Confidence Boosting Tips

Confidence can be a difficult thing to develop. Regardless of where you are in your life or who you may be, almost everyone struggles to feel good about themselves and their abilities from time to time. The following are suggestions on how to develop self-worth and confidence, in all areas of life!

Encouragement and affirmations

Encouragement and affirmations are beneficial for both building your own confidence, and the confidence of others. It might sound simple, but being reminded of your own merit can go a long way in terms of building overall confidence. If you are working on your own confidence, act as your own cheerleader! If you are a parent or teacher, use positive language to motivate your kids. Make sure they know their own worth!

Fake it till you make it

Faking confidence is actually a great way to build it.  If you repeatedly tell yourself that you are capable and put on a confident front, this attitude will soon become second nature. Try your best not to express doubt about your abilities to yourself or to others. By avoiding expression of self-doubt, you do not legitimize self-doubt, and thus it is less likely to manifest as reality.

Stop second-guessing

In the same vein as avoiding self-doubt, stop second-guessing! Your instincts are often correct, and following those instincts will allow you to build trust with yourself.

If you want to try something new, even if it may seem to be outside of your comfort zone or skill level, go for it! If you don’t, you will never know what could have happened, and you may very well surprise yourself. Similarly, don’t be afraid to share your talents with others!

While being satisfied with your own work can often be more important than anyone else’s approval, receiving praise can certainly build confidence. Be brave and believe that others will see the same value in your abilities that you do!

Surround yourself with positivity

While adopting a positive attitude goes a long way in terms of developing confidence, being surrounded by others with positive attitudes can also help. You have the power to choose not to listen to negativity. When you are predominantly exposed to those who are looking to build confidence and better themselves, it becomes so much easier to do the same. If you are a parent or teacher, focus on celebrating your kids’ successes rather than pointing out their shortcomings. It is important to keep in mind, however, that positivity does not only consist of compliments and praise. There is a difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. If you reach out to someone for feedback, and they give you tips on how to make your work better, that’s not negativity – they are trying to help you grow and improve!

Forget about perfection

Confidence isn’t about knowing everything! You certainly don’t have to wait until you are “perfect” before allowing yourself to feel confident about your abilities.

You will never run out of ways to improve – and that’s okay! It can be incredibly powerful to feel confident in both what you have accomplished and what you are still working towards.

Understanding that you don’t have all the answers, and that you don’t need all the answers, can make it so much easier to be comfortable with yourself and your abilities exactly as they are. Plus, becoming confident “as is” can make your future goals feel so much more attainable!

What are your favourite confidence boosting tips? Let us know in the comments below!