Building Your Self-Confidence
Self-confidence can be the key to either success or failure in life. It can be difficult to build self-confidence. There are ways to accomplish this, however, with a few steps.
- Dress the part
It can be easy to let your appearance slip and to dress in a way that is not appealing or that does not suggest success or confidence. The first step toward self-confidence is your wardrobe. If you are able, spend some money and improve your wardrobe; it will help others perceive you as confident while also helping your own self-image. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. You can find many good items in second hand clothing stores or consignment shops. I myself purchase a beautiful dress for my son’s wedding that cost me $12.00. It would have cost me over $200 in a regular store. I also purchased a suit for my son when he wanted to go to prom for $8.00 that fit him like it was made for him.
2. Speak more slowly
It can be easy to rush through your speech when you are nervous. Simply speaking more slowly can make you more confident. Speaking slowly emphasizes your words and makes them carry more weight. Choose your words carefully as well, you will be perceived as an intelligent, thoughtful person.
- Get healthy
Adopt a healthier lifestyle and your body and mind will simultaneously contribute to an added sense of confidence. Being unhealthy can contribute greatly to a lack of confidence. It contributes to an appearance you may not like, while also simply making you feel less able to accomplish what you want.
- Make lists
Never underestimate the power of finishing tasks. Making a list allows you to cross off items that you accomplish. The simple act of crossing off an item on your to-do list is a big confidence-booster, and keeping the fully completed list handy is a nice reminder of all the things you have accomplished. This method also carries other benefits, including helping you keep in mind everything you need to do.
- Focus on your own body language
Control your posture, stand up straight and look people in their eyes. This is a surefire way to demonstrate confidence. It is easy to underestimate the importance of body language in appearing confident. We don’t always realize what we are saying with our body language. Spend some time looking in the mirror or asking others about some of your postures.
- Just think positively
The power of positive thinking cannot be underestimated. It is important to develop a strategy to put negative thoughts out of your head when they crop up. Push them out, and become skilled at replacing them with more positive ones. Think of carrying a blackboard eraser. When you think something negative, erase it and write down something positive.
Developing self-confidence is far easier said than done, but there are some quick steps that you can enlist in order to make yourself more confident. The appearance of confidence is often enough to make yourself feel more confident.
Take these steps, and you will make yourself both feel and look more confident to yourself and to the people around you. By performing each of these tasks, you can become more self-confident and demonstrate to others that you are confident as well.
To your increased confidence!
Fran Watson
P.S. Here is a special gift for you