A lack of self-confidence is what stops people achieving what they want in life. We have to learn to breakthrough our self restricting boundaries and open up a limitless highway to our full potential. Self-confidence is a positive attribute that has a profound effect on health, relationships and general happiness. Self-confidence allows you to think more clearly, learn faster and perform more effectively. By increasing self-confidence you will become a more attractive prospect to other people. Self-confidence can be nurtured and achieved through mastering 10 specific key areas.
1. Accept Yourself
Self-confidence is perceived by external actions but actually starts internally. For others to perceive your self-confidence as authentic you need to accept who you are and be comfortable with yourself. Be proud of yourself. Be proud of your achievements, your heritage, your culture and above all the way you look.
2. Take Care of Your Appearance
You don’t need to wear the latest designer clothes or even spend a lot of money, just make sure your wardrobe is full of clothes you feel comfortable wearing. Clothes should compliment your character and make a statement about who you are and what you represent. Avoid clothes that don’t compliment your figure or clothes that are rugged and old. Take good care of personal hygiene. Make sure you are always clean and smelling good for social and business encounters. When you look good you feel good, when you take pride in your appearance you will naturally obtain more self confidence.
3. Be Your Own Best Friend
Be kind to yourself. Praise yourself daily for your achievements no matter how small. Accept the compliments of others and really absorb them until you feel the warmth they provide internally. Ignore negative thoughts and give priority to positive thought processes.
4. Look For The Silver Lining
There is no such thing as failure, only lessons learnt on how not to do things next time. Find the positive side of everything you do, look for that silver lining in the clouds and know that better things are always around the corner. Appreciate the small things in life, food, clothing, hot water and a comfortable bed. Enjoy your family and friends as much as possible and nourish your soul with positive experiences.
5. Walk Tall
Feel proud as you walk, lift your head up and step confidently as you go. Walk with purpose and conviction, avoid stooping and swaying. Feel the confidence exude from your body as you walk briskly and smartly.
6. Speak Clearly
When you address others or join in discussions speak slowly and clearly forming your words properly. Don’t speak quickly because this causes mumbling and is often perceived as aggressive and dictatorial. Look straight ahead at the person you are addressing; in a group situation address each person momentarily as you speak. By doing this you will command the attention of others and simultaneously boost your self confidence.
7. Maintain Eye Contact
When you are engaging in conversation be sure to maintain eye contact. Avoiding eye contact suggests you have something to hide, are ashamed or lacking in self confidence. Get used to looking at people and holding their glare, it takes time but is a key exercise in building your self-confidence.
8. Voice Your Opinion
Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion during a discussion or debate. Indicate that you would like to speak by cutting in at the appropriate moment and slightly raising your voice. Start by saying, “Can I just add”, or, “Personally I think that”. Once you have the attention of the group you can lower your voice and begin to speak clearly. If you are part of a larger group, for example at a conference during a question and answer session; raise your hand with intention – fingers pointing straight towards the ceiling – not a half hearted bent arm and closed wrist. When selected, clearly state your name and the organization you represent and then proceed to speak.
9. Don’t Forget to Smile and Laugh
We all love happy people, happy people are fun to be around and make us feel good. Be happy, smile often and laugh as much as possible. When you are smiling your aura glows and people become naturally attracted to you. This more people want to be around you the more self confident you will become. Think nothing of smiling at a store clerk, neighbor or passer by, you may well make all the difference to someone’s day and you will be surprised at just how many people smile back.
10. Empower Yourself with Positive Language and Specific Goals
Expel the words ‘should’, ‘could’ and ‘might’ from your vocabulary. Replace these words with ‘can’, ‘will’ and ‘definitely’. Encourage yourself with empowering language. Become decisive in all that you do and set measurable, manageable and specific goals in all areas of your life.
When you have phenomenal self-confidence your life , career, relationships , mental and physical health and day to day happiness are all under your control.
Robert Moment is a “throw the box away” in-demand inspirational life coach, personal growth strategist, speaker and author of the best-selling book, The Path to Emotional Healing-Be Happy Living Now. Robert specializes in maximizing human potential by bringing out the best in individuals to help them find their purpose and live a life of true happiness and success. Visit http://www.HowToBeHappyAgain.com and sign-up for the FREE 10 day finding happiness and emotional healing ecourse titled, Be Happy Now that will inspire you to live your best life now.
Bookmarks
Share
Print
Save