We aren’t all born oozing with confidence. Some of us develop self-confidence later in life. A lack of self-confidence can stem from our past experiences, negative thoughts, and a fear of failure, among other things. It’s important to realize that no matter what you have been through in your life, you can overcome it and give yourself a boost of self-confidence to feel more comfortable in your own skin. Here are five tips to start trying today…
1. Get cleaned up.
Picture this: your hair is dirty, you’re not wearing any makeup, you’re donning your favorite pair of sweats, and you’re sitting on the couch just watching Netflix. I know it sounds comfy, but ask yourself how your self-confidence is in a moment like this. Sure, we want you to be confident without makeup, but if you’re looking a little sloppy, odds are you’re feeling sloppy, too.
Our appearance can have a major impact on our moods. And if you’re feeling down, there’s a good chance that you just might need to take a shower, do your hair and makeup, and get dressed. Taking the time to change out of the pajamas and put on an outfit that makes you feel great will truly do wonders for your mood.
2. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
Our thoughts have a powerful impact on the way we perceive ourselves and can completely change how we feel. And it should come as no surprise that having a positive mindset can help us to feel better about ourselves and put us in a fantastic mood.
In order to have a positive mindset, you need to cut out the negative thoughts. If you find you’re always focusing on your flaws, picking apart your own looks, dwelling on failures, and generally just being negative toward yourself, it’s time to make a change. Constantly focusing on negative things and talking down to yourself is only going to leave you feeling down in the dumps. Replace your negative thoughts with positive affirmations. This allows you to focus on the good things about yourself such as your unique qualities and your strengths.
One great way to incorporate positive affirmations into your daily life is to incorporate them into your daily routine. When you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and start reciting only positive thoughts about yourself. Remind yourself of your key, unique qualities. This will lift your spirits and leave you feeling ready to take on the day.
3. Reduce anxiety with preparation.
When we are chosen to take on a major task like a project at work or even giving a speech at a best friend’s wedding, it can be pretty intimidating. It can leave us feeling scared, doubting our own abilities. Instead of letting those nerves take over, the best you can do is to prepare yourself for what’s to come.
Create a plan to help you tackle whatever it is that you’re facing. Breaking it down into smaller steps can make that big project feel less daunting and easier to manage. For example, if you are giving a speech at a wedding and you’re feeling less than stellar about your public speaking skills, start by making an outline of what you’d like to say. Then, practice your speech in the mirror to yourself and to close friends or family. This will help to diminish your fears and ease any doubts you may have. You’ll be feeling more confident in no time!
4. Set small goals.
While it’s great to set big goals for ourselves, they can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Big goals often require a lot of action and can take longer to achieve. And when we don’t reach those goals we’ve set for ourselves, it can be a major blow to our self-confidence. Instead, turn your goals into smaller, actionable tasks.
For example, let’s say you’re trying to lose weight. If you want to lose 30 pounds, break that goal down into something smaller, such as 10 pounds per month. When you look at it this way, it seems less scary and more doable. When you complete each step toward your goal, you’ll get a confidence boost along the way. And that confidence boost will be just what you need to keep going!
5. Help others.
While it’s essential that we take care of ourselves, it’s equally as important that we help the people around us. When you take the time out of your day to lend a helping hand and do something for someone else, it can improve your self-image and boost your confidence. If you’re feeling blue, try getting involved with a cause that speaks to your heart. Find somewhere you can volunteer in your local area and you’ll surely be feeling better in no time. You’ll also find that when you’re kind to others, they’ll treat you better, too.
