2 . Research suggests that confidence is important to health and psychological well-being. But developing and maintaining confidence isn’t easy and it’s an easy thing to lose when you feel like you’ve failed or made a mistake.     1    .

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Do you compare how you look to people around you? Or do you compare your salary to what your friend earns? Making comparisons is natural. But it isn’t likely to help boost your self-confidence.     2    . When you notice that you are drawing comparisons, remind yourself that doing so isn’t helpful. Everyone is running their own race and life isn’t a competition.

Surround Yourself With Positive People

The people you spend time with can influence your thoughts and attitudes about yourself, perhaps more than you realize.     3    . If you feel bad about yourself after hanging out with a particular person, it may be time to say goodbye. Instead, surround yourself with people who love you and want the best for you.

    4    

Self-talk that is optimistic can help you overcome self-doubt and take on new challenges. The next time you begin to think that you have no business speaking up in a meeting or that you are too out-of-shape to work out, remind yourself that your thoughts aren’t always accurate. Then find a way to turn those thoughts around into more positive self-talk.

Set Realistic Goals

The more you achieve your goals, the greater your confidence in yourself and your abilities. To set realistic goals, write down what you want to achieve.     5    . If the answer is slim to none, the goal may be a bit too high. Dial (调整) it back so it is more realistic and more achievable.

5 . My first job at KCRW was Ruth Seymour’s assistant. Soon after, I became Assistant General Manager and worked closely with her for 16 years. Therefore, I have had the opportunity to observe her and the enormous impact she had on KCRW and the other radio stations.

Ruth did nothing conventionally and nothing she created was a reaction to anything. She created KCRW not to gain the most listeners or to win any awards but to be an intellectual force for arts, culture and smart ideas. She wanted to start the conversation, not just contribute to it.

Ruth had the highest artistic standards, which is why KCRW aired radio dramas like the 10-hour Babbitt and 30-hour Ulysses. She created Jewish Short Stories From Eastern Europe and Beyond in two audio collections that featured famous actors reading the work of Jewish authors like Sholem Aleichem, Philip Roth and Isaac Bashevis Singer. KCRW sold more of those collections than anything else in our history.

Ruth went to a newsstand every day and read articles from New York Times, word for word, on the air at noon because ordinary people couldn’t easily get that paper then. She discovered people who matched her intellect at dinners or parties and gave them on-air shows on journalism, literature, film, art, theater, travel, dance or music.

She said it best, “I wanted to do the program as an act of love and respect.”

When she came to KCRW in 1977, she found herself building the station in a junior high classroom right off the playground. Now KCRW could be heard across Los Angeles. Most powerfully, the radio format (总体安排) she created continues to be used by radio stations — news of the day, debates of ideas, art, artists, food, literature and film.

Outspoken and fearless women leaders were rare in the 1960s and 1970s — in fact, women couldn’t get credit cards apart from their husbands until 1974 — which is why her achievements are so singular.

When Emily was 16, she had a dream of becoming a professional singer, a dream that was as bright as the stars in the night sky. Emily’s parents, though supportive, often reminded her of the importance of her studies. This made Emily feel torn (为难) between her passion and her responsibilities

Each day, Emily trained herself for hours. She would sing in the mirror, imagining every audience was fully attracted by her singing. The sound of her voice filled the empty room, giving Emily a sense of purpose and fulfillment (成就感).

When she learned about the local singing competition, Emily felt a spark of excitement in her heart. She chose a song that reflected her emotional journey and practised it over and over again. The lyrics spoke to her heart, allowing her to relive (回味) moments of joy, heartbreak and growth.

Finally came the day of the competition. With butterflies in her stomach, Emily could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she walked onto the stage. As the music began, Emily closed her eyes and let her voice flow out. She could hear the audience gasp (倒吸气) as she hit the high notes, and she felt a sense of connection with them that she had never experienced before.

As she sang, Emily’s emotions poured out.

When the judges announced Emily as the winner, she felt a wave of joy washing over her.

8 . Fun Fall Weekend Getaways

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Alabama’s Gulf Shores is attractive year-round, but the fall months bring fewer crowds and more affordable prices on hotels. Head to Gulf Shores for warm ocean waters and lovely whites and beaches that you may have all to yourself. There’s also plenty to do at this beach destination outside of playing in the sand and surfing. For example, you can visit a downtown music bar.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque’s amazing landscapes provide an enjoyment for visitors year-round. However, visiting in fall allows you to enjoy the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place in October. Book a trip in early October to see hundreds of brightly colored balloons dot the sky—you can even take a balloon ride yourself. Because this hot air balloon festival is such a popular event, you’ll want to secure accommodations well in advance.

Laconia, New Hampshire

You may not have heard of Laconia before. This small New Hampshire city is mostly known for its incredible fall festivals. Perhaps you’ve heard the famous New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival, which takes place here in late October. Plan a weekend getaway to check out the amazing display of jack-o’-lanterns, live music, the Children’s Costume Parade, a cornhole tournament and more.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Located around 75 miles southwest of the nation’s capital is Shenandoah National Park, a great place for leaf peeping(赏叶) and exploring the outdoors in autumn. This national park has more than 200, 000 acres of forest, waterfalls, flower fields and plenty of wildlife. For example, you can spot black bears, deer and birds throughout the national park.