FindItMore | One of the things we all wish we had more of is confidence. Certainty about one’s self is what drives you to excel at whatever you do. Without self-assurance, you wouldn’t be able to talk about your hopes and dreams or try your hardest to achieve them. The truth is, if you don’t believe in yourself and have low self-esteem, the rest of the world won’t respect you for what you have to give either.
While confidence is different from pride or narcissism, you have to understand that it’s more about loving yourself for who you are more than anything else. It’s about having faith in your abilities and knowing that you can do good in the world. It’s about recognizing your skills,so you know that that position you just interviewed for is one that you deserve. In a nutshell, self-confidence is all you need to make your dreams a reality.
Unfortunately, while we all know how vital self-esteem and confidence is, a lot of us feel timid and afraid when we enter a new situation. Though it is alright to feel a little anxious, you shouldn’t allow your confidence to waver if you want to reach your end goal.
Today, we’ll speak about some ideas that will help you boost your faith in yourself so you can go ahead and conquer the world.
Tip #1: Dress to impress yourself
Research has shown a deep link between self-efficacy and esteem with your dressing. While it is true that your mood will have an effect on the way you dress, the opposite is true as well. A study shows that wearing clothes that you like can increase your confidence by many levels and the outfit doesn’t necessarily need to cost you $500.
Grooming yourself and just wearing fresh and clean clothes will make you feel like you can do anything you put your mind to.However, remember that if you want to increase your self-confidence, you should try to look nice for yourself and not for someone else’s sake.
Pro tip: Invest in collectibles such as a genuine leather jacket to feel more confident.
Tip #2: Don’t let negativity and failure take control
Motivational speakers like Nick Vujicic, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey had difficult childhoods that they had to overcome to become leaders of the world. You’ve to remember that you cannot achieve real success unless you fail, and get back up.
Though there will be some events in your life that will test your confidence and may even make you doubt yourself, you have to keep going. Instead of mulling over the problem, decide to do something about it by coming up with a solution.
Think about all the positive things in your life and the skills you have even when life has you down,and you’ll get out of the sticky situation soon enough.
How to: On your worst days, make a list of the items you appreciate in your life.
Tip #3: Do something selfless
Most of us in the modern world have become very selfish. We no longer like to help each other unless there’s a return action involved and this has made the world a bitter and hostile place to live in.
Research proves that acting selflessly or just being kind and compassionate towards someone can boost your confidence in yourself. You feel good about doing something for someone who is in need of your help and this, in turn,promotes your self-confidence.
When you’re generous with someone and act selflessly, you also improve your self-image,and this revives your faith and belief in yourself and what you can do.
How to: Give charity or do something sweet for a neighbor without expecting anything in return.
Tip #4: Improve your body language
Did you know that there’s something called ‘power posing?’ This term, which was proposed by two psychologists,theorizes that standing in a superhero pose can help you increase your confidence and gives instant gratification.
While a lot more research is needed for that particular concept, plenty of studies show that there is a connection between body language and poise. For instance, just pulling your shoulders back and setting your head up high can give you the feeling that you can conquer the world.
How to: Stand and sit up straight and remember to smile and make eye contact when having a conversation.
Tip #5: Stay away from toxic relationships
Though you may not know or accept this, your friends or family could be the reason for your low self-confidence. The peers you have and those closest to you must be involved in building you up and not pulling you down.
Toxic relationships suck all the energy and goodness from your soul and in turn create self-doubt and low self-esteem. If you have a friend or partner who talks about nothing but your negatives, make sure you get rid of them as soon as you can, and you’ll be able to work on your confidence again.
How to: Learn how to spot toxic people and then remove them from your life immediately.
Tip #6: Talk to yourself
The simple act of getting up in the morning, looking at yourself in the mirror and saying motivational quotes out aloud can do a lot for your confidence levels.
Because men and women of armed forces and the Navy SEALS face a lot of difficult circumstances throughout their lives,they are taught to overcome fear by talking to themselves. Remember, the brain can be manipulated to think positive if you learn a few techniques.
How to: Collect some of your favorite quotes from the internet and repeat them to yourself with drive and vigor.
Wrapping it up
Confidence is the key without which you cannot succeed in life. While most people think that self-assurance is something you’re born with, the truth is that it is entirely possible for you to build it. Follow the practical tips we’ve rounded up for you here,and you’ll boost your self-confidence in a short time.
