Entering 2018 Confidently.

Hey boos,

What a busy end of the year I had and definitely one year to put behind me. 2017 was a rollercoaster that by the end I was contemplating just jumping off before it finished it's course. But after 2 weeks off to relax at home with my family celebrating a very delayed Christmas, things are definitely beginning to look up. I've cut ties with anything toxic jeopardising my happiness, my progression in my job is just about to start and my best friend is one step close to moving up and working alongside me in the very near future. Let's just pray this level of positivity remains eh?

Along with positivity is confidence and 2018 is the time where I'm putting this into practice alot more and bringing back the Katie Pook that at 21 thought she could conquer the world. In 2 weeks I'm turning 23 and it's perfect opportunity to adjust back into that mindset and set myself up for the future. There's no better time than the present!

First things first I want to feel more comfortable in my own skin. I aim to take more selfies and post to Instagram daily. It may came across self-obsessed and vain and appearance isn't the key to confidence but it's 2018, social media is at it's prime and yes, I may be completely hung up on it but I'm only human and honestly It has (so far) made a difference.

Completely contrasting the heavily filtered, fake reality of Instagram, I have also taken a break from the gruelling chore of make-up and allowing my skin to breathe. Now, in the past the thought of channeling my bare-face in public without a hint of concealer freaked me out however, in a roundabout way it is evidently improving my skin with the help of moisturiser to keep my face hydrated. Again, this may not seem a big deal to many but after suffering from chickenpox 22 years late last year, noticable scars were left and my confidence plummeted, but just like everything else, it is part of who I am and it's my chance to embrace it.

Anyway enough self-love for one day. Let's make 2018 a year to remember, who's with me??

How I Fake Confidence

When it comes to my job there's no hiding, you have to be confident and outgoing to make an impression on those thousands of guests who pay good dollar to be on holiday, after all, they're after the high quality service. However, anyone who really knows me would have gone through this life journey with me and in actual fact most of the time, it's a total facade. I'm self-conscious, anxious and often quiet around new people. That's right people, I'm a total fake but I'm going to let you into the secrets of how exactly I completely blag my way through life.

• Make an effort with yourself. This is such a materialistic way to start but I believe that if you take that little bit of time to do your hair and make-up and even tan yourself up, you're already half way there because looking good makes you feel good. Am I right? Not many girls can say they feel 100% confident with their hair in a top knot, joggers on and Au Natural.

• Put on your favourite outfit. Of course this applies if you don't have work or a uniform but even so just style it to suit you with your favourite accessories. You can tell when someone feels comfortable in and enjoys what they're wearing as apposed to over-dressing or wearing something not your style, you aren't fooling anyone we know you feel awkward and conscious. Of course I'm all for taking risks but ensure you feel happy before stepping foot in public.

• Walk with your head up. Put that phone away for a change, we all are guilty of clinging onto it as a safety guard to avoid awkward eye contact or conversations but when you look and feel good, show that off. People may disagree that they hate being noticed but walking past someone with your head up will make them take a second look, you look more approachable and I don't know about you but knowing someones acknowledged you or your effort will boost your confidence that extra step.  

• Smile. This fits in with my previous tip. As much as you think your resting bitch face is doing you favours, it doesn't. Simply smiling to whoever you walk past, whether they smile back or not will actually also put the other person in a good mood aswell. After all, smiles are infectious. The only downside is I'm so used to smiling in my job that when I'm that friendly out of uniform I get a few odd looks but trust me, it works.

• Don't overthink. I think I can speak on behalf of everyone that 9 times out of 10 we rehearse what we want to say in our heads beforehand even if it's for an appointment, a phone call or what you're ordering for dinner. But sometimes it's beneficial to drop that filter in everyday life. Letting your words run free tends to reflect more of your personality even if you are a bit shy. Say something cheeky, be sarcastic, make a joke because actually you will have more of an impression on that person (good or bad) that if you kept your mouth shut. Obviously this is only to an extent, don't be inappropriate or rude and know when to be quiet (word vomit is a genuine disease for me) but it definitely helps the conversation flow that little bit more.

And that is pretty much it. I hope this will help you fake confidence as much as it does me. Of course, there are days I do none of the above but trust me, all this tips will have an impact on your confidence overall, you just have to take a chance and embrace it.

Love Pook x