Self-confidence is a judgement one makes of her own ability to contend with challenge in a given area. High self-confidence is an underlying element of all significant achievement. It is a quality of thinking that begins development in early childhood. One can, however, practice thinking and acting in ways that improve the quality of her self-assessment over time.
Make Better Mistakes
View every experience as an opportunity to learn. Many people are brought up to believe that mistakes should be feared, that performance is a reflection of one's worth. In truth, mastery of any subject requires a willingness to perform poorly before doing well. A baby doesn't learn to walk simply by practice. If this were so, he would become better at falling, since it is repeated more often. An infant walks by remaining focused on what he wishes to achieve. He ignores the falls, while storing successful attempts in memory. Treat life as a great experiment, adjusting to challenge without self-judgement. Approaching tasks in this way accelerates learning, and puts the adventure back into living.
Compliment Others
When you give to others, you give to yourself. Do the same things that boost your self-confidence for the people you encounter daily. This practice takes you outside of your fears by focusing on the good around you. Of course, any comment you make to another person should be genuine. Bringing joy to someone else affirms the fact that you have the ability to positively affect your environment. Looking for the best in those around you will bring the best of you to light.
Poise
Self-confident people stand tall and move with energy. Carrying yourself in a way that exudes assurance is often enough to engender genuine feelings of positive conviction. Stretch your gait. Walk in full strides. Stand with an erect spine, shoulders back. Look people in the eyes. Do these things, not to be aggressive or overwhelming, but to transmit the message to yourself and others that you operate on an equal plane. Also, people will often treat you consistent with the way you treat yourself. Presenting yourself with certainty draws respect which, in turn, builds self-confidence.
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