Why be confident?
1. You were put on earth for a reason
I think you were put on earth for a reason — for something greater than yourself.
If you don’t have confidence in yourself, and your life mission — how can you embark on your life’s adventure, and fulfill your personal destiny?
2. Smile and say ‘thank you!’
The biggest fear we have is upsetting people. But in my experience, 99% of potential social arguments can be avoided by just smiling and saying ‘thank you!’ Or by complimenting people.
Also, when you compliment someone — you are putting forth your judgement of others in a positive light. To compliment someone else, it means YOU have a strong ego.
Why?
If you had little self-esteem, how can you compliment others?
3. Ask for permission
When I am not feeling confident — I fake it. ‘Fake it until you make it’ rings true.
In photography, when I want to make a portrait of someone, but I feel nervous — I just ask for permission.
To me, it is better to ask for permission and get rejected, than to live with regret with not asking for permission.
Because ultimately, the worst that will happen is someone will say ‘no.’
But if someone says, ‘no’ — why is that such a big deal?
4. Expect to get rejected
Going off the prior point, EXPECT to get rejected when asking for permission. This way, if you do get rejected, it isn’t a big deal.
And if someone says ‘yes’ — it is all upside.
5. Don’t hesitate
The more you hesitate, pause, and wait– the more likely you’re going to chicken out.
There is the 3-second rule in street photography. Which means, if you delay more than 3 seconds to take a photo of someone, you’re not gonna do it.
So just REACT. Follow your gut. Instinctively shoot. Don’t think too much about composition before you shoot. Just follow your instincts, like a knee-jerk reaction.
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