HOW TO BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE - TOP TEN STRATEGIES
Self-confidence is the difference between feeling unstoppable and feeling scared out of your wits. Your perception of yourself has an enormous impact on how others perceive you. Perception is reality — the more self-confidence you have, the more likely it is you’ll succeed. Although many of the factors affecting self-confidence are beyond your control, there are a number of things you can consciously do to build self-confidence. By using these 10 strategies you can get the mental edge you need to reach your potential.
1. Dress Sharp
Although clothes don’t make the man, they certainly affect the way he feels about himself. No one is more conscious of your physical appearance than you are. When you don’t look good, it changes the way you carry yourself and interact with other people. Use this to your advantage by taking care of your personal appearance. By bathing and shaving frequently, wearing clean clothes, and being cognizant of the latest styles, you can make significant improvements. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of money on designer clothes or look like a fashion plate. Just buy few good quality clothes and look after them well. Your clothes should be the perfect cut and fit for your body type and their patterns and colors must complement your body shape, complexion, and contrast well with skin and hair, etc. In essence, just remember that clothes should look as though they are growing on you (they should fit you like a glove), and that you are wearing the clothes and not the clothes wearing you!
2. Improve Core Appearance: Body, Skin, Teeth & Hair
Although what you wear is important for self-confidence but only second to your core physical attributes, which comprise body, skin, teeth and hair. Body and your physical fitness have a huge effect on self-confidence. If you’re out of shape, you’ll feel insecure, unattractive, and less energetic. By working out, you improve your health, physical appearance, energize yourself, and accomplish something positive. Having the discipline to work out makes you feel good and also helps to create a positive momentum that you can build on the rest of the day. Skin is the largest organ, covering your entire body and you should do all you can to strive for flawless skin as it reflects good health and radiance. Teeth, like skin and body, are very important for self-confidence, as they say a lot about your overall health. Having straight white teeth and good fresh breath will make you smile more without being self-conscious and a beautiful smile is you biggest social asset, reflecting self-confidence. Hair is an important and prominent feature in the overall appearance of a man or woman. Good hair care should therefore be a very most important part of your beauty regimen. Healthy hair and style conveys a high self-image, self-esteem and, importantly, self-confidence.
3. Walk Faster
One of the easiest ways to tell how people feel about themselves is to examine their walk. Is it slow, or tired, or painful? Or is it energetic and purposeful? People with confidence walk quickly. They have places to go, people to see, and important work to do. Even if you aren’t in a hurry, you can increase your self- confidence by putting some pep in your step. Walking 25% faster will make you look and feel more important.
4. Good Posture
Similarly, the way a person carries him or herself tells a story. People with slumped shoulders and lethargic movements display a lack of self-confidence. They aren’t enthusiastic about what they’re doing and they don’t consider themselves important. By practicing good posture, you’ll automatically feel more confident. Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact. You’ll make a positive impression on others and instantly feel more alert and empowered.
5. Personal Commercial
One of the best ways to build confidence is listening to a motivational speech. Unfortunately, opportunities to listen to a great speaker are few and far between. You can fill this need by creating a personal commercial. Write a 30-60 second speech that highlights your strengths and goals. Then recite it in front of the mirror aloud (or inside your head if you prefer) whenever you need a confidence boost.
6. Gratitude
When you focus too much on what you want, the mind creates reasons why you can’t have it. This leads you to dwell on your weaknesses. The best way to avoid this is consciously focusing on gratitude. Set aside time each day to mentally list everything you have to be grateful for. Recall your past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum. You’ll be amazed how much you have going for you and motivated to take that next step towards success.
7. Compliment other people
When we think negatively about ourselves, we often project that feeling on to others in the form of insults and gossip. To break this cycle of negativity, get in the habit of praising other people. Refuse to engage in backstabbing gossip and make an effort to compliment those around you. In the process, you’ll become well liked and build self-confidence. By looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.
8. Sit in the front row
In schools, offices, and public assemblies around the world, people constantly strive to sit at the back of the room. Most people prefer the back because they’re afraid of being noticed. This reflects a lack of self-confidence. By deciding to sit in the front row, you can get over this irrational fear and build your self-confidence. You’ll also be more visible to the important people talking from the front of the room.
9. Speak up
During group discussions many people never speak up because they’re afraid that people will judge them for saying something stupid. This fear isn’t really justified. Generally, people are much more accepting than we imagine. In fact most people are dealing with the exact same fears. By making an effort to speak up at least once in every group discussion, you’ll become a better public speaker, more confident in your own thoughts, and recognized as a leader by your peers.
10. Focus on contribution
Too often we get caught up in our own desires. Sometimes, we tend to focus too much on our own needs and perhaps not enough on others. If you stop thinking about yourself and concentrate on the contribution you’re making to the rest of the world, you will become less concerned about your own flaws. This will increase self-confidence and allow you to contribute with maximum efficiency. The more you contribute to the world the more you’ll be rewarded with personal success and recognition. So, focus less on what you need but more on what you can give. Remember the golden rule; the less you need the more you'll get.
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Great tips, Dr. Shamil! Love your blog.
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