Navigating (In)Security

Understanding security and more importantly insecurity can be challenging for the majority of people even though most people have faced insecurity at one point in their lives or another. Insecurity can be the result of a number of different societal pressures, doubts, and even experiences. Still, just because one has experienced insecurity a number of times it does not necessarily mean that they know the best way to navigate such a feeling.

To best navigate insecurity, it is often believed that it is best to find the common source triggering such emotions. These can often include:

• Past experiences of failure
• Negative Feedback previously received
• Often comparisons to others, especially online
• Perfectionism
• Seeking external validation and not receiving it

Apart from understanding the source of your insecurity, it is also best to understand the different types of insecurities as that could change your approach to the issue. Insecurity is often related to professional skills and prospects, social interactions, or body image issues. Knowing the type of insecurity that is most affecting you can help create the best strategies for navigating it. These can include:

• Identifying and addressing the triggers that are causing you to feel insecure
• Accepting the feelings of insecurity and moving forward
• Addressing the negative thought patterns you have developed over time
• Using positive affirmations whenever your insecurities come up
• Building up your self-confidence

While navigating insecurity is by no means easy there are certain steps you can take in order to start moving in a direction that will allow you to enjoy your life more while feeling more secure in your position and who you are.