Whether you are on top of your game or have lately felt down in the slum gutters of self-doubt and insecurity, we all need a self-confidence boost from time to time.
Even the best and most talented people feel nervous, unworthy, or anxious about certain events or situations, especially when faced with something new.
Remember that lack of confidence is a voice that should be silenced, a feeling that can be improved, and a barrier that you are well able to overcome.
Do you want to boost your confidence? Here are some tips:
1 – Prepare your outfit the day before. Perhaps immediately after you get home or in the evening before bed, sort out what you will wear, iron it, and polish your shoes if necessary. A mental picture of what you look like the next day helps you feel calm and prepared, which boosts your confidence.
2 – Double-check your appearance in the mirror before you step out. At least you won’t be worried about spinach in your teeth, a food stain from breakfast, an untucked shirt, or unzipped trousers. This tip may seem pretty obvious, but so many people forget the little things that go a long way. Hygiene and putting effort into your appearance are great confidence boosters. You don’t have to put on expensive clothes or accessories; do the best with what you have.
3 – Study, rehearse, and review speeches, introductions, presentations, or meetings ahead of time. Practice your first conversation at work, introducing yourself to your colleagues, or what you will say at a meeting or presentation, or even a date before it happens. This helps to take the edge off and prevent you from going blank or stuttering in confusion.
4 – Research potential bosses, clients, interview panels, organisations, or requirements if you are going to a place for the first time. Never go into a place for the first time, ‘the first time’; know where you are going, who you’re going to meet, what preferences they may have and what potential hurdles you may have to cross. This gives you one less thing to worry about, making you calmer and more confident.
5 – Pause and check your posture and facial expression before you walk into a room. Need I say more? You can recheck your posture at different times of the day as a confidence ‘pick me up.’
6 – Notice and greet people first instead of waiting to be seen. We are often nervous or belittle ourselves because we wonder, ‘What if they don’t notice me?’ or ‘Will they like me?’ or the common one: ‘No one said ‘hi’ to me or welcomed me’. Be comfortable saying ‘Hi’ first, choose the people you would like to get to know better and introduce yourself where necessary. Practice showing others respect, listening, and complimenting the good you see in others to take the pressure off yourself.
7 – Learn to relax and be cool, calm and collected. Few things are more attractive than a person who is relaxed, calm and in control. Even if it’s your first time at anything, approaching it calmly helps you to be more confident. It truly is not ‘always that deep’. Do not overthink about yourself or your appearance or read too much meaning into other people’s reactions towards you. They probably live their lives without noticing you or may not see you in the negative or ‘not so great’ light you see yourself.
8 – Learn to make eye contact, not just with people, but with the room. Walk into every room with intention, and take your time to look around. Learn to feel comfortable looking around a room when you first enter. Don’t run off to the first corner or chair you see – arrive on time so you feel more comfortable and calm and can make a choice of where to stand or sit as the scenario requires.
9 – Hold your head up high. Never lower your head or your gaze, even if someone has a bad impression of you, or you hear something negative, like gossip or a rude comment, or receive negative feedback. Believe in yourself, and trust that you can change that impression if you have to; you are growing into a better and more amazing version of yourself every day.
10 – Practice affirmations and power thoughts. Say to yourself repeatedly: ‘I got this’, ‘I am worthy’, ‘I am positioned to excel in everything I do’. If you say it long enough, you will become it.
