11 Ways to Increase Self Confidence

Self-confidence is hard to define, yet it’s a concept we all feel and understand. Many believe it’s an essential key to success. When our confidence is high, it gives us the courage to speak up and try new things. But when it’s low? It feeds… 11 Ways to Increase Self Confidence as published on Women Who Money Self-confidence is hard to define, yet it’s a concept we all feel and understand. Many believe it’s an essential key to success. When our confidence is high, it gives us the courage to speak up and try new things. But when it’s low? It feeds our doubt and holds us back. Everyone has low self-confidence from time to time. Doubt and fear are natural human emotions, even for the most self-assured. But perpetual low self-confidence does more than keep you from pursuing your dreams, it can spill over into every aspect of your life. The great news is self-confidence is like a muscle you can exercise and strengthen! So, if a lack of confidence impacts your personal or professional life, you can take steps to improve it. Below we’ll define self-confidence and why it’s so important. Then, we’ll share 11 effective ways to develop your sense of confidence. “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe What is self-confidence? Self-confidence is trusting your ability to handle different aspects of life. That is, a positive feeling about yourself affects your actions and emotions. Self-confidence means knowing who you are, what you want, how you think, and what you believe. feeling good about who you are, even when others don’t agree, and even when you make mistakes. you understand your strengths and weaknesses and can live a full life with them. respectfully standing up for and taking care of yourself. Why develop self-confidence? Self-confidence improves your quality of life in many ways—personal, professional, and financial. And though it doesn’t make problems disappear, it does make you more resilient when faced with difficulties. A healthy self-belief helps you feel better mentally and physically.improves the quality of your relationships.creates healthier coping skills.opens you up to new ideas and experiences.enables you to take action. 11 Approaches to Developing More Confidence Self-confidence isn’t just positive thinking, nor is it a fixed matter. The good news is you can work to improve it! Even if you start with only one or two methods below, you’ll begin feeling a difference as you shed negative thinking and beliefs. “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt #1 Don’t compare yourself to others. Here’s a concept that’s easier said than done! Making social comparisons is a common, ordinary, human thing everyone does from time to time. Sometimes, comparisons aren’t all bad – like when you measure yourself against others in an area you want to improve. It can motivate you and, if you’re successful, give you a boost of confidence. For example, the positive results of a friend paying off a loan might inspire you to pay off your debt faster. But generally, comparing yourself to others does more harm than good. It can lead to feelings of envy, hostility, poor self-esteem, and inferiority (and even superiority). Also, comparisons are often biased; it’s easy to take a snapshot of someone’s life and fill in speculative details. For example, let’s say you see a friend’s job promotion on social media. You might feel bad that you haven’t had a raise in a long time. There’s likely a twinge of envy and a tendency to assume reasons they’ve received a promotion (and you haven’t). Ways to limit social comparisons: Recognize triggers. Notice when people or activities trigger harmful comparisons. Accept them as normal but unhelpful, and avoid them when you can. Focus on your own life (and values). Everyone does life differently; let go of the “shoulds” and remember life’s not a contest. You’ll be more satisfied living your values than someone else’s. Practice gratitude. Commit to a regular gratitude practice, like a gratitude journal, to focus on the good things in your life. Conquer imposter syndrome. Honor your hard work, resiliency, and