Ten Ways To Instantly Build Self Confidence
Ten Ways To Instantly Build Self Confidence
Self-confidence is the difference between feeling unstoppable and feeling scared out of your wits. Your perception of yourself has an enormous impact on how others perceive you. Perception is reality - the more self-confidence you have, the more likely it is you will succeed. Many of the factors affecting selfconfidence are beyond our control; there are things you can consciously do, to build self-confidence. By using these 10 strategies, you can get the mental edge you need to reach your potential.
1. DRESS SHARP - Although clothes do not make the person, they certainly affect the way they feel about themselves. No one is more conscious of your physical appearance than you are. When you do not look good, it changes the way you carry yourself and interact with other people. Use this to your advantage by taking care of your personal appearance. In most cases, significant improvements like bathing and shaving more frequently, wearing clean clothes, and being cognisant of the latest styles.
This does not mean you need to spend a lot on clothes. One great rule to follow is "spend twice as much, buy half as much". Rather than buying a bunch of cheap clothes, buy half as many select, high quality items. At the end of the day, this decreases spending because expensive clothes wear out less easily and stay in style longer than cheap clothes. Buying less also, helps reduce the clutter in your closet.
2. WALK FASTER - One of the easiest ways to tell how someone feels about himself or herself is to examine their walk. Is it slow, tired and looking painful or is it energetic powerful and purposeful? People with confidence walk with a spring in their step and look as if they have places to go, people to see, and important work to do. Even if you are not in a hurry, you can increase your self-confidence by putting some pep in your step. Walking 25% faster will make to you look and feel more important.
3. GOOD POSTURE - Similarly, the way people carry themselves tells a story. People with slumped shoulders and lethargic movements display a lack of self-confidence. They are not enthusiastic about what they are doing and they do not consider themselves important. By practicing good posture, you will automatically feel more confident. Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact. You will make a positive impression on others and instantly feel more alert and empowered.
4. PERSONAL COMMERCIAL - One of the best ways to build confidence is listening to a motivational speech. Unfortunately, opportunities to listen to a great speaker are rare. You can fill this need by creating a personal commercial. Write a 30 - 60 second speech that highlights your strengths and goals. Then recite it in front of the mirror aloud (or inside your head if you prefer) whenever you need a confidence boost.
5. GRATITUDE - When you focus too much, on what you want, the mind creates reasons why you cannot have it. This leads you to dwell on your weaknesses. The best way to avoid this is consciously focusing on gratitude. Recall your past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum. You will be amazed how much you have going for you and motivated to take that next step towards success.
6. COMPLIMENT OTHER PEOPLE - When we think negatively about ourselves, we often project that feeling on to others in the form of insults and gossip. To break this cycle of negativity, get in the habit of praising other people. Refuse to engage in backstabbing gossip and make an effort to compliment those around you. In the process, you will become well liked and build self-confidence. By looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.
7. SIT IN THE FRONT ROW - In offices, meetings and public assemblies around the world, people constantly strive to sit at the back of the room. Most people prefer the back because they are afraid of being noticed. This reflects a lack of self-confidence. By deciding to sit in the front row, you can get over this irrational fear and build your self-confidence. You will also be more visible to the important people talking from the front of the room.
8. SPEAK UP - During group discussions, many people never speak up because they are afraid that people will judge them for saying something stupid. This fear is not really justified. Generally, people are much more accepting than we imagine. In fact, most people are dealing with the exact same fears. By making an effort to speak up at least once in every group discussion, you will become a better public speaker, more confident in your own thoughts, and recognized as a leader by your peers.
9. WORK OUT - Along the same lines as personal appearance, physical fitness has a huge effect on self-confidence. If you are out of shape, you will feel insecure, unattractive, and less energetic. By working out, you improve your physical appearance, energize yourself, and accomplish something positive. Having the discipline to work out not only makes you feel better, it creates positive momentum that you can build on the rest of the day.
10. FOCUS ON CONTRIBUTION - Too often, we are caught up in our own desires. If you stop thinking about yourself and concentrate on the contribution you are making to the rest of the world, you will not worry, as much about you own flaws. This will increase selfconfidence and allow you to contribute with maximum efficiency. The more you contribute to the world the more you will be rewarded with personal success and recognition.