Visualizing Success: Teru Nakashima's Path to Self-Confidence

All about Self-esteem by Teru Nakashima, Japan

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What is self-confidence, according to Teru Nakashima?

Teru Nakashima describes self-confidence as a force within us that expands like leaves on a tree. Just as leaves capture sunlight and generate energy, self-confidence empowers us to move forward in life. It's an inherent quality that we may not always recognize we possess, like a baby's innate ability to learn to walk.

What is the "Promise Tree" exercise, and how does it help build self-confidence?

The "Promise Tree" is a visual exercise. You start by making small, achievable promises to yourself, such as waking up at a specific time or meditating for a few minutes. When you successfully keep a promise, you draw a leaf on a paper tree. This provides a tangible representation of your ability to keep commitments, fostering a sense of self-trust. Even if you miss a promise, you can simply add new leaves, emphasizing consistency and progress over perfection.

What is the purpose of the "Trust Achievement Notebook" exercise?

The "Trust Achievement Notebook" involves writing down three things you accomplished each day, no matter how small. Examples include catching a train you almost missed or persevering through a challenging task. Crucially, after each accomplishment, you write the phrase "Therefore, I am trustworthy." This reinforces the idea that consistent small successes build a foundation of self-trust.

How does the "Dialogue with Your Future Self" exercise work?

This exercise involves creating a quiet, five-minute space to visualize yourself three months in the future. You mentally tell your future self, "I believe in you," and then receive the message, "I also believe in you" from your future self. This visualization aims to deepen your sense of self-trust by fostering a connection with a more confident version of yourself.

What is the "Trust Reminder" exercise, and how frequently should it be practiced?

The "Trust Reminder" involves setting smartphone alarms to go off three times a day. When the alarm sounds, you verbally affirm, "I am a trustworthy person," either aloud or silently. This repetitive affirmation serves as regular reinforcement, like watering a plant, to nurture and strengthen your self-confidence.

Explain the "Collection of Trust Evidence" exercise.

This exercise, done weekly, asks you to dedicate 15 minutes to reflecting on moments during the past week when you felt trustworthy. You then write down these instances, such as being punctual, helping someone in need, or managing your emotions effectively. This process allows you to actively identify and acknowledge the trustworthy aspects of yourself.

What is the key takeaway regarding setbacks in building self-confidence?

Nakashima emphasizes that setbacks are not failures but rather part of the growth process. Just as a tree's leaves may sometimes wither, progress in building self-confidence might not always be linear. The important thing is to continue adding new "leaves" and focus on sustained effort.

What is Nakashima's overall message about self-confidence and personal worth?

Nakashima believes that everyone is born trustworthy, but they may not realize it. He encourages individuals to stop doubting themselves and to recognize that they are already trustworthy. Just as a baby is inherently believed to be capable of learning to walk, people should believe in their own potential. The key is to become aware of the growth and expansion of self-confidence, much like noticing the gradual growth of leaves on a tree.

Teru Nakashima, All about Self-esteem

Chapters

1. Building Self-Confidence (00:00:00)

2. Growing Self-Confidence Through Nurturing (00:07:16)