Is there anyone who wouldn’t like to be more self-confident? It’s definitely one of the things I struggle with on a daily basis is being more self-confident. Whether it’s from having buck teeth when I was little, or being the youngest in my class all the way through school, or a by-product of being abused in two marriages (slow-learner?) I’m not sure. Most likely it’s a combination of all of it, and that’s okay because it means that every day is a new challenge not to let my insecurities get the better of me. It’s one reason why I try to write something and post it every day, even when I’m sure it’s not very good. And the funny thing about that … it’s usually the articles I think are really bad that get the most comments and seem to help others the most. Funny how that works.
But, you’re not here to listen to me whine. And so instead of whining about how little self-confidence I have most days, I have for you a few of the tips I use to make it look like I’m the most confident person in the world, even when I’m shaking in my boots.
1. Develop an “attitude of gratitude.”
Being grateful creates a sense of peace within that in turn creates confidence.
I start every day by writing down five things I’m grateful for. By doing this I find that that the day starts with a completely different energy than if I had got out of bed and started grumbling about what I don’t have or what I have to do today. Try it, and let me know how it works for you.
2. Dress for success.
Sounds trite, I know. But I’m sure it’s equally as trite (and also as true) that when you look good, you feel good. If you dress to look your best, you’ll feel better and this will translate into more self-confidence. Even if your wardrobe is full of jeans and t-shirts like mine, choosing your best fitting jeans and your nicest t-shirt will make you feel better than if you dress in baggy sweats, even if no one sees them but you.
3. When in a group setting, sit near the front.
I never thought much about this when I was in school, but people with self-confidence issues tend to hide out in the back of the room and hope no one notices them. You can, and will, instantly appear more confident just by choosing to sit near the front of the room.
4. Walk faster. And keep your head up!
People who walk at a brisk pace appear more confident because they look like they know where they’re going. Even if you’re not sure where you’re headed, walking faster and holding your head up will help you feel more confident while you figure it out.
5. Get regular exercise.
You knew I was going to get that in here somehow, didn’t you? There’s nothing that exudes self-confidence like a well-toned body. People who are fit not only look healthy, they also have more energy. And they radiate a better, more healthy energy than people who are out of shape and overweight.
I can tell you from my own experience that even though I’ve only lost about 30 pounds so far, I feel so much better and more confident. Even though I have a long way to go, every little bit helps.
Good health and energy along with the compliments they bring are great self-confidence boosters. And I am grateful for every single one of those compliments when they come my way.
Now, lest you think I’m being flippant and taking the subject of self-confidence lightly… I’m not. I have worked every day of my life to get what little self-confidence I have, and I will keep working at it a little each day. It’s not something that happens overnight… I wish… but by using the tips that resonate with you, it is possible to take a lifetime of hiding in the background and turn it around. If I can do it, I know you can do it even better!
