By Kenzie Ryseff
Your twenties are a thrilling time, filled with new experiences, opportunities, and the chance to meet amazing people. But let’s be real—it can also be a bit daunting, especially when it comes to building a social life in a new city. Here’s how you can boost your confidence and create a vibrant social life in your twenties.
1. Embrace New Experiences
Stepping out of your comfort zone is key to gaining confidence. Whether it's joining a local book club, trying out a new hobby like rock climbing or painting, every new experience is a chance to learn, grow, and meet new people. Plus, the more you do it, the easier it gets!
Take my friend Aly, for example. She moved to San Francisco without knowing a soul. She joined a salsa dancing class, something she had always wanted to try but never had the courage to do. Not only did she learn some killer dance moves, but she also made a close-knit group of friends who shared her passion for dancing.
We're also a little biased, but you can attend a Social Spark social! You'll have the opportunity to meet other people who are in the same boat as you. Plus, our socials are made up of small groups of people, making it less nerve-wracking to step out of your comfort zone.
2. Practice Self-Compassion
It’s totally normal to feel nervous or unsure sometimes. Instead of being hard on yourself, practice self-compassion. Remind yourself that everyone feels this way at times and that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your small victories.
Whether it's striking up a conversation with someone new at a coffee shop or completing your first 5K run, these are important things to celebrate. Think about the first time you tried something new, like public speaking. It was probably terrifying, right? But each time you faced your fear, you got a little better.
3. Develop Your Interests
Having hobbies and interests not only makes you more interesting but also gives you confidence. Whether it’s playing guitar, joining a local soccer team, or exploring photography, dive into what excites you. You’ll not only gain skills and knowledge but also meet others who share your passions.
My friend Mckenna always had a knack for baking but never pursued it seriously. She started taking weekend baking classes and soon became known for her delicious pastries in my town. She even started a blog to share her recipes and experiences, which connected her with a community of fellow baking enthusiasts. Now, Mckenna's kitchen is always buzzing with new friends trying out her latest creations.
4. Set Small Goals
Start with small, achievable goals. It could be as simple as attending a local event, introducing yourself to a new colleague, or joining a new fitness class. As you achieve these small goals, your confidence will grow, making it easier to tackle bigger challenges.
For instance, when I started my new job, I set a goal to attend at least one networking event per month. At first, it was intimidating, but with each event, I felt more comfortable and started to build a network of acquaintances who eventually became friends. These small steps made the transition much smoother and less overwhelming.
5. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Your social circle plays a huge role in your confidence. Surround yourself with supportive, positive people who uplift you and encourage you to be your best self. Attend events where you know you’ll be welcomed and avoid environments that drain your energy.
When my friend Lily moved to another city, she found it challenging to connect with people initially. However, she made it a point to attend gatherings hosted by like-minded individuals, such as a local group of other people in their twenties starting their careers in interior design. The positivity and shared purpose within the group helped Lily feel more at home and confident in her new surroundings.
6. Learn to Laugh at Yourself
Nobody’s perfect, and trying to be can be exhausting. Learn to laugh at yourself and not take things too seriously. Embracing your quirks and imperfections makes you more relatable and confident. Remember, everyone makes mistakes, and it’s all part of the learning process.
I remember a time when I completely blanked out during a presentation at work. Instead of panicking, I made a joke about it and moved on. Everyone laughed, and it broke the tension. Afterward, several coworkers approached me to share their own embarrassing moments, which helped us bond and eased my fears of public speaking.
7. Take Care of Yourself
Physical health impacts your mental well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep can significantly boost your mood and confidence. Whether it’s a morning jog, a yoga class, or simply getting a good night’s sleep, feeling good physically often translates to feeling good mentally.
My roommate, Ella, struggled with anxiety when she first moved to a new city. She started incorporating daily yoga sessions into her routine, which not only improved her physical health but also helped her manage stress and anxiety. As she felt better physically, her confidence grew, and she began to explore the city more, making new friends along the way.
Final Thoughts
So, whether you’re moving to a new city or just looking to expand your social circle, take these tips to heart. Step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and be kind to yourself. By doing so, you’ll find that building a vibrant social life is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.
And don't forget, joining Social Spark events can be a fantastic way to kickstart this journey. You'll meet people who are just as eager to connect as you are, and who knows, you might even discover a new hobby or passion along the way. So, go ahead and take that first step—you’ve got this!
