How to Believe in Yourself When Nobody Else Does

Is there something you want to do, but people laugh and say it can’t be done? Maybe they didn’t say that outright, but the look on their face said it all. “Why would you do something like that?” they might ask. Or “Why don’t you try something else?”

But if there’s something you truly want to do, and there are dreams you want to reach, don’t let others pull you down. How is that possible though?

Don’t we all love a little validation from others? In this article we’re going to explore the many ways you can (and should) believe in yourself when nobody else does. You have so much ahead of you, so much potential and hope, so let’s keep that fire burning and dive in!

Evaluate your motives and purpose

If what you’re doing serves and blesses someone else’s life, then have complete confidence in it.

Every person has a contribution to make, including you! What you bring to the table, how you do it, and the ideas that you have are needed. Even if others look down at you because the method in which you do something is different, don’t let that stop you.

For example, we (the authors of Kanani Life) are in the middle of building a tiny home to rent out. There are soooo many ways to build a tiny home, and people have lots of opinions! What’s scarier, in a way, is choosing to record our process and putting that on YouTube.

Will people say it’s a dumb method, even though we think it’s a lot more sustainable and eco-friendly? Is someone going to comment and say something mean?

Probably! But the thing is that our process and journey helps others on theirs. Many have reached out to us saying how much we’ve influenced their lives. They want to keep moving forward in their dreams because of watching our journey.

So don’t ever let anyone stop you, especially if you know that what you’re doing is going to serve and help others!

Learn to self validate

Self validation is so important! A lot of people’s confidence comes from self validating. It basically means that, instead of seeking approval from others, you can approve of yourself and your efforts.

There are so many people who share their ideas and broadcast their lives in hopes of receiving validation from others. With self validation, you don’t need anyone’s approval (except God’s, of course!). You know that you’ll make mistakes, and the journey won’t be perfect.

However, you also know that you’ll get through whatever life throws at you. You’ve done hard things before, and you’ll do it again.

Self validation gives you confidence to move forward and believe in yourself even when nobody else does.

Seek God’s approval

It’s always important to know that God approves of you and what you’re doing.

While you can self validate all day long, give yourself an extra boost by asking God what He thinks of you. There’s something really special knowing that you’re doing what God called you to do.

God is not a controlling god. In fact, He lets us have agency to do as we please. It’s a huge blessing! Know that He will never force us to do something we don’t want to do. So if you have two good options, and you’re learning towards one over the other, then go for it. God will give you a course correction if it’s not a good choice, or if the other direction might have taught you something you needed to learn.

Trust God. Pray. Ask for His approval. As you gain that approval, nothing can stand in your way. With God on your side, it’s easier to believe in yourself even when nobody else does!

Also read: Do you know who you really are?

Don’t worry what others think of you

Because of the society and overly connected world we live in today, we worry way too much about what others think.

“Will they think I’m weird?”

“What if they reject me?”

We ask ourselves questions like this all the time. If you’ve read this blog, you’ll know that, truly, the only opinions that matter are your opinion and God’s opinion.

Everyone else has an opinion, whether they think you’re cool, weird, excessive, or whatever else. It’s a fact of life, and something that each of us has to come to terms with.

While you can’t control the opinions of others, you can control your opinion of yourself. As you accept who you are and work to improve yourself and your confidence, you can have a strong opinion of who you are. You can easily walk in confidence because you know that you’re doing your best.

Also read: How to not care what people think

Dig deep, especially when it comes to family

For many of us, the first people we want to share good news or big ideas with is family. Because we’ve grown up with our siblings, parents, and maybe even our extended family, we sometimes think that they will support us in everything.

However, it’s so important to know your boundaries, and to accept that not everyone is supportive, especially family! Many of us do not have idea family circumstances, and that’s absolutely ok. You can choose who you share your ideas and dreams with, and it doesn’t always have to be family.

Even if you choose to share news with your family, be realistic about expectations. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment and demotivation because your family doesn’t react the way you expect. Instead, make conscious choices that, regardless of what people think of you, you will still move forward.

As you dig deep, evaluating your relationships, and making conscious choices about what you do or don’t share, it’s easier to believe in yourself when nobody else does!

This is your life, not someone else’s life

People who don’t do anything will usually try to tear down those who strive to make something of themselves.

Don’t listen to these trolls and haters. This is your life, not theirs.

Appreciate that you’re putting in the effort to better your life, and the lives of others. You are doing a great service, and someone out there needs your unique contribution and service. Just because someone doesn’t like the way you do something, or trolls your social media accounts, doesn’t mean it’s a representation of you.

Many people who are unhappy with their lives try to make others unhappy too. Misery loves company.

Don’t give into the negativity and remember that you can believe in yourself when nobody else does.

Make it fun for yourself

Even if nobody believes in you right now, remember that this is your life. Make it fun. Enjoy the journey. Learn to laugh and not take things too seriously. Expand your circle and find people who you truly connect with.

If your current friends are not supportive, find those who are. A wise mentor once told me to “be friends with everyone, but choose your friends wisely.” You get to choose those in your inner circle, and feel appreciated, loved, and blessed by their support.

But, even if you don’t have anyone at the moment, you have your determination, confidence, and God. We need your unique contribution, so please don’t ever give up. You got this. We need you, so please continue to believe in yourself when nobody else does!

In conclusion

Self validation, digging deep, seeking God’s approval… All of these are great ways to believe in yourself when nobody else does. Although it’s easy to get demotivated when people frown or raise an eyebrow at our dreams and aspirations, remember that this is your life.

Our society has moved from self validation to external validation. Be someone who isn’t like the others. Follow your dreams, work hard, and let success be your noise. You got this friend!