Author Topic: To Build Confidence (Read 1370 times)

Adam "Echo" C · « **on:** June 13, 2011, 02:31:19 PM »

Ladies, Gentlemen, and hamsters eating ice cream,

I have a lack of confidence. Not just in the area of training in public, but in general. Even when I'm alone, I'm nervous and worried about what other people think - and I'm sick of it. I hate passing up opportunities because I can't force myself to do something that, maybe, I've done a thousand times before.

So I know that there happen to be some true bosses on these here forums, and I wanted to ask for tips on how to be a more confident person. Not just in parkour, but in general. Anything, guys; I'd appreciate it.

Andrew Mumu Trahum · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2011, 03:06:27 PM »

Quote from: Adam "Echo" C on June 13, 2011, 02:31:19 PM

hamsters eating ice cream,

haha micah reference

Have you tried getting a friend to train with? Having someone I'm comfortable with sometimes helps me. Also try listening to music; plug in your ipod, tune out the world, and train.

Alex Patterson · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2011, 04:09:46 PM »

You just gotta do it. Whatever it is. Don't pay no mind to the others out there. Cause I promise you that 99% of the people that see you doing what you're doing. Be it Parkour, picking your nose or whatever, don't care about you. They're concerned with their own lives and as soon as their outta range, they'll forget about what you were doing. And the few that you made an impression on will stick around and maybe start asking you questions.

This life is too short to worry bout what people you don't even know think about you. Enjoy life and everything in it.

Micah. · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2011, 04:59:49 PM »

Start acting confident, even if you're note, acting the way you would like can change how you are.

For the parkour dilemma: find someone to train with or just a friend to spectate, train at times when people aren't going to be around, or find new places to train that are isolated.

Best of luck. <3

Andrew Mumu Trahum · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2011, 05:03:34 PM »

I remember when I laughed at the faces people made when they saw me (and I was just starting so I just looked like a dumbass jumping on tables, god the awkward stages are great

)

Just remember, you're training for yourself, no one else. Stay safe, stay proud, and no matter what. Never let anyone take you down.

ALo9 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2011, 05:14:51 PM »

Just like Andrew touched upon, the starting stages are always embarrassing, but EVERYBODY goes through it one way or another. And it doesn't even stop with parkour. If you're always worried about what people will think about you, you're not going to reach your full potential in life... with ANYTHING...

I use to be super quiet and lacked confidence like no other, but parkour was able to change that for me. I didn't have any private places to practice, I HAD to practice with cars driving by. But after a while, you just get use to it and have to remember that you're doing it for YOU not for them. And if anyone makes fun of you, tell them to try it and (from experience) 99% of the time they won't. And if they do, they fail and fall on their face which lets you make fun of them in return

Josh Boggs · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2011, 05:41:02 PM »

If you worry about what people think of you in life, you might as well just stay home and do nothing.

Stevie Leifheit · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2011, 06:09:54 PM »

Quote from: Adam "Echo" C on June 13, 2011, 02:31:19 PM

So I know that there happen to be some true bosses on these here forums

You are one of these bosses bro!

Having personally trained with you, I know that you have way more talent not only in parkour, but in life than you give yourself credit for. You need to work for the confidence, you won't find it. Continue training, even when it's hard, but don't be stupid. Push your boundaries, in life as well, and it will overflow into your training.

Remember, confidence isn't found, it's earned.

Micah. · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2011, 06:17:18 PM »

Quote from: Josh Boggs on June 13, 2011, 05:41:02 PM

If you worry about what people think of you in life, you might as well just stay home and do nothing.

This sums it up too.

Fecteau · « **Reply #9 on:** June 13, 2011, 06:24:04 PM »

Well, you've got two, very simple options.

1: Join the Military.
2: Train with Kyle.

Adam "Echo" C · « **Reply #10 on:** June 13, 2011, 07:05:10 PM »

Thanks guys. I don't mean to be a whiner, but it is a real issue that I've been having ridiculous amounts of difficulty overcoming.

I guess basically I just have to man up and stop worrying about stupid stuff like the opinions of people I probably won't ever see again in my entire life.

Quote from: Stevie Leifheit on June 13, 2011, 06:09:54 PM

You are one of these bosses bro!

Having personally trained with you, I know that you have way more talent not only in parkour, but in life than you give yourself credit for. You need to work for the confidence, you won't find it. Continue training, even when it's hard, but don't be stupid. Push your boundaries, in life as well, and it will overflow into your training.

Remember, confidence isn't found, it's earned.

Thanks man. If you're ever in the Windy City, let me know.

Quote from: Josh Boggs on June 13, 2011, 05:41:02 PM

If you worry about what people think of you in life, you might as well just stay home and do nothing.

Dang it, Josh! I'm putting that in my sig!

Thanks a ton, guys. All of you have great responses that I will do my best to follow through with. It's always refreshing to know that this parkour community is such a wise and supportive bunch.

Alec Furtado · « **Reply #11 on:** June 14, 2011, 01:19:54 AM »

Have you learned to flip yet? Biggest confidence booster I've ever had.

Adam "Echo" C · « **Reply #12 on:** June 14, 2011, 04:37:14 AM »

Haha, I'm working on it, Alec! I just did my first backflip in the gym a few days ago.

David Glass · « **Reply #13 on:** June 14, 2011, 04:47:41 AM »

Just take the plunge. I've had everyone convinced I'm crazy for years. First couple of weeks were tough, but now they're just used to seeing me do crazy stuff.

Adam "Echo" C · « **Reply #14 on:** June 14, 2011, 06:51:59 AM »

I'm looking forward to getting over myself.

Fecteau · « **Reply #15 on:** June 14, 2011, 07:18:13 AM »

Quote from: Adam "Echo" C on June 14, 2011, 06:51:59 AM

I'm looking forward to getting over myself.

Blast this song while doing so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDrjcv6fTxA

Adam "Echo" C · « **Reply #16 on:** June 14, 2011, 07:29:55 AM »

Thanks buddy. I'm shutting up and training now.

MThomasfreerun · « **Reply #17 on:** June 14, 2011, 08:15:00 AM »

I know this feeling from my early days training. I don't think it was a coincidence that I had this issue in my personal life away from parkour at the same time.

When I finally realized that no matter what I do, parkour or otherwise, there will be people who love it and people who hate it. People who are going to judge/talk crap will find SOMETHING about you to rag on. If they don't give you crap about parkour, they will give you crap about something else, like your clothes or taste in music.

It's a losing battle to try and please people, or even to stay out of their way. Do your thing cause you love it.

Worst case, earphones in, eyes on the obstacles in front of you ;-)

mnugghuhx · « **Reply #18 on:** June 14, 2011, 08:39:39 AM »

I only train in solitude. I am not worried about what other people think, I walk around in vibrams and a camelback xct have the time. If my wife ever saw me in public doing Parkour I think she would kill me. She has no problem with me training, just not in public. So i respect her wishes. Plus it keeps me from embarrassing sucking, as I am new to Parkour and totally suck haha.

Micah. · « **Reply #19 on:** June 14, 2011, 02:29:33 PM »

Quote from: mnugghuhx on June 14, 2011, 08:39:39 AM

I only train in solitude. I am not worried about what other people think, I walk around in vibrams and a camelback xct have the time. If my wife ever saw me in public doing Parkour I think she would kill me. She has no problem with me training, just not in public. So i respect her wishes. Plus it keeps me from embarrassing sucking, as I am new to Parkour and totally suck haha.

You can't 'suck' at parkour. Check the signature broasarus.

Another tip for confidence; surround yourself with badasses. (Kyle and I.)

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Author Topic: To Build Confidence (Read 1370 times)