10 Tips to Boost Your Self-Confidence
Developing confidence often requires effort and commitment. Most people aren’t born inherently bold and assertive, and the unfortunate truth is that a lack of self-confidence often feeds on itself — a person’s low self-esteem causes more and more self-doubt and the cycle continues.
In order to avoid this all-too-common self-fulfilling prophecy, you may need to take actionable steps to increase your self-esteem, and in turn, your overall confidence. Here are ten steps you can take to get into a positive mindset and gain a sense of confidence that you deserve.
Stop Listening to Negative Thoughts
It’s easier said than done, but shutting down intrusive thoughts the moment they enter your head will make a major difference in your overall mental health. Even the most confident people experience doubt, fear and anxiety, but the difference is that they don’t let those thoughts take control of the situation. If your brain tells you that you’re not good enough or that you can’t accomplish something, prove it wrong. Next time it’ll be much easier to ignore those self-defeating thoughts.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep strengthens resilience. In short, if you’re not well-rested, you’re not going to have the mental or physical fortitude to feel confident throughout the day. Never underestimate the simple factors that could be bringing you down. Basic principles like getting enough rest, drinking enough water, eating healthy foods and exercising regularly are actually quite easy to overlook, but if regularly practiced, they will improve your mindset.
Socialize More
Sometimes confidence takes practice. The more you interact with other people, the easier it will become. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go out. Simply talking on the phone or even exchanging emails with other people will help you develop important social skills to navigate life with confidence.
Say “No”
It’s no secret that being assertive can be a scary thing. If you feel pressured to do something that makes you uncomfortable, politely decline. The more you practice prioritizing and sticking up for yourself, the better you will get at it. Just make sure you’re only saying “no'' to things that do not serve you. You don’t want assertiveness to allow you an excuse to skip the good things in life.
Learn to Be Happy Alone
It’s hard to be confident around others if you’re not confident by yourself. Learning to be alone is a powerful step forward, and once you’re comfortable in your own skin, you’ll naturally be more comfortable around others. Do nice things for yourself without feeling guilty about it. Have fun without relying on the company of others. Meditating is a great option, or open that book you’ve been putting off. Even just treating yourself to your favorite meal is a great way to relieve stress and remind yourself that you’re worth it.
Surround Yourself With “Toys”
Fidget toys create a happy, playful mindset, but you don't have to feel like you're in a preschool playroom to fiddle with them. Set a colorful basket of fidget toys right on your desk and choose from a variety of fidgets to fit your mood. They'll make you smile and help relieve stress.
Do Something Nice for Someone
Being kind to others is a mutually beneficial two-way street. Not only are you able to bless them, but you feel good about yourself. Give someone a gift just because, or donate to a charity that’s meaningful to you. You might be surprised by how good you feel, and that feeling of pride can help you to feel more confident in general.
Update Your Look
Who you are inside is the most important thing, but when you look good, you feel good too. Sometimes a new haircut or outfit can make all of the difference. So, don’t be afraid to change up your hair or wardrobe to practice self-expression.
Learn a New Skill
Much like your physical appearance, your abilities don’t define your worth. That said, developing a new skill is a fantastic way to improve your self-esteem and help you feel more valuable and proud of your accomplishments. Embracing a new hobby is also a great way to meet other like-minded people, and friendship and mental health go hand-in-hand.
Take Your Time
Life is not a race. It’s all too easy to look around and compare yourself to everyone else. When you see others succeeding, try not to feel like you’re underperforming. Instead, get inspired and push yourself at your own pace. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and seeds take years to flourish.
The simple fact that you’re reading this right now means you’re on the right path. Keep making small, positive adjustments, and over time, you’ll be amazed by your growth. You have endless potential inside of you that’s waiting to be released.
Allow yourself to continue evolving into the best version of yourself. You may never reach your destination, and that’s okay. It’s the journey that molds you. Be mindful, grateful and compassionate with yourself, and remember that transformations aren’t perceptible in real-time. Every moment is a chance to take another step forward. You’ve got this.
Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and the world of fitness.
