You know that friend who hypes you up no matter what? The one who sees your magic, reminds you of your strengths, and cheers you on - even when you’re doubting yourself?
Now imagine if you could be that person for yourself.
That’s what finding your inner cheerleader is all about. And no, it doesn’t mean sugar-coating everything. It’s not about ignoring hard feelings or forcing fake positivity. It’s about learning how to gently encourage yourself with the same kindness, compassion and belief you’d offer someone your mum or best friend.
Because truthfully? We’re often our own toughest critics. We brush off our wins, magnify our mistakes, and forget just how far we’ve come. But your inner cheerleader is here to flip that script.
She’s the voice that says, 'I know this is hard, but you’re doing your best.' 'You’ve gotten through tough things before, and you’ll do it again.' 'You’re growing - and that’s something to be proud of.'
So how do you start connecting with that voice? Here are a few simple ways:
~ Talk to yourself like a friend. If you wouldn’t say it to someone you care about, don’t say it to yourself.
~ Celebrate the small stuff. Progress isn’t always loud or obvious - acknowledge every little step forward.
~ Flip the negative script. Notice critical thoughts and gently reframe them. 'I can’t do this' becomes 'this is new, but I’m learning.'
~ Keep a ‘done’ list. Instead of only tracking what’s left to do, write down what you’ve already accomplished.
~ Repeat encouraging mantras. Try: 'I back myself' or 'I am enough, just as I am.'
Tuning into your inner cheerleader takes time and practice. But each time you choose self-encouragement over self-judgement, you build trust in yourself. You become your own safe space.
You don’t need to have it all together (none of us do!). What really counts is that you keep showing up - for yourself - on the good days, the hard days, and everything in between. With honesty, kindness, and a little bit of self-belief, even if it’s a bit wobbly.
And when you forget how far you’ve come (because we all do sometimes!), try to tune in. That quiet voice inside - the one that’s always been cheering for you - is still there. It might not be shouting, but it’s quietly whispering: 'Keep going. You’ve got this.'