Confidence Chat with Ana
My best friend Ana is the most confident person I know. When she walks into a room, she instantly lights it up with a sense of magnetism and charisma that comes so naturally to her. She strikes a unique balance of being confident in herself, while always uplifting and empowering others. I wanted her to share her advice when it comes to being confident in yourself, quitting comparison, and staying focused on yourself and your goals.
Emma: I’m so excited to be interviewing you! Thank you for always being so open and sharing your advice. The first question I wanted to ask you is if there is a specific mantra that inspires you everyday?
Ana: One of my favorite quotes is, “If it is to be, it’s up to me.” This quote is on a shirt that I got from one of my soccer coaches before he passed. He meant the world to me, and this saying has always resonated deeply with me because it reminds me that we’re all in control of our own destiny.
Emma: Another thing I admire about you is that absolutely nothing phases you. How do you present confidently, even on an off day or if you’re feeling insecure?
Ana: When it comes down to it, being confident isn’t just about goals and striving for success, it’s feeling happy! Confidence isn’t a quality anyone is born with, and as we get older it can be harder to develop because we start over analyzing, comparing, and living to appease others. The problem with this is the moment you start appeasing everyone else is the moment you lose your authentic self. I’d encourage everyone to stop listening to the devil on your shoulder that’s telling you you’re not good enough, and start listening to the angel that says you’re unique and worthy.
Emma: That’s so true! Basically knowing that you don’t have to be better than anyone else, just the best version of yourself. Love that. How do you stay focused on you and not compare yourself to others, especially as you work towards your personal goals?
Ana: It’s very hard to not focus on others because as humans, it’s natural to compare our situations to others. My take is that comparison can actually cause a feeling of entitlement, the “I deserve that, too.” or “That’s not fair.” Growing up, whenever I would say these things my parents would answer with, “Life’s not fair, work for it.” They did this not to withhold anything from me, but to teach me that you are the creator of the world around you and the directions you take. Ultimately, I’m grateful for this tough love, because I learned really young that I had to work for everything I wanted. In return, that has given me the grit to fight for what I want because I believe I’m worth the shot.
Emma: What’s your take on the highlight reel people present on social media, and the inevitable comparison that comes with that?
Ana: Similar to before, I feel like a lot of people nowadays look at influencers' lives as a whole and feel inferior because they think they're better than them. I actually don't look at influencers as people who are any better than me. Just because someone may have more material possessions or external success than you doesn't mean that they're cooler than you - you're still cool in your own unique way. On that note, material things don’t make you a cool person, being a good person makes you cool. Overall, social media is a highlight reel of the best moments in someone’s life. You don’t see the issues that influencers deal with on a daily basis, like hate and cancel culture. Honestly, the industry can be brutal and I feel sorry that they have to face such negative energy to be in the social media space.
Emma: Any tips for that *magnetic* energy?
Ana: In my opinion, magnetic energy all stems from being positive and building genuine connections with others. Smiling is a huge part of magnetic energy. When someone is smiling it feels inviting, and people are attracted to happy people because they also want to be happy.
Magnetic energy can also be felt when you feel a sense of warmth and calm around someone – that's the energy I try to put out, whether it’s with my best friends or a stranger. I just love the little bubble of positivity and hype that’s created when my energy synergizes with others who are on that same wavelength. Being the ultimate hype woman is my life goal.
Emma: You have definitely succeeded in that! Thank you again for sharing this valuable advice. Where can people follow you?
Ana: Thank you love, this was so much fun! You can follow me on Instagram and TikTok.
