‘Confidence key to overcoming negative thoughts’
PHOTO: EXPRESS
Self-confidence is the key to overcoming negative thoughts and negative perceptions, according to psychologist Rabia Najeeb.
She said this in conversation with host Sidra Iqbal in a podcast titled "No Damage Beyond Repair" supported by Dove in association with The Express Tribune.
"Without self-confidence, you won't have self-esteem or self-acceptance. You won't be confident in your appearance, and that can impact your self-perception."
Rabia, who is also a mental health advocate, emphasised the positive impact of self-confidence and warned that negative societal perceptions can affect one's personality.
"If you perceive yourself negatively, it becomes a part of your persona, like a ripple effect."
Urging listeners to stop dwelling on negative thoughts, she emphasised that these beliefs about one's body or personality can be changed.
Sharing her own story, Rabia revealed how negative comments during her teenage years affected her confidence, particularly comments about her hair.
"These comments were made by two strangers in the market," she said. "I lost my confidence. It took time to repair, and my mother helped me," she shared.
Rabia said she eventually realised that it was not a reflection of herself but others' perceptions.
She stressed that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and encouraged listeners instead of being their own critic they should be their own coach.
On the question of patience, she said: "Without patience, you will remain stuck, always hoping for things to progress. Everything, including repairing relationships, requires time," she added.
Discussing anger management, Rabia revealed that her personal strategy was not to say anything when angry.
She said, she practices deep breathing and takes a few minutes for herself to compose herself before considering how to respond to a situation.
She highlighted the importance of meditation in controlling thoughts. "Focus on your breath rather than your thoughts. This routine, like physical hygiene, requires daily commitment to build mental resilience."
Rabia Najeeb also encouraged the listeners to invest time in meditation, describing it as building a mental hygiene routine to strengthen the mind.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2023.