Overcoming Insecurity

Insecurity is something that plagues us all from time to time, some more than others. Insecurity, like fear, is something that you may not always be able to alleviate, but it is something that can be managed so that you aren't paralyzed from realizing your greatness. Insecurity shows itself usually in one of two ways, either over confidence or self depreciation. You will usually know if you are in an insecure frame of mind if you find yourself over compensating or if you are always criticizing yourself internally. Insecurity can be dangerous when it causes you to: over extend yourself, try to destroy others who are confident, not go after what you are meant for, and treat yourself like you are worthless. These are all extreme cases, but the realities of many people nonetheless. Insecurity is something that may need to be conquered on a day to day basis depending on how severe and entrenched the condition is. So what are some practical ways to overcome insecurity?
1) Know what your strengths are and operate in them. If you aren't sure what your strengths are, ask a few people that you know will tell you the truth. Be sure to write them down and look at them everyday to remind yourself. Play to these strengths and develop them. Accept assignments and roles that will allow you to use your strengths.
2) Admit your weaknesses. The trick here is not to dwell on the weaknesses, but to be aware of them.
3) Stay in your lane. We can often fall into insecurity if we focus our energy on what someone else does better than us. The key is to appreciate the gifts/strengths of others, but play your game the way you play it, even if someone is better at it than you are (there is always someone better).
4) Realize that there is no one like you. Sure others may have some of the same qualities that you do, but no one has the same unique mixture of gifts, talents, abilities, skills, and experiences that you do.
5) Hang around people that appreciate and affirm you.
6) Sow good words and deeds into the lives of as many people as you can and as often as you can.

These are just a few things that help me on a day to day basis. If you have some other tips, please leave in the comment section.