What Confidence Feels Like
A Mini Zine to Build Real Confidence for South Asian Girls
Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s not about always getting it right or never feeling scared. For South Asian girls, growing up in environments where achievement and approval often feel like must-haves, confidence can feel tricky — even impossible. But what if confidence could be about something softer, realer, and more you?
Welcome to your Confidence Mini Zine — a safe space to explore what confidence truly feels like for YOU, with no pressure to be flawless or “perfectly” confident. Ready to get started? Grab a pen or open a notes app, and let’s go!
1. Find Your Confidence Triggers
Everyone has little things that spark confidence. It might be your favorite song, a quiet moment, or even a quick text from your best friend. The key is to notice what lifts you up in your unique day-to-day life.
Try this: Check off your confidence triggers below or add your own. Keep this list handy to use whenever you need a boost!
- 🎵 Listening to my favorite song
- 🧘♀️ Taking 5 deep breaths
- 🗣 Saying a personal affirmation out loud
- 💃 Dancing like nobody’s watching
- 📱 Reading positive messages from friends
- ✍ Writing down one thing I did well today
2. Real Affirmations I Believe In
Forget cheesy, generic quotes. Your affirmations should feel true to you. Think about what you really want to hear when you’re doubting yourself.
Your turn: Write down 3 affirmations that feel authentic and uplifting.
3. Hype Yourself Up!
You know how you hype up your best friend when she’s nervous or doubting herself? It’s time to turn that love inward. Be your own cheerleader!
Example:
“You’ve got this — you’re strong and smart!”
Now, write your own hype speech:
4. Confidence Checklist
When you need a quick self-confidence reset, use this checklist to pull yourself back to your power.
- Take a deep breath
- Remind myself of my strengths
- Say my favorite affirmation aloud
- Do a power pose (stand tall, shoulders back)
- Smile at myself in the mirror
5. Bonus Challenge: Try One New Confidence Trigger Today
Pick something from your list or try something new — maybe it’s dancing for one song or writing a gratitude note. Notice how it makes you feel, and jot down your thoughts later.
Why This Matters for South Asian Girls
In many Desi homes and communities, confidence can be tangled with pressure — to excel academically, to fit family expectations, or to hide struggles. But real confidence? It’s about knowing your worth, even when things aren’t perfect.
By exploring small daily practices and finding affirmations that truly resonate, you create a foundation for lasting self-belief. This mini zine is your invitation to try kindness toward yourself and celebrate your unique voice.
What’s your favorite confidence trigger? Drop it in the comments below or share your hype speech! Let’s cheer each other on 💖