7 Ways to Build Your Confidence

Confidence levels can fluctuate for a variety of reasons. We’re human. Sometimes it stems from lingering insecurities or just a rough start to a day. How you feel about yourself and your abilities sets an important tone. Take two days where you were beaming with confidence and one where you lacked it. I’m sure the difference is quite staggering. It’s hard to always be “on” but there are ways to turn it around. Here are a few simple ways to build your confidence.

Be Prepared

There’s nothing like a lack of preparation to get you flustered. Your confidence levels can spiral out of control in these types of scenarios. Like the old saying goes the best defense is a good offense. Struggle with your morning routine? Lay your clothes out the night before. Get a coffee maker with a timer. Automate your routine as much as you can and set things up the night before. Have a big meeting at work? Practice your presentation in front of a colleague or friend. Keep notes with an outline handy and review it frequently. When you feel prepared and you’re not behind schedule you can walk into just about any situation with confidence.

Set Small Goals

Build confidence by setting and achieving small goals. Sometimes we get too caught up in this all or nothing mentality with our larger goals. Take a big goal and break it into smaller ones. Put them on a timeline and map out how you plan to achieve each of these. Once you start to accomplish the first and the second and so forth you build momentum. This momentum helps boost your confidence and sets you on a path to meet your larger goals.

Random Acts of Kindness

Being confident is a lot easier when you feel good. Want to know the fastest way to feel good? Do something for someone else. See someone struggling to get the door? Help them. In the drive-through at Starbucks? Pay for the person behind you. If you see some good that can be done or someone whose day can be made a bit better then take action. It doesn’t have to be anything over the top. Sometimes just a simple smile goes a long way.

Dress Up

Do you have that one dress that makes you feel amazing? I have this with a few blazers. When I put them on I’m ready to take on just about anything. For a lot of people looking good translates to feeling good. Dress the part. Put in a little extra effort in the morning. Feel good about what you’re wearing and how you’re presenting yourself to the world. It’ll be an instant confidence booster. Invest this time in yourself and you’ll see the benefits all day long.

Get Active

Getting your body moving and connecting with it will be different for everyone. Exercise has numerous benefits both physically and mentally. If you’ve been holding out on trying that new class at your local gym, now is the time to try it. Taking the time to incorporate a daily run or walk can be refreshing for both your mind and body.

Affirmations

Everyone is good at picking out all of the things they would change about themselves. What about the things you love about yourself? Each day take the time to acknowledge what it is you appreciate about yourself. It doesn’t need to be a long process but make sure you do this without critique. We all have room for improvement but this isn’t the time to explore that. Instead, celebrate what’s great about you for a change.

Step Outside the Box

Do one thing that scares you a little bit each day. We all stay in our comfort zones. No one grows when they’re comfortable. You’d be amazed at what you can accomplish when you’re pushed. For example, at an event, if you typically stick with the people you know challenge yourself to introduce yourself to three new people. It might feel awkward and uncomfortable but I promise you will survive. By stepping outside of your comfort zone you’ll not only open yourself to new experiences, but you’ll also realize you are capable of so much more.

What are some of the things you do to build your confidence?

xo, Olivia

Olivia Jeanette