Becoming Confident & Following Dreams

Y’all know what day it is! It’s almost Friday and I am ecstatic for the weekend to be here.

Each week we will continue to build on what I believe are the foundations of being a good business owner and leader. As we unwind and reflect, it feels only fitting to delve into self-confidence—a quality that often becomes clouded when we are fatigued or tested by life's challenges.

Confidence is not only a trait of the fortunate; it is the common denominator among all successful individuals. They possess an unwavering belief in themselves and their dreams. This is not born from blind optimism, but rather from a deep-seated understanding that they are deserving of greatness. It is this belief that fuels resilience, allowing them to rise above the fatigue and challenges that life presents.

Positive self-talk is a cornerstone of this mindset. Even during trying times, successful people continue their positive affirmations, knowing that giving into negativity can have detrimental effects in the long run. The dialogue we engage in—both with ourselves and with the world—shapes our reality. What we articulate becomes our truth, carving pathways to the futures we envision.

This is why, now more than ever, it is crucial to choose thoughts and words that empower your mind and body rather than diminish. Embrace your worthiness and nurture your desires. Believe in yourself, as that is where true strength resides. By doing so, you align yourself with the ‘glimmers’ that I wrote about last week, and the rest will inevitably fall into place.

From personal experience, the journey of silencing negative self-talk is profound. In college, I found myself drowning in the whispers of doubt. This caused each interaction to be tinged with unease, fueled by my inner critic. The detrimental effects of this mental dialogue were evident, affecting not just my self-esteem, but my relationships and overall well-being.

You are your thoughts. You are worthy. You are enough. Embracing these three affirmations can catalyze a transformative shift in your mindset. It wasn't until my senior year that I decided I deserved better. I took a stand against the negativity and began journaling—writing down positive affirmations that, at first, felt foreign: “I am beautiful,” “I am worthy of success,” “I love my body.” Initially, I recited these words without belief, but with time and repetition, they began to root themselves in my consciousness.

This week, I invite you to join me in this empowering practice. Each time a negative thought arises, counter it with a positive affirmation. This simple act of accountability can change not only your perspective on yourself but also the world around you. Shifting from a mindset of criticism to one of acceptance and love can reveal the beauty in both your individuality and your shared human experience. Embrace the journey.

XOXO,

Jeslee

P.S. I wanted to share a couple pictures from the past weekend. My fiancé and I went to go see some of my college besties in Denver. <3