Confidence refers to a belief in one's self, in one's powers and abilities. Confidence is important because it plays a major role in success. In fact, successful people all have one thing in common: they display confidence in themselves.
While possessing good looks and a high IQ may help boost confidence, what is essential is how you appreciate your personal qualities as beauty and intelligence may not come so easily for some.
There is no single formula for increasing confidence, but the following tips may help boost the way you perceive yourself:
Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity stimulates the secretion of endorphins which are the feel-good brain chemicals that promote a sense of well-being and happiness. Regular exercise also keeps you trim and boosts your self esteem so that you not only look good but also feel good about yourself.
Take care of your body
Your physical appearance can also contribute to low self-confidence. Acne, unsightly skin and excess weight are common causes of poor self-esteem. Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps to keep your skin clear and wrinkle-free and prevents excessive weight gain. Practise good hygiene and take a multivitamin regularly to keep your body healthy inside and out.
Maintain a positive attitude
Thinking of the best possible scenario encourages you to move forward with any plan. Surround yourself with positive people and avoid naysayers whose only objective is to dampen your spirit.
Focus on your skills
When you appreciate your abilities and skills, you will immediately feel good about yourself. Be your own best friend and avoid self talk that is negative. Accept your flaws only as a first step to improving yourself.
Learn new skills
Make it a habit to learn something new regularly. It can be a new language, handcraft, computer or electronic skill, or learn how to play a new instrument. Learning constantly not only keeps your mind sharp but also increases your confidence in areas where you used to know little about.
Get a makeover
You need not magically transform into someone you are not but little changes in your appearance may boost your confidence. Update your hairstyle by getting a new cut or combing your hair in a different direction. Experiment with various looks by adding some new pieces to your wardrobe. Seek the opinion of a professional hairstylist, beauty therapist or a sales assistant about current trends that suit your face and body type.
Interact with people
Communicating regularly with people who share the same interests gives you an opportunity to share your ideas as well as learn new ones. As you interact with people, you cultivate relationships that make you feel good and develop social skills that boost your confidence.
Visualise
In pursuing your goals, planning and visualising play an important role in gaining confidence and in succeeding. Repeatedly going through plans in your mind as if it were already happening prepares you mentally for the task that is up ahead. Picture success instead of failure and your body will produce exactly what your mind visualises.
Increasing self confidence is a process that may take time and practice. While it may start as an attitude, there are things that you can do physically to enhance how you look and feel to increase confidence.
Originally published on Aug 28, 2009
