advocating for others and sharing others and supporting each other is a great way to not only build your community but also your own confidence.”
Remember that we’re all human, and no human is perfect – but that we’re all worthy.
Halie Thomas said that accepting [your] own humanness through the process [of building your confidence] is important and that you need to realize your worthiness.
“I think that when people can see that you’re a real human being and that the stories that you’re telling and the messages that you’re sharing are something that they can relate to and see themselves in, it makes it so much easier [to be confident]. You realize that we’re all humans exchanging information with each other and are trying to learn and grow. I think that realizing your worthiness of being in whatever space you’re in – no matter if it’s your interview or a presentation or a panel or anything – if you’re there, you’ve already proven to yourself of how many aspects of how worthy you are to be in that position. It’s our responsibility to show up as best as we can for ourselves and as genuinely as we can, and to honor the space that we’re in.”
Always look forward to the future.
With so many exciting opportunities on the horizon, the future is looking clear – almost as clear as PRECISION1® contact lenses are! And, all of these motivated women are truly looking excited for what’s to come.
Both Tyra and Kassandra said that “they’re most excited to graduate” and Gigi is ready for her book to come out. Halie feels like the “future has endless possibilities that can unfold,” and is “looking forward to stepping into that and being guided by purpose!” Gigi also thrives with the uncertainty from the future because it motivates her, while Kassandra is motivated to “continue to grow her personal brand in the future.”
We hope that you are feeling ready to embrace yourself and are looking forward to the future, after reading the beautiful words and advice from Gigi, Halie, Kassandra and Tyra.
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