In recent times, discussions on self-confidence tend to be on the top of conversation charts. The reason isn’t far from the fact that it is an essential element for success. However, self-confidence isn’t exactly an innate human feature. Even where it may be, life is designed in a system that plummets its effectiveness.
So, except there is a constant intentional effort at developing or improving it, one could be lost to the different strings of discouragement that often pull. Here are some practical habits that help boost your self-confidence.
#1. Embrace Yourself
I am who I am. Not who you think I am. Not who you want me to be. I am me.
– Brigitte NicoleIt is necessary to understand that being different is a good thing. Harnessing what makes you different gives you an advantage and makes you stand out and be confident. Your difference could be physical, mental, psychological, or even mental, it is an advantage. It makes you unique. Sometimes, we succumb to the ideas or ‘truths’ of others that we should be challenging to create a different narrative to.
Have you ever taken time to examine the pattern of people who make an impact in the world? Did you notice that they all dared to be different? Embracing their difference afforded them the ability to be authentic.
#2. Working Out
Self-image plays a lot in your self-esteem and self-confidence levels. When we feel good about ourselves we are confident, and regular exercise helps build confidence by improving our body image.
You’re more likely to strengthen and tone your body from exercising. Seeing these results can greatly improve your self-esteem and help you feel better about the way you look. How we feel about ourselves emotionally and mentally reflects in our behaviors. It also improves our quality of life, from personal relationships to our professional endeavors.
One study from the Journal of Education and Human Development found that both men and women experienced a rise in self-esteem after engaging in regular physical activity.
#3. Practice Journaling
Psychologists often recommend jotting down your feelings or writing in a gratitude journal to boost positive thoughts, and these habits can also influence how you feel about yourself.
Writing can help you to get to know yourself better, help you manage your relationships with others, know what influences your self-esteem, self-confidence and improve your mental wellbeing.
#3. Being Prepared
Never go for a battle unprepared. Soldiers don’t, why should you? Real confidence is not an ‘I have it all together’ facade, but the ability to accept the presence of a possible flaw and work towards overcoming it.
Competence and confidence are very much compatible. Therefore, it is very necessary to prep oneself before taking up any task, new or not.
#5. Step Out of your comfort zone
Take action outside of your comfort zone. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you boost your confidence and self-esteem in the process. When we confront our fears or try new things – whether it’s through small or big steps – we challenge our version of who we are and what we thought we were once capable of.
You get over your fears by confronting them, by purposefully putting yourself in situations that make you uncomfortable. This builds confidence in two ways. Firstly, you can become confident in the specific activity that you are afraid of (e.g., public speaking); and secondly, you can become more generally confident in your ability to decide to take action, face your fears, and persist through struggle.
Final Thought
Take a step and start adopting these habits to boost your self-confidence.
