1. Stand up straight.
What? Standing up straight can actually build my confidence, Chad?
In fact it can. Countless studies have proved it, like this one from the University of Madrid, performed in 2009. The study asked participants what they thought of themselves. Those who listed at least 3 positives had a very erect posture and overall confident body posture and mannerisms. In contrast, those who listed at least 3 negatives about themselves were found to have a very slouched, doubtful posture and manner about them. Who’da thunk it, right?
2. Start assuming that people actually like you.
Ever met someone who made you feel like an absolute outcast? — Most of us have at one point or another.
Ever met someone who seemed completely oblivious to the fact that they weren’t welcome at a party, or in a private conversation at the office? How about someone who rattles on completely unknowing to the fact that you’ve lost interest in the conversation at hand? — Of course you have. And those kinds of people have supreme confidence in themselves in pretty much any social situation, not to mention endless perseverance toward goal achievement.
3. Organize the simple things.
Organizing the little things like your purse, bag, wallet, office, desk, room or house, can have a really positive effect on your overall confidence. Doing this makes you feel more in control of your life in general, leading to increased self-confidence.
4. Eat right.
Well, this one’s been done to death, I know. Still, you are what you eat! Limit all carbohydrates, eat only as much protein as you need (see calculator), and eat plenty of leafy greens and healthy natural fats to keep your body and brain in complete balance.
5. Exercise.
You want to keep excess cortisol from accumulating in your blood. This will keep stress levels high, which can chip away at your confidence at little at a time until you’re a crumpled heap of nothingness in the corner that’s afraid to do anything new for fear of the unknown! Just a half hour of exercise daily can help burn off excess cortisol and promote the release of those feel good happy endorphins that are so essential to feeling totally confident and in control.
6. Dress for success.
At least some of you will be old enough to remember Michael J Fox in his first sitcom “Family Ties”. His character, Alex P Keaton, who started the show as a high-schooler, was always dressed sharply in a suit and tie and was the epitome of a high-achiever who was never daunted by anything. Dress like the person you want to be. Clothing has an impact on confidence.
7. Do something nice for someone for a change.
Chivalry isn’t dead in my book. Yeah, it seems like nobody cares anymore, particularly if you work in a cut-throat industry and/or live in a highly urbanized area where it seems like everyone’s only looking out for themselves. However, doing something nice for someone will give you an instant lift — just don’t do it with the expectation of anything (including a thank you) in return. Just do it and then give yourself a pat on the back if nobody else does. Volunteering is a great idea if you don’t find opportunities to do a good deed presenting themselves readily in your life.
8. Smile.
Hell, if you don’t feel like it just do it until you actually do. Don’t be grouchy, slouchy, or sullen. Just smile and let the good vibes roll. When we smile at people, most will reciprocate and make us feel like we’re liked and wanted, leading to ever-improving levels of confidence in ourselves.
Have any confidence-boosting tips of your own?
Leave em’ in the comments, please and thanks.
Don’t forget to share this post with someone you know who’s in need of some added self-confidence.
Main image by Peter Grifoni
