Amina was a quiet girl living in Ibadan who often doubted herself. She struggled with confidence and rarely spoke up in class. Whenever she made mistakes, she would feel embarrassed for days. One evening, she stood in front of her mirror after school. Instead of walking away, she started talking to herself. “I am capable,” she said softly. Then she repeated it again. “I am capable.” At first, it felt strange. But she kept doing it every day. She would stand in front of the mirror and encourage herself before school. “I can learn this.” “I will try again.” “I am not my mistakes.” Slowly, something began to change. She started raising her hand in class. She participated more in discussions. She stopped fearing mistakes as much as before. Her teachers noticed the change. Her classmates noticed too. Years later, Amina became a public speaker who inspired young people across schools. When asked about her confidence, she said something simple: “I had to learn to believe in myself before anyone else could.” Many people wait for others to encourage them. But sometimes, the strongest voice you need is your own. Self-belief is built in quiet moments when no one is watching. What is one positive thing you can start telling yourself daily to build your confidence?
