Your self-perception can influence your interactions with others as well as how people perceive you. Lack of self confidence can make it tougher to achieve goals. Improving self confidence can also greatly improve your quality of life and improve access to opportunities in both the professional and personal arenas. There are many tools you can use to boost self-esteem. Mostly, it takes practice along with the desire to form a positive attitude about yourself.
Step 1
Quit comparing yourself with others, advises the ESL Teachers Board. People often do this in a negative way, which contributes to low self-esteem. Also quit putting yourself down, as repeating negative comments to yourself will lock these into your brain. Instead, use affirmations. Instead of focusing on negative phrases or comparisons, form the habit of using positive statements about yourself. This allows you to experience the positive feelings.
Step 2
Create a personal commercial. Write a one-minute speech that highlights your goals as well as your strengths. Recite your speech in front of the mirror, or inside your head, whenever you need to boost confidence, advises the Pick The Brain self improvement website.
Step 3
Speak up when in a group. You might be afraid others will judge you for saying something "stupid." However, others are likely having the same fears. Make the effort to speak up at least once during group discussions. Practicing this will help you become a better public speaker and become more confident about expressing your thoughts.
Step 4
Exercise because physical fitness has a strong impact on self-confidence. People who are out of shape typically feel more insecure and less attractive. Work out to improve physical appearance as well as your energy level and to gain a positive accomplishment.
Step 5
Consciously be thankful. Focusing on what you want leads to think about reasons you cannot or will not get it and can lead to dwelling on weaknesses. Counter this by focusing on gratitude. Mentally list everything you are grateful for each day. This can help you remember successes, loving relationships and your skills.
Step 6
Accept compliments instead of ignoring or dismissing them. Such practices send yourself the message that you are undeserving of the compliment. It also makes others reluctant to praise you.
Step 7
Voice your needs. When you don't acknowledge your needs, you often put up with things you should not tolerate, which erodes confidence. Think about the things you are putting up with regularly. Firmly tell others what you will no longer tolerate.
Tips and Warnings
- Be patient with yourself. It often takes practice over time to boost self confidence.
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