How To Build Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is an attractive quality. For many, however, confidence is not a natural quality and has to be developed. Be willing to have an honest view of yourself, follow these steps, and you will be able to build self-confidence.

1. List your positive attributes. Start simple by making a list. We all have positive qualities, even if sometimes it is hard to acknowledge them. Challenge yourself to list at least ten. If you have a mental block or get caught up in personal put-downs, set a timer and write your list as fast as possible. Don’t self-censor.
2. Make note of compliments. Start listening to the compliments you receive. Don’t automatically dodge or dismiss when someone pays you a compliment. Write them down if you can and look at them later.
3. Smile. Sometimes all it takes to develop confidence is to smile. Smile at your friends, strangers, even yourself when you look in the mirror. Smiles create a positive attitude and that attitude can boost your confidence.
4. Look yourself in the eye. It will be difficult to believe in yourself if you cannot meet your own eyes in the mirror. This may take practice if you aren’t use to having confidence. Spend some time in front of the mirror and stare into your own face. When you can meet your own eyes and then smile, you will be closer to having confidence to share.
5. Banish negativity. If you are plagued by negative self-talk and call yourself stupid, fat, ugly or any other variation of these, then stop. Make a deal with yourself. Every time you feel the urge to put yourself down, say something positive instead. Use an affirmation or simply tell yourself, “I will be confident.”
6. Walk with posture and purpose. Hold your head up and walk tall. Just standing tall can give you a sense of pride. When you lengthen your stride and walk with a destination in mind, your confidence becomes visible to everyone around you.
7. Don’t compromise your values. Stand up for what you believe in. When you are clear about your values and willing to fight for them, you build strength of character. That strength will build your confidence.
8. Reward your successes. If you need a boost in your confidence, consider a reward. Whether your success is losing five pounds, getting to work on time or finishing a project, celebrate it. Give yourself a reward.

Self confidence can be hard to find when you are feeling bad. Take some of these steps, and you can protect against negativity. Build self-confidence every day and soon you won’t remember being without it.