If there is one thing nearly all of us could do with more of, it is confidence. Science tells us that few are born confident, so that means confident people have learnt to be confident. Which means you can too. It just takes effort, practice, and more practice.
Here are some tips:
- Success breeds confidence, so start taking note of every single success – small or large – and make a point of celebrating as you go. When you look back over time you’ll see what mountains you have climbed.
- Take stock of your knowledge, skills and experience. Value them, and be proud of them. Think how much more you know about those things than most other people.
- Know your strengths and be proud of them. Know your weaknesses and work on them – or work with people who can take those areas off your hands.
- Do your research. Need more confidence for a meeting, or a presentation? Find out who you are talking to or dealing with, put yourself in their shoes and think about what they are looking for from the situation. Arm yourself with understanding and empathy, and your confidence levels will rise.
- Exercise and rest. Nurture your body. Don’t fill yourself with caffeine – get a good night’s sleep instead. You’ll think more clearly, and feel more in control.
- Breathe more deeply. Saturate your brain with oxygen and wake yourself up.
- Practice believing in yourself and what you are trying to do. Tell yourself that you are capable, that you can do it, and that you are resourceful enough to find a way.
- Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not put you down. Share your fears with people who will listen, advise when needed, or just support you as you make a giant leap.
- Take risks. Do new things. Talk to strangers. Every thing you do that you are afraid of builds your confidence.
- Have a plan if it all goes wrong. Then you have even the worst case scenario covered.
- When someone praises or compliments you, try saying “Thank you”. Don’t bat away those precious words, as they feed your confidence.
- Think about the situation from the point of view of opportunity. Not feeling confident about speaking in front of 1000 people? Remind yourself that someone believed in you enough to give you that opportunity, and you have the stage to communicate something important to a captive audience.
- Stand tall. Speak clearly. Speak up.
- Begin with the end in mind. Be clear why you want to do the thing you are considering doing, and remind yourself why it will be a good thing. Imagine the scenario when it is done, and how you will feel.
- Remind yourself that you are the only version of you. You are capable, and you have much to offer.
- Trust yourself. You’ve got this.
This New Year, we challenge you to take daily steps to build your confidence. Try new things, celebrate small successes, speak out more, connect more, take more risks. What could you do to become more confident? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook or Twitter.
Beth and team
PS If you haven’t yet downloaded our FREE New Year’s Revolution toolkit (5000+ people have!) then get yours here and begin today. And if you want to get into the habit of practicing gratitude, download our free ‘2015 Happy List’ here to start noticing and being grateful for the things that make you happy.
Look out for our musings on a ‘New Year, Happier You’, coming tomorrow.
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