10 Ways to Instantly Build Self Confidence

Hat tip to DH for sending this motivational info my way (source not identified): 

10 Ways to Instantly Build Self Confidence

Self confidence is the difference between feeling unstoppable and feeling scared out of your wits. Although many of the factors affecting self confidence are beyond your control, there are a number of things you can consciously do to build self confidence.

1. Dress Sharp.  When you don’t look good, it changes the way you carry yourself and interact with other people. Use this to your advantage by taking care of your personal appearance. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on clothes. One great rule to follow is “spend twice as much, buy half as much”. Rather than buying a bunch of cheap clothes, buy half as many select, high quality items.

2. Walk Faster.  People with confidence walk quickly. They have places to go, people to see, and important work to do. Even if you aren’t in a hurry, you can increase your self confidence by putting some pep in your step.

3. Good Posture.  People with slumped shoulders and lethargic movements display a lack of self confidence. They aren’t enthusiastic about what they’re doing and they don’t consider themselves important. By practicing good posture, you’ll automatically feel more confident.

4. Personal Commercial.  One of the best ways to build confidence is listening to a motivational speech. Unfortunately, opportunities to listen to a great speaker are few and far between. You can fill this need by creating a personal commercial. Write a 30-60 second speech that highlights your strengths and goals, then recite it in front of the mirror aloud whenever you need a confidence boost.

5. Gratitude.  Set aside time each day to mentally list everything you have to be grateful for. Recall your past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum.

6. Compliment other people.  When we think negatively about ourselves, we often project that feeling onto others. Get in the habit of praising other people. Refuse to engage in backstabbing gossip and make an effort to compliment those around you.

7. Sit in the front row.  In schools, offices, and public assemblies around the world, people constantly strive to sit at the back of the room. By deciding to sit in the front row, you can get over this irrational fear and build your self confidence. You’ll also be more visible to the important people talking from the front of the room.

8. Speak up.  By making an effort to speak up at least once in every group discussion, you’ll become a better public speaker, more confident in your own thoughts, and recognized as a leader by your peers.

9. Work out.  Physical fitness has a huge effect on self confidence. If you’re out of shape, you’ll feel insecure, unattractive, and less energetic. By working out, you improve your physical appearance, energize yourself, and accomplish something positive.

10. Focus on contribution.  If you stop thinking about yourself and concentrate on the contribution you’re making to the rest of the world, you won’t worry as much about your own flaws. The more you contribute to the world, the more you’ll be rewarded with personal success and recognition.

Comments

[CravingConfidence]

These are excellent tips. I'd also like to add Persistence to the mix. I've found when I go the distance and come out on the other end knowing I didn't give up, it has built up my confidence tremendously.

[Jason Monastra]

Confidence is a must have in the interview process. All of the things that you mention assist with what I would call the surface self confidence. Important.

I think the one that helps people the most however is preparation. Knowing what they need to know before going to the interview. Nothing makes people feel like they are ready to handle the tough questions, talk to the right people, address the issues that are present in whatever environment they are walking into.

[Sharon Wilson]

Great tips. As a life coach I recommend daily affirmations. They can make a big difference in ones confidence.

[BradMorris]

I'm pretty much in agreement with your list, but I don't know if "dressing sharp" would make mine. Although I'm sure it helps come people, others feel stilted and uncomfortable, which certainly doesn't generate confidence.

[Everything Counts]

Excellent tips. Actually it is these details that consummately build up a personality. Ignoring any one can be problematic in the future.