Marsha Egan details ten thought triggers that can take your self-confidence to the next level
Most of us struggle at one time or another with self-confidence. Not always. But in certain situations. It is interesting to note that we can be extremely confident in one scenario, yet filled with self-doubt in another.
And because we have shown confidence in these positive situations, it proves to us that we can also be confident in the times when we don’t feel comfortable.
I like to say that confidence comes from within. The way we think directly impacts how comfortable and confident we are.
Here are ten thought triggers for you to try to take your self-confidence to the next level:
- Own yourself
What this means is to believe in yourself, and to not need others’ opinions of you to define who you are. Avoid apologizing for who you are. I like to say “stand in your own shoes.” And what this means is that your personal foundation can and should be the strength upon which you live your life.
- Photoshop your self-image
This is a somewhat humorous way to describe the practice of making sure that who you believe you are is the person you want to be. When you have a positive self-image, it forms a base upon which your self-confidence can grow. When you “see” yourself in a positive light, you can feel your confidence grow.
- Stand tall
Believe it or not, your posture can actually help your self-confidence. By standing tall, making eye contact, smiling, with your shoulders back – you can actually boost your own self-confidence. When you walk, walk proudly. When you stand, look forward and maintain a strong posture. When you sit, sit comfortably and confidently.
- Self-acknowledgment
We do many successful and positive things each day. Yet many times we ignore or overlook those results. By actually telling ourselves “you did a good job with XXX”, you can feed your self-confidence. It is not only okay to do so, but healthy for your self-image.
- Forgive yourself
Many of the sources of low self-confidence emanate from past situations and past failures. Whatever has happened in the past is just that – it is in the past. By letting go of those limiting fears, you can actually boost your forward movement, which boosts your self-confidence.
- Be prepared
Many times lack of self-confidence is because we fear failure. The more prepared you are for any situation, the greater your confidence about it will be. By researching and envisioning situations, you can manage your expectations, and therefore enhance how confident you feel going into those situations.
- Let go of perfectionism
Perfection will not only delay forward progress but feed yourfears that you might not be good enough. Excellence is attainable. Perfection most likely is not.When you target a perfect product or result, chances are you will be disappointed. Consider replacing thoughts about producing a perfect product with that of producing an “excellent” product.
- Sit in the front row
While you might consider this idea to be a bit silly, the point here is that when you believe you deserve to be in the front row or sitting next to the boss, it is actually evidence of your self-confidence. In other words, you don’t need to take a back seat to anyone else. Taking that seat can actually boost how you feel about yourself.
- Complement others
Confident people help others succeed. People who fear failure also fear that other people will pass them. The reverse is actually what works. By helping others, and caring for their success, you can actually boost your own self-confidence. The more you unselfishly appreciate the successes of others, the stronger your self-confidence can be.
- Be grateful
By sitting back and appreciating the things that happen to you in your life, you can actually boost your self-confidence. Make it a daily regimen to acknowledge the things, actions and people that you appreciate about that day. Your gratitude can fortify your self-confidence.
Just remember, self-confidence starts with you. I like to tell my clients that their strength lies in their own foundation. Yourself-talk and self-image form the basis for the confidence that will enable you to achieve your loftiest goals.
