Confidence. It’s that intangible thing that makes the difference between feeling scared and feeling powerful.
When you feel confident, you are unstoppable and it seems like your path is laid out clearly in front of you. When you lack confidence, however, you can feel afraid, and sometimes all you can see ahead is the possibility of failure. So is there a way that anyone can have a high level of confidence and self-esteem? Absolutely! Developing self-confidence is a skill that can be learned and built on.
Here are 10 great tips to boost your confidence and a famous TED talk about how your body language shapes who you are!
1. KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS
Learning who you are doesn’t happen overnight. For one thing, it can be hard to know which parts of you are you, and which parts are who you think you should be. A good start is to identify your strengths and weaknesses and then weigh those against what you enjoy. You can discover your strengths by completing a Career Personality Profile here.
2. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Self-belief is one of the most important qualities of a happy and successful person. You can be the most beautiful and intelligent individual, strong athlete or clever entrepreneur, but without self-belief these qualities may never come out to the full extent. Self-belief is the foundation of your success both in life and work. In most cases, self-belief is something that we grow up with, but it doesn’t mean that we cannot develop this sense as young adults. Keep reminders of your awesomeness! Make a list of the qualities that are fabulously YOU. Acknowledge your own achievements. Revisit this list when you feel down.
3. GET RID OF THE NEGATIVE VOICES IN YOUR HEAD
Low self-confidence is often caused by the negative thoughts running through our minds on an endless track. If you are constantly bashing yourself and saying you're not good enough, aren't attractive enough, aren't smart enough or athletic enough, and on and on, you are creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. You are becoming what you are preaching inside your head, and that's not good. The next time you hear that negativity in your head, switch it immediately to a positive affirmation and keep it up until it hits the caliber of a self-confidence boost.
4. WATCH YOUR BODY LANGUAGE
Yes, our mothers were correct. Standing up straight is good for you! “Your body language can shape who you are; and your posture can affect how you feel,” says Harvard researcher Amy Cuddy. Think Superman or Wonder Woman! When you stand up straight, with your hands on your hips, or sit with correct posture in your chair, you feel better about yourself. You feel more confident. And look at the person you are speaking to, not at your shoes - keeping eye contact shows confidence.
5. SMILE!
Studies surrounding what's called the "facial feedback theory" suggest that the expressions on your face can actually encourage your brain to register certain emotions. So by looking in the mirror and smiling every day, you can feel happier and more confident. Sounds trite, but it really works. When we smile we are happier. When we are happier we have more self-confidence. It’s also contagious. When you smile, and when others smile at you, we all feel better. When you feel better, you have more confidence.
6. PRACTICE
Preparation is 80% of success. When you find that insecurity holds you back, it might be high time for you to prepare more. Sometimes a lack of confidence is as simple as a lack of preparation. Action is the best antidote to anxiety and fear. Being perfectly prepared for whatever it is you are about to do will give you confidence. Be prepared. Learn everything there is to know about your field, job, presentation--whatever is next on your "to conquer" list. If you are prepared, and have the knowledge to back it up, your self-confidence will soar.
7. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
Being positive is all in the mind - so you have to make yourself think positively. But if there are positive people around giving you advice, building you up, and pushing you in the right direction, then thinking positively will come more easily and your confidence will naturally increase as a result. So, if you are aware that the people you mix with tend to bring you down a lot, then do something about it by getting some new friends.
8. EXERCISE
This one will definitely make an impact on your self-confidence. Regular exercise improves your energy levels and produces various chemicals – for example testosterone and endorphins – that put you in a more positive state. This seems to almost automatically improve your confidence and outlook on life compared to if you spend your time on the couch, eating chips and watching TV. Plus, getting in shape and looking better can be a powerful confidence-booster.
9. SET A LITTLE GOAL AND ACHIEVE IT
Confidence is based on a belief that we are capable of achieving things; therefore we don’t need to be scared. Sometimes we get into a rut where we don’t feel like we are capable of achieving anything. When this happens it can be hard to start, and big goals seem almost out of the question. So what you need to do in this instance is to set a “micro-goal” and then achieve it. A “micro-goal” is a very small goal that is in your power to achieve.
10. DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE
Many times, we feel bad about ourselves simply because we are focused too much on “our self”. Getting outside of the self can be truly refreshing, empowering and goes a long way to building your self-confidence. Where to start? Look around, there are people everywhere who need your help. Volunteer. Find someone and do something nice for them. Then find someone else and do something nice for them. Smile at people. Say something nice. After a while, you’ll be amazed at how great and confident you feel!
“With realisation of one’s own potential & self confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” Dalai Lama
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