Your July Action Plan: 10 Ways to Really Start Believing in Yourself

Your Action Plan is a monthly to-do list of tips straight from SUCCESS magazine—10 things you can do right now to improve yourself and your life. If you don’t already, this month, it’s time to start believing in yourself and the path you walk. When things get tough, give yourself a little self-compassion.

1. Don’t worry.

Anxiety is a natural and shared human feeling. But don’t let a disproportionate level of anxiety hold you back. Spend some time reflecting on how much you worry about things without addressing them.

Read: 11 Subtle Signs of Anxiety You Might Not Notice

2. Be you.

Bishop T.D. Jakes says, “Your realness is proven by your imperfections.” Celebrate your flaws this week and revel in the knowledge that a whole life is an imperfect life.

Read: T.D. Jakes Wants You to Suffer

3. Connect to start believing in yourself.

Going after success on your own can be a lonely path. Develop relationships with trusted friends and allies who will help you along the way by meeting new people and honing your character instincts.

4. Fuel up.

Struggling to perk up in the morning? Feeling that afternoon drag? Start your day with a healthy breakfast to balance your blood sugar and fuel your body.

Read: How to Start Your Mornings Right

5. Love thyself.

Write down every negative thought you have today, and apologize to yourself for each one. Remind yourself that you may have failed, but you are not a failure. A little self-compassion and self-care goes a long way.

Read: I Spent 30 Days Practicing Self-Kindness—Here’s What I Learned

6. Stretch yourself to start believing in yourself.

Your worldview was molded by your parents, teachers, classmates and upbringing. This week, branch out to see the world from someone else’s perspective.

Read: What I Learned About Myself After Sampling 6 Religions 

7. Diversify.

Focus on your strengths this week. If your job isn’t satisfying your entrepreneurial spirit, consider a side gig that plays to your talents and passions.

Read: 3 Keys to Getting Motivated When You Feel Stuck

8. Search for good.

The world can be a negative place if you’re only seeing the stories on your newsfeed. Today, talk to real people instead of browsing social media. Take a break from the negative.

Read: What Happened When I Avoided the News for 30 Days

9. Start believing in yourself, even if goals are hard.

Reaching your goals doesn’t happen overnight. When you’re tired from working on the weekends, remind yourself this isn’t supposed to be easy.

Read: 4 Tactics for Believing in Yourself 

10. Look in the mirror.

Trust is a two-way street. Before you expect others to be trustworthy, examine yourself first. Ask yourself tough questions like, “Do I always keep my word?”

Read: 8 Tried-and-True Steps to Building Trust

This article originally appeared in the July 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine and was updated July 2023. Photo by Jacob Lund/Shutterstock