Todays post will be all about one of self-improvement‘s most crucial aspects: confidence. Even if you’re not engaging in personal development, building confidence is probably still something you’re interesting in. Whether in work, social settings, with family, or towards oneself, confidence can be our guiding light – So, let’s step out of the dark.
1. How to Build Confidence:
Now, there are a variety of different things leading to each of us feeling confident or empowered. Here, we’ll give you some key aspects you might want to look into or work on to build confidence within. Without further ado, let’s start!
Goals
Make sure your goals are achievable in the time you want to realise them. Unrealistic expectations lead to frustration over something you simply can’t avoid.
Also, set up small goals to incorporate successes and keep yourself motivated.
Negativity
Negative and draining thoughts occur often, and it’s easy to indulge in them. Instead, start challenging them! Keep a journal to learn to recognise patterns in negative thinking and come up with alternative ones to lift your self-perception.
Read about how to start journaling in our recent post: >>Click here<<.
Identity
We are human. We have strengths, and we have weaknesses. An important aspect of building confidence is to understand your strengths and accept your weaknesses. Confidence is not solely about being capable and perfect, but about embracing the person you are as a whole. Remember, we all have areas we can improve; they don’t define your persona, but make you approachable and relatable.
Focus
Instead of focusing on what went wrong, shift your view towards what can be improved. Embracing a problem-solving-focused way of living establishes a positive mindset, enhances self-image, and encourages forward progress.
Achievements
If you ever feel down, think of what you’ve already achieved to remember what you’re capable of. Note down your strengths and talents and read this list when you feel like giving up. It might be hard at first, but over time you’ll see it helping you create a more positive self-image.
Self-Care
Exercise, nutrition, sleep – look out for yourself, as the way you treat yourself reflects your perception of your own worth. Being gentle and caring towards yourself subconsciously strengthens the feeling of self-love. Besides, a healthy body and mind leave you feeling fit, which can enhance confidence as well.
Style
Stop caring about what is trendy or cool; if it’s not resonating with or inspiring you, don’t wear it. Find your own style and dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and strong. Make sure you’re dressing in clothes you like, not in ones that allow you to hide. This way, you’d drift into the opposite direction. You don’t need to follow trends, but you also don’t need to worry about other people’s perception. Clothes are a way to express your identity – who do you want to be?
Comfort and Fear
Some of us have a very narrow space we’re feeling comfortable in; honestly, can you even feel comfortable in such a small place? Gradually step out of your comfort zone, and you’ll see that most things aren’t as scary as they seem at first. Also, overcoming a fear boosts feelings of capability and, therefore, enhances confidence.
Positive People
Besides being positive yourself, it is important to surround yourself with uplifting individuals as well. You can be as positive as you want, but in an environment of pessimistic and demotivating people, your energy will be drained. You’ll end up using your positivity to uplift others while forgetting yourself. On the other hand, being surrounded by positive thoughts and energy leads to productivity, happiness, and ideas.
Incorporating Confidence Daily:
Movement
To appear confident, one of the main areas you should pay attention to is the way you move. Whether walking, using hand gestures, or anything else, moving can subconsciously signal you’re being in control. Confident movement seems somewhat like this: Walk with a steady pace. Don’t walk too fast, nor too slow. Walk with strength and a goal in mind.
To better understand the impact of walking on our appearance and how to utilise it, read our post about it: >>Click here<<
Using gestures in conversations is engaging and inviting, but make sure to incorporate meaningful gestures. Move your hands in a slow and controlled way, and avoid fidgeting.
Body Language
Just as with moving, when standing, sitting, or talking to someone, body language influences the ones around you and yourself subconsciously. Body language can be used to communicate without using words. To transfer confidence, do the following: Stand and sit with good posture, keep your shoulders down and your back straight. Maintain an open and strong, yet relaxed, body language. Relaxed refers to stress.
To learn more about posture, read our post about it: >>Click here<<.
Conversations
To be confident in a conversation doesn’t mean being loud or arguing about different opinions. It is about acknowledging and engaging with the other person. Why? Insecure individuals fear judgment of others; confident individuals seek constructive feedback. Do the following in upcoming conversations:
Make eye contact. You’ll show someone that they have your undivided attention; you’re not scared to acknowledge them.
Speak slowly and clearly. Controlling speed again transfers the feeling of calmness and control; speaking with good volume shows that you’re confident in what you say and don’t shy away from communicating it with others.
Facial Expressions. Smile! A warm and soft smile is inviting and loved by everyone. Don’t mistake a smile for being naive or cute. A smile can be perceived as confident as well. If you’re not giggling and jumping around like a child, a natural smile can enhance others’ and your own mood.
Affirmations
Incorporate positive affirmations every day to enhance mood and confidence. We’ve said it before, a positive and forward-driven mindset is key to developing a sense of confidence and strength from within.
Activities
Use your leisure time to engage in things you enjoy, such as hobbies or interests. Learn something new and discover your talents. Get to know yourself to be able to love the person you are. Be or become someone you’re proud of.
Compliments
Many people struggle with accepting compliments – don’t be! If someone builds up the courage to give you a compliment, accept it graciously; a simple ‘thank you very much’ is all it takes. Being able to accept compliments shows that you know they are valid; in a sense, it is a reflection of the way you perceive yourself. You are worthy of that compliment!
Boundaries
Setting boundaries and saying no is another way to show you know your worth. Boundaries raise confidence within. To learn more about setting boundaries, read our post about it: >>Click here<<
Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrating is wonderful, and so are wins, so why not combine them? Celebrating small wins will enhance confidence through showing you that every step you take is worth it. It’ll make you realise that everything you accomplish makes a difference and has the power to bring you forward.
Winning is encouraging, so try to incorporate a win whenever it’s possible
Internalise all of these little tips and tricks to embrace confidence in everyday life, and even more importantly, within yourself! Start with your journey towards confidence!