Confidence isn’t a trait you’re born with. Just like the muscles in your body, it’s something we build and get better at every day with continuous practice. There are several ways to work on building confidence in the long run, such as knowing your values and practicing positive thinking
Reverse Negative Assumptions
Challenge the negative beliefs you have about yourself by reversing them.
- Say to yourself, “I am an excellent public speaker, and people want to hear my ideas.”
- Repeat this in your head or say it out loud. You’ll find yourself feeling less anxious and more prepared.
Get off social media
Confidence comes from believing in yourself
- Comparing yourself to people who only share the “glamorous” things in their lives makes it impossible to see your own achievements clearly
- Don’t go on social media when you’re feeling unsure of yourself
Wear something that makes you feel powerful
Studies have shown that the clothes we wear can effect our cognitive processes.
- Tess Brigham, a psychotherapist and certified life coach, discusses how clothes can affect our performance and heighten other people’s impressions of you
- Here are some examples of how successful people communicate
Don’t say ‘I think’ or ‘I’m not sure’
Use “I believe,” instead
- This puts you in charge of the thought and conveys a calm surety.
- Don’t use phrases like “in my opinion” which make you sound less confident
Remember a time when you felt confident
Try a visualization exercise in which you replay a previous experience where you had an optimal level of energy, focus, and achievement.
