Little Confidence Builders

I think we all need these in life sometimes. I know that school really knocked me down in a lot of ways, but built me up in others. For instance, classes. Man, those classes. Some days I would come home and just feel so demoralized, like there was no way that I could learn this stuff and that my brain was filled with cotton balls rather than grey matter. School has really made me appreciate the little moments in life that are positive and give little boosts of confidence, no matter how small.

For instance, rotations are usually great sources of confidence boosts. I was talking with one of my school friends last night who is going through a really great rotation. Her preceptor makes her come up with differential diagnoses, get the history, do the physical exams, and write the notes afterwards while teaching her all along the way. She said that she feels like she will be able to do this one day. That's what rotations really do, allow us to see that we will indeed be able to do this one day, that we are capable of it. I know for me, hands-on learning is my number one best learning style and that's why rotations are so incredibly valuable to me. School is great for the background knowledge, but it's only when I get out and do it that I really start putting it all together.

Another little great confidence boost is doing something that I can see tangible progress in. Steve and I recently started rock climbing (inside at a gym; we hope to move outside soon!) and it really gives me a boost to climb a route that I'd previously not been able to do. It also helps me melt away some of the mental funk I walk into the gym with (of course, I walk out with a different kind of funk...I definitely get sweaty!), which is beyond valuable.

One more confidence boost is finally getting the hang of something. I don't know why, but it takes me longer to catch onto things than other people. I really have to do something multiple multiple times before it sticks; but when it sticks, I feel great! Things suddenly become clear and I feel like I can do this.

Confidence boosts are necessary in everybody's life, not just a students. What gets your confidence up?