This morning it came to me that I’ve started walking differently. You know what I mean – that pep in your step. That undeniable feeling of confidence that says, “Yes, I did just parallel park perfectly on the first try.” Swagger is often misunderstood, but let’s clear the air: it’s okay—no, it’s fantastic—to have a bit of swagger in your step. And for me, it feels bloody good after losing it for over 20 years’ (it did come back for a little bit during my mid-life crisis in my early 40s but didn’t stick around sadly). Here’s why you should embrace it and maybe even crank it up a notch.
The Origins of Swagger
First off, swagger has been around forever. Ancient warriors probably strutted into battle with a certain flair, pirates had their swashbuckling swagger, and don’t even get me started on disco kings and queens of the ‘70s (disco never died btw). Swagger is timeless, a universal signal that you’re feeling good about yourself. So if Julius Caesar could swagger around in a toga, why can’t you do the same in your yoga pants?
Confidence is Contagious
Swagger is basically confidence on parade. And guess what? Confidence is contagious. When you walk with a bit of swagger, people notice. You’re sending out vibes that you’ve got it all figured out (even if you’re just pretending until you actually do – and that is totally okay too). You’ll find that others start to feel more confident around you too. It’s a win-win! Who knew that walking like you’ve got a secret could have such a positive ripple effect?
Swagger vs. Arrogance
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: swagger isn’t the same as arrogance. Arrogance is thinking you’ve got something over everyone else. Swagger is knowing you’re awesome and hoping everyone else knows they are too. It’s a subtle, but important difference. When you’ve got swagger, you’re spreading good vibes, not putting people down. Think of swagger as the smooth jazz of confidence—it’s cool, it’s inviting, and it’s never too loud. It’s feeling confidence in yourself at a deep level and that exudes into your daily decisions, how you walk and talk.
Everyday Swagger Moments
You don’t need a red carpet or a big promotion to bust out the swagger. Everyday moments are perfect opportunities to let it shine. Nailed that presentation at work? Swagger. Found a matching pair of socks on the first try? Swagger. Made a perfect vegan meal so that your meat eating friends’ couldn’t tell? Oh, you better believe that’s swagger-worthy. Life’s little victories deserve a celebratory strut.
The Science of Swagger
Studies have shown that how you carry yourself can actually influence how you feel. Walking with confidence can trick your brain into feeling more confident, even on those days when you’d rather stay under the covers. So, next time you’re feeling down, put on your favourite power song, stand tall, and add a bit of swagger to your step. It’s like free therapy, minus the couch and the tissue box.
The Swagger Workout
Consider swagger a part of your fitness routine. It’s good for your posture, great for your mood, and fantastic for your social life. Walking with swagger means standing up straight, shoulders back, and head held high. It’s like yoga for your self-esteem. Plus, it’s way more fun than the treadmill and I would even say that your bank account will even thank you as well.
My Personal Anecdote
What brought me to this? Well I heard it mentioned on an internal training call recently and it must have stuck with me (what do they say about your reticular activating system?). I started with a new tennis coach last week and I must be honest, I walked away from that first session feeling bulletproof. I’ll be brutally honest in saying that I’ve been struggling for a few years’ with injuries which has massively affected my self-belief. I haven’t been seeing the results at tournament level – nor in my rankings – that I really have wanted to. But this new Coach figured me out pretty quickly, was able to join the dots and I have to say, afterwards I felt as though I was back as a kid again feeling that crazy unfiltered and unaltered confidence that kids’ do and it feels awesome! Isn’t it mad that sometimes that is all it takes?! Back to being the real me from old. Where on earth did I go for all of these years’?
Strut Your Stuff
So there you have it. Swagger isn’t just okay—it’s essential. It’s a way of life, a mindset, a declaration to the world that you’re here, you’re fabulous, and you know it, feel it and are it. So go ahead, add a bit of swagger to your step. Walk like you own the place, because in your own unique way, you do. You own yourself and your life. And if anyone asks why you’re strutting, just tell them you’ve got places to be and people to amaze. Mwah!
Photo by EVG Kowalievska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-standing-near-post-1381556/