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As we all know Youth Day commemorates the 1976 Soweto youth uprising. Young people that work hard to be independent of the oppressive Bantu Education and unequal education. While we honour and commemorate the youth of 1976 that contributed to the struggle for the liberation of South Africa, introspectively, what does that liberation and independence mean for the youth of 2022? How do we pursue opportunities and a livelihood that takes advantage of independence?

As a result of our freedom and opportunities, our goals and thought process do not have to be dependent on others, there are some ways to become more self-reliant. While it may be easy to depend on others for their opinions and help, it can become unhealthy if it causes you to lose sight of your individuality and being self-motivated. However, it’s important to note that it’s never a bad idea to ask for help as long as we’re not solely dependent on friends and family.

 Being a self-reliant young person can be scary but it’s completely worth it. According to Positive Psychology, the following three terms encapsulate what it means to be self-reliant:

1. Thinking independently
2. Embracing your individuality
3. Striving towards your own goals, bravely

Why is it important to become self-reliant?

• You can solve problems and make decisions by yourself
• Being self-reliant forces you to become more informed because you learn not to make others a first resort
• This involves self-acceptance, a very powerful thing to acquire
• It gives you a sense of direction

Here are some tips on how to become more independent and self-reliant

1. Work on your self-esteem

Oftentimes, the biggest deterrent to trusting ourselves and always feeling the need to have others validate our every decision is lacking confidence. Now you’ll find that a fraction of people are just naturally confident, while most of us, if not all of us have to put in the work at being confident, which is completely okay. You can empower yourself by increasing your self-esteem.

2. Assume Responsibility

Let’s be honest, taking responsibility for your life is not fun. But taking responsibility for your life is satisfying. You’ll gain quiet confidence in yourself as you take control of your own life. You’ll feel empowered. Instead of feeling like life is simply happening to you, you’ll begin to feel like the captain of your destiny and master of your soul.

3. Making your own decisions

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” -Theodore Roosevelt. From childhood, we learn to always look for guidance before making decisions that some of us never really relinquish being coddled even in adulthood. Have confidence in your capabilities and it becomes a lot easier to find security within.

4. Know the difference between asking for guidance and asking for permission

This requires you to trust yourself. Being emotionally confident means, you know the decisions to make and you trust yourself that you’re making the right decision. Because sometimes when you ask others for permission, you could already be seeking the answer that you hope they will give.

5. Practice assertiveness

Assertiveness is an expression that your opinion and stance hold the same weight as those of other people. Maintaining your stance, even if it might not be the most popular one, is a good sign of emotional independence.

6. Define and have your own values

Society’s values may not be aligned with our own deep-rooted beliefs. If society values one thing, and it’s not congruent with our own, we can sometimes cheat our values to fit in.