Building Self-Confidence When You Have None
Everything seems easier when you’re brimming with self-confidence. Self-confidence provides a solid foundation for living a life of happiness and accomplishing great things. Unfortunately, it seems like the world is doing everything in its power to destroy whatever self-confidence you might enjoy.
Your opinion of yourself shapes your beliefs, behaviours, and outcomes.
- Enjoy more self-confidence and the benefits it provides:
- Start small. If your self-confidence is lacking, start small. There are many simple things you can do that make a difference. Here are a few:
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- Maintain high grooming standards.
- Get a new haircut that makes you look your best.
- Dress well.
- Get your car washed and detailed.
- Smile.
- Increase the curb appeal of your home.
- Take control of your internal dialog. Notice the negative things you say to yourself and quickly edit them into a more positive version. This requires time and energy, but the payoff is huge.
- Volunteer. You’ll be proud of yourself if you get out of the house and do something for someone else. You might even make a new friend or two, which can also build your self-confidence. As an added bonus, volunteering is free of charge.
- Be prepared. Whether you have a presentation at work, a meeting with your attorney, a date, or a party on the social horizon, be prepared. Wear clothes that fit the occasion. Who will be there? What do you need to know? How can you best prepare? You’ll feel much more confident when you’re highly prepared.
- Set a small goal and achieve it. Nothing builds confidence like success, so make success easy. Choose a small, yet meaningful, goal and ensure you achieve it. Enjoy the success. You’ll have the confidence to go after a bigger goal next time.
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- A steady stream of victories is the surest way to boost your self-confidence. You’ll feel like there’s nothing you can’t do.
- Surround yourself with those that support your happiness. Does your sister still pick on you after 30 years? Tell her to stay away until she can be kind. Spend time with others who encourage you. You only need a few good friends to make life worthwhile. Consider trimming your social circle and keep the people that routinely treat you the best.
- Make a list of your strengths, talents, and accomplishments. Rather than focusing on the things you don’t do well, spend some time being positive. Grab a pen and a piece of paper.
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- What are your greatest achievements?
- What do you do well?
- What are your strengths?
- Make a long list and keep writing until you’ve run out of ideas. You’ll be amazed by how amazing you are.
- Avoid comparisons to others. Sure, your cousin makes more money. Your neighbor is more attractive. Your boss drives a better car. It’s easy to find someone doing better in some small way. Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to yourself. Have you gained or lost weight since last month? How has your bank account changed since last year?
Focus on your personal progress and forget about making comparisons to others.
A high level of self-confidence makes every part of life easier. Create a strong foundation for achieving those big goals by taking the actions required to boost your confidence and self-esteem. Self-confidence gives you the power to change your life.
To your success
Michael W
