Everyone struggles with self-confidence – at least at some point in their life.
Even the person who appears to be 100% self-assured can have moments of insecurity and doubt.
For others, it is extremely difficult to feel confident.
A wave of self-doubt, fear, and anxiety comes crashing over you – making you want to retreat into your own shell and disappear.
Perhaps you’re an introvert who suffers from shyness. Perhaps you have anxiety. Or maybe you just haven’t identified your strengths.
Confidence sometimes takes practice!
Whether you need a quick boost before public speaking, want more body-confidence, or simply want to practice being more confident – this article is for you.
Below are 9 ways to feel more confident in minutes.
1.) Turn Off That Inner Voice
Do you have that voice inside of your head making you doubt yourself?
“You’re going to forget what to say!”
“You looked so stupid when you said that.”
“You can’t do that! You aren’t good enough.”
If you listen to that negative & pessimistic voice inside of your mind, you will never be able to rise above your low self-esteem!
You have the ability to take control of your thoughts and fight back!
You know what is true about yourself. You can accomplish your goals and do things you never thought were possible.
Talk to yourself – out-loud if necessary.
“I am smart and kind. I have nothing to be ashamed about.”
“I have prepared for this over and over. I can do this!”
“This is my body – the one God gave me. I can’t hide behind insecurity. I need to own who I am!”
Perhaps you can’t turn off that inner voice forever, but you can speak louder than it.
Over time, your positivity will drown out the negativity – replacing it with well-deserved confidence.
Related Article: 9 Surprising Signs You May Have Anxiety
2.) Smile – nice and big!
A warm, genuine smile can go a long way!
Not only does it make you look like a positive and happy person to those around you, but it can also help to change the way you feel on the inside.
Research shows that a smile can improve your mood and relieve stress!
In the morning, smile at yourself in the mirror. Smile at people when you walk by them in public.
Smile before you go to do something that makes you nervous!
Choosing to be joyful often starts with showing it on your face. It will have a positive impact on how you feel internally and on those around you.
Related Article: 13 Successful Habits of All Happy Women
3.) Walk Confidently and Sit Up Straight
Improving your posture is HUGE!
When you slouch, you are minimizing your body, appearing uncertain and unconfident.
Sitting with a rounded back, walking in a squeamish way, or hunched over a desk all day does not help you feel good – mentally or physically!
Research shows that body posture can affect your confidence.
Keep your back straight and your shoulders back.
When you walk tall and confidently, people around you assume that you are prepared and confident.
In turn, you will feel more empowered and self-assured internally.
Pro Tip: Next time you are in public, look around and notice the different ways people carry themselves. Choose who you feel is the most secure and confident individual. PEOPLE WATCH! That is a fantastic way to develop your style.
Related Article: 9 Easy Ways Women Can Project Confidence
4.) Strike a Pose
Have you ever been standing in a small group or by yourself?
In that moment, you felt totally awkward!
Where do I put my hands?
Where should I look?
I must look weird and lonely standing here alone!
This is a great opportunity to learn how to strike a good power pose!
Standing in a posture of confidence is going to make you feel and look totally different.
Talk about a confidence booster!
If you are nervous before a speech or an interview (or anything else that makes you nervous), take a few minutes to be alone.
Take a few minutes beforehand to strike a power pose! Look in the mirror and see how demanding and confident you look.
Don’t let that inner voice talk you down (Step #1).
This simple step can increase the testosterone in your body (the power/dominance hormone) and lower your cortisol levels (the stress/anxiety hormone), and make you feel more in control!
Do it! You’ll be surprised how quickly it can effect you – positively!
Related Article: 9 Pro Tips To Help You Stand Out During A Job Interview
5.) Breath Deeply
As your confidence levels drop, you are often overcome with anxiety and self-doubt.
In these moments, it may feel hard to breath – like there is something heavy on your chest.
Take a few moments away from the crowd if possible. If you cannot, try not to focus on things around you.
Sit (or lay) down in a comfortable place. Close your eyes. Relax your muscles – arms, legs, shoulders, etc.
Focus your full attention on your breath – in and out. Breath through your nose and out of your mouth SLOWLY.
This will calm your heartbeat regulate that feeling of fear & anxiety.
Related Article: 12 Successful Tips To Help You Manage Your Anxiety
6.) Stop Looking For the Negatives
If it comes naturally to you NOT to be confident, you probably struggle with this problem.
Everywhere you look, you can see negatives.
People are looking at you and judging you.
That girl in the corner is making fun of you.
That person you just met is so much smarter than you.
You absolutely have to purpose to think positively! It is a decision.
If you fill your mind with positive, happy thoughts – there won’t be enough room for all the self-doubt!
If you allow yourself to focus on the negative that you’ve made up in your mind, you’ll never feel the self-confidence that is within your reach.
Related Article: 9 Warning Signs That You Are Emotionally and Mentally Exhausted
7.) Dress In A Way That Makes You Feel Good About Yourself
Confidence often starts on the outside and works its way in!
Not only do your clothing choices and appearance have an enormous impact on how you are perceived by others, it also plays a huge part in how you view yourself.
When you look in the mirror, do you like what you see? Do you like how your hair is fashioned and your clothes fit?
Or do you feel frumpy and unattractive?
No one should have to feel this way!
Go shopping and buy some new clothes if necessary. If you hate shopping or have a limited amount of money, go to Amazon.com and shop their fashion! (Easy and affordable)
Or try Ross Dress for Less or TJ Maxx.
If you feel confident and your appearance represents who you are, hold you head high and proud.
You deserve a confidence booster!
Related Article: 15 Successful Characteristics of a Classy Woman
8.) Focus on Speaking Slowly
Sometimes, when you don’t feel confident, you get nervous.
Because of your nerves, you start to talk quickly!
This makes you look nervous to the person you are talking to and it makes you freak out even more on the inside.
SLOW DOWN!
It will make you feel far more confident if you can think about what you’re saying before you blurt it out.
Focus on your pace when you speak.
Take your time forming your sentences. Pause when necessary – to think.
You will sound more confident, your heart won’t beat as fast, and it will make you feel far more prepared as you carry on with your conversation.
Related Article: 11 Reasons You Didn’t Get Called Back After The Interview
9.) Practice! Practice! Practice!
Practice all of the things listed above!
Stand in front of your mirror and pretend that you are talking to someone important, walking across a big stage to the podium, or standing in the corner of a room full of important people.
Pretend that you are doing the things that make you the most nervous.
Practicing will help you become more acquainted with how you want to present yourself.
When you are at home and you feel those negative thoughts welling up, talk out loud to yourself!
Speak the truth about who you really are. You can do whatever you put your mind to!
You know you’re prepared. You know that you are a nice person. You know that you can be a confident person.
You just have to believe in yourself.
And then BREATH.
The next time you are in an situation where you may feel awkward or unnatural, remember what you practiced!
Gain your composure, fell confident in yourself, and move forward.
Related Articles:
- 9 Surprising Signs You May Have Anxiety
- 11 Things Confident Women Do Differently In Relationships
- 13 Easy Ways Women Can Project Confidence
If you want to feel more confident in yourself, you absolutely need to follow these steps!
Don’t let insecurity or doubt hold you back from your true potential.
Confidence is right around the corner!
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