Even the best leaders in the world need self-confidence at times. Self-confidence is not a stagnant quality; rather, it’s a “way of thinking” that takes efforts to retain when the going gets rough. It must be practiced, learned and mastered just like any other skill. However once you master it, your whole life would be changed for the better.
Here are 6 simple and effective ways to build your own self-confidence.
1. Think and work positively.
Positive energy brings about positive outcomes, so set your brains to the can-do side of any event or situation and at the same time try to avoid the negative self-talk that makes you feel less confident.
Smile, snort and chuckle, surround yourself with positive and happy people. You’ll feel better and so would the people around you.
Keep a gratitude journal with you to remind yourself of all the high points of your day and your achievements. You will develop more confidence and peace when you are in an appreciative state of mind.
2. You’ve got to look the part.
You look better = you feel better. If you choose the right accessories and clothing for your industry and lifestyle, it’ll unquestionably make you feel good and this in turn will automatically increase your self-esteem.
Look the part you want to play, or let me put it in other words, SUIT UP!
Don’t shy away from letting your personality shine in the accessories. A colorful tie or bold jewelry can be a center of attention and a good conversation starter.
3. You’ve got to act the part too.
Your body language can demonstrate your self-confidence and self-assuredness, or it can scream insecurity and diffidence.
You need to present yourself in a manner that says you are ready to take charge of any situation.
If you appear confident and act the part you aim to reach, not only will you feel in control, others will also have much more confidence in you.
Sit up straight, hold your head high, bring your shoulders back and align your spine, look directly at the other person while interacting.
Limp handshakes are a complete no-no and maintaining good eye contact while speaking to someone is a big yes-yes.
4. Talk assertively.
The next time you hear your favorite speaker, be attentive of the way they deliver their speeches. Great speakers have a profusion of self-confidence and so they speak in an assertive, steady and rhythmic tone.
Instead of the “ahs” and “ums” that disrupt flow, they make use of pauses to give emphasis to ideas.
Start using an assertive, yet non-aggressive, way of speaking that reveals your self-confidence.
You will feel your self-esteem will begin to rise.
And if you really want to be taken seriously, avoid sharp, high-pitched anxious chatter or giggles while speaking.
People will start listen to you more conscientiously once they see the leader exuding from within you.
5. Always stay prepared.
Remember the 5 P’s: 1-Prior 2-planning 3-prevents 4-poor 5-performance.
The more prepared you stay, the more confident you feel about your competency and expertise.
Being prepared will help you in avoiding getting stumbled by life’s unforeseen glitches.
Gain knowledge of everything you can about your subject matter, your trade, what drives you towards success and your goals.
6. Take the plunge.
Self-confidence isn’t just about how you look. You ought to act the part.
Accept a project you’d otherwise reject or approach a stranger at a networking event.
If you recurrently practice being self-confident it will soon become your second nature.
Inaction leads to fear and doubt, while action leads to courage and confidence.
Put more of your energy into your positive qualities and you’ll see your confidence will start to shine through.
Here’s one of the most remarkable self-confidence quotes by ― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”
Leave a Reply