There’s nothing wrong with admitting that we’d all love to be a little more confident. Unfortunately, confidence isn’t something that can be learned overnight. But, believe it or not, confidence is actually a skill that you can master if you’re willing to put in the time and effort! Whether it’s in the way you look or how you interact with others, here are a few ways to boost your self-confidence.
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Learn about something you know very little about, whether in a college class or just by doing some research on your own.
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Head to the gym. While we all know the physical effects the gym has on your body, exercise is also great for your mental health.
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Make a list of things you’ve accomplished in your life.
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The next time you’re at a social event, branch out from your regular group and talk to someone new.
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Every day, find one reason (no matter how small) to stop and smile.
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Every day, try to do at least one thing that challenges you.
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Practice gratitude and appreciation every day.
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Accept that you’ll never be perfect — no one is!
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Get off social media. Studies show that people who spend several hours a day on social media are more likely to be unhappy with their own lives.
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Say one thing you like about yourself every morning, out loud, and in the mirror.
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Stop comparing yourself to others. Odds are, you have something that they want as well!
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Eat right and drink plenty of water. Serotonin, the chemical that makes us feel happy, is sometimes abnormally low in people with a poor diet.
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Think positively. Thinking positive thoughts before trying something new will make you more likely to go through with it.
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Ask for criticism from people who love you, and then learn from it.
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Follow the lead of confident, successful people that you look up to, whether it’s a friend, family member, or celebrity.
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Fake it ‘till you make it. Even if you’re not feeling your most confident one day, try to act as though you are. Over time, these actions will positively impact your self-confidence.
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Dress well. You certainly don’t need to be in a dress or suit to go grocery shopping, but studies have shown that people think more highly of themselves when they’re dressed well.
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Speak with confidence.
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Remember that body language plays a major role in how people perceive you. So listen to your mom and don’t slouch!
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Set small goals that you can reach sooner rather than later. Instead of setting one goal that’s a year away, try breaking that into smaller goals or checkpoints that you can reach every few weeks or months.
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Sit in the front row. Where do you normally sit in class or during a conference meeting? Many people who struggle with self-confidence will choose the seat farthest to the back. The next time you have the chance to pick your seat, head to the front!
What’s number 22 you ask? Know when to ask for help! If despite your best efforts, you’re still struggling with self-confidence, reach out to a trusted professional who can help you achieve your professional and social goals. Debra Solomon of Spectrum Strategies has been helping young adults reach their dreams for years and is eager to help you get on the path to success!