We all have days when we feel more confident...and days when we really don't. Sometimes we feel confident in some areas, and hopelessly inadequate in others. These seven simple tricks can help you feel more sure of yourself and boost self-confidence in every area.
Be well-informed
When you don't feel confident about a decision or a life choice you have to make, simply do more research. The more you know about your options (and the pros and cons of each option) the more confident you'll be in your decision.
This can be helpful when others question your choice, too. Friends and family can knock your confidence, either accidentally or deliberately. When you're really well-informed on a particular topic, you can both stand by your convictions and confidently reassure others that you really do know what you're doing.
Master a new skill
According to Edward M Halliwell, M.D., the author of The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness, mastery is one of the most important elements of childhood, if we want to raise a happy adult. At any age, mastering new skills boosts our confidence and happiness and increases our sense of competence. When we see ourselves as competent and capable in one area, it can help increase confidence overall.
Join a club
If you're shy or awkward, a good way to boost confidence is to join a club or class that focuses on a particular activity you love. It doesn't matter if it's chess, quilting or rock climbing, being around like-minded people gives you plenty to talk about, and doing an activity together reduces the pressure we feel when we have to socialize for the sake of socializing.
Take on a challenge
Online challenges are everywhere. Taking on a five, ten or thirty-day challenge (and completing it) can be a great confidence boost. You could try anything from a thirty-day fitness challenge to a ten-day clean eating challenge, both of which will leave you fitter and healthier, as well as more confident.
Take a social media break
You may think that social media is a positive force in your life, but you might be wrong. Over exposure to social media can leave you feeling unhappy and inadequate. Looking at other people's carefully edited pictures and updates, showing only the best and most successful parts of their lives, can actually damage your self-esteem. There is considerable evidence that taking a break from social media can benefit your mental health.
Stand tall
Your posture can actually help you feel more confident. Standing tall, with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed, will make you feel more confident than stooping or hunching your shoulders. A TED talk from Amy Cuddy talks more about that here.
So work on your posture. Consider trying a yoga or dance class, or look into the Alexander Technique, which can help you correct bad habits, release tension in your body and improve posture.
Look great
It's a simple (and somewhat superficial) trick, but when we look good, we really do feel more confident. That doesn't mean you have to obsess about your appearance. Just be aware that on the days you don't feel confident, putting on a favorite outfit or spending a few extra minutes on hair, make-up or whatever you feel makes you look great, can have a positive impact on how you'll feel all day.
Self-confidence can have an effect on everything else in your life, so it's worth employing a few simple tricks to boost yours.
