Being confident in who you are and what you offer the world around you can boost your life satisfaction. By choosing confidence, you are saying that the gifts you bring to the table are invaluable, which, in fact, is a true statement.
To help you in your endeavour to be more confident and to portray yourself as a qualified, put-together individual, follow these 15 unique ideas to improve your mood and boost your confidence.
15 Ways To Boost Your Confidence
- Talk to Yourself
The internal monologue we play in our minds can affect our mood and self-esteem. If the voice inside your head continually focuses on your errors, your errors will become glaring and all that you can think about. Instead, train your inner dialogue to be positive, encouraging and focused on the many great things you have to offer.
- Look for New Ways to Learn
Challenge yourself with new learning opportunities and you’ll find you’re able to master something you’ve never done before. As the success of this new venture becomes apparent, so will your confidence.
- Turn Up Mood-Boosting Tunes
Music has the ability to change our mood. Listen to music that is upbeat and encouraging, and you’ll be walking through the day feeling the same.
- Take Time Getting Ready
Being rushed in the morning often makes us feel rushed throughout the day. When you’re rushed, it’s easy to feel as though you aren’t looking your best. Set aside adequate time to get ready so that you can feel you’ve put your best foot forward.
- Stand Up Straight
Posture can do wonders for how other people perceive you, and how you view yourself. Body language and “power stances” exude confidence, so learn these stances and use them daily, especially when it comes to the workplace. At the very least, stand a little straighter. Standing up straight makes you appear skilled and competent – whether you’re in an interview or at the grocery store.
- Get Comfortable in Your Clothes
Clothing that fits well and looks put-together can send the message that we’re comfortable in our own skin and also leading a life that is put together. Do whatever it takes to feel your best in what you’re wearing, whether that means investing in a good tailor or purchasing pieces that really help exude the confidence you’re trying to portray.
- Smile
Photo credit: Aikawa Ke
Boost your mood and your confidence by flipping your frown around. “A smiling face,” says Joanne Barker from WebMD, “tells people that you’re an outgoing and intelligent person worth getting to know.” So smile more often. Not only will it make someone else’s day, it’ll help make yours, as well.
- Work Toward a Goal
Find what it is that you want to do, make a plan and do it. Sometimes, our wish list of dreams and desires gets waylaid as we progress through life. Make an active effort to cross some things off your bucket list. The accomplishment in doing so will keep you reaching for more and prove that you do what you set out to do.
- Think of Things You Like and Enjoy
Spend time focusing on the activities and people you enjoy most. Put those thoughts at the forefront of your mind throughout the day. The reminder of times spent doing those special activities or being with your favorite people will be a positive reinforcement to get you through the day.
- Sleep
Proper rest will clear your mind and allow you to focus. Being able to think and project your thoughts clearly and articulately will help you feel more confident and will show others your competencies.
- Eat Well
This can be a tough one when you’re always on the run, but eating well certainly helps you feel your best. And when you feel your best, you show your best self to everyone around you. Try carrying prepackaged healthy food choices with you throughout the day, so you’re prepared when hunger strikes and less likely to hit the drive-thru.
- Choose Activities Wisely
It’s tempting to say yes to every invitation, but learning to be in charge of your schedule will give you the ability to be more successful at the activities you decide are important. It’s difficult to be a master of 20 things, but when you work hard at a few, you’re much more likely to see positive results.
- Do Morning Stretches
Stretching, according to Teri Walsh at Prevention, alongside other light to moderate exercise activities can help boost your self-esteem and confidence. Dedicate a few minutes every morning to stretching and prepare your body for the day ahead.
- Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
We often choose to take a look at what our neighbor has and feel we aren’t quite up to par if we don’t have the same. Be okay with being different, and perhaps with having less. And try not to compare yourself to those around you.
- Surround Yourself With Confident People
Positive people boost the spirits of those around them. The same is true for confident people. Find a group of encouragers to surround yourself with and let the naysayers fall to the wayside.
Working hard to build your self-esteem and boost your confidence will certainly pay off. Try a few, or all, of these tips to get started on the path to confidence.
Featured photo credit: Chris & Karen Highland
