4 Proven Ways to Feel More Confident

We tend to focus on our missteps and engage in negative self-talk, but this creates limiting beliefs, impairs our motivation, and can even make us feel sad or unworthy. Here's what you can do about it.

Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind 4 Proven Ways to Feel More Confident     Having self-confidence means we believe in our skill set, are aware of (and proud!) of our previous accomplishments, and trust in ourselves to accomplish our goals. While self-confidence is sometimes given to us, more often than not it's a resource we must cultivate within ourselves. Here are a few ways you can do exactly that.   Having confidence in yourself is not only important to your health and well-being—it can also affect how you are perceived by others."  — KENDRA CHERRY, MS   Eliminate Negative Self-Talk We tend to focus on our missteps and sometimes even engage in negative self-talk. While it's important to acknowledge where we've made a mistake, criticizing ourselves harshly is like taking a pin to our self-confidence balloon. It creates limiting beliefs, impairs our motivation, and can even make us feel sad or unworthy.  Avoid Comparisons Finding inspiration in others can be helpful sometimes. However, there's a fine line between aspiration and comparison. According to a 2018 study on self-esteem, making comparisons can create feelings of envy, which in turn can cause us to feel unworthy or non-confident. Remind yourself that everyone has a unique skill set and is on their own timeline.   Manage Your Stress and Nerves People who exude self-confidence tend to appear in control and relaxed even in high-pressure scenarios. While sometimes you need to fake this sort of serenity-in-the-storm, learning how to manage your stress and nerves can help immensely.   This might be as simple as meditating throughout the week, taking deep and controlled breathes, getting better sleep, and/or eating well and exercising. (Also, remember that what you're feeling inside isn't necessarily obvious to others!) Challenge Yourself Lacking confidence can turn into a snowball effect, where we avoid pushing ourselves because we're afraid we cannot succeed. And because we're not succeeding, our self-confidence wanes. If you find yourself in this rut, try challenging yourself with an attainable, clearly outlined goal. Simply working toward this goal can foster a sense of confidence.    On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body  This week, take 15 minutes for some self-confidence boosting retrospection and goal setting. Write down five accomplishments you're proud of as well as five positive attributes about yourself. Take time to ruminate on these things and revel in your skills and achievements. Next, set an attainable, clearly outlined goal for yourself along with the steps you need to take to accomplish it. "The Self Confidence Workbook," created by Barbara Markway, PhD, outlines accessible strategies for bringing out your best self. It helps you build confidence in many corners of your life, including relationships, career, and health. If you've ever doubted yourself, know that you're not alone. Jen Sincero's "You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life" is a refreshing and downright hilarious self-help book full of inspiring stories, wisdom, and exercises to help you realize how amazing you are. If you feel a lack of motivation, the good news is that there are a number of tricks you can try to get yourself back on track. These seven motivational books are filled with helpful suggestions.   This Week on The Verywell Mind Podcast   On tomorrow's episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, I talk with Kindra Hall, bestselling author of "Choose Your Story, Change Your Life."    Tune in to hear her advice on how to use stories to create change, expand your influence, and inspire growth in your business and personal life.    Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Read These Next How to Stop Constantly Comparing Yourself With Others  READ NOW 3 Elements of Self-Compassion READ NOW How to Face Your Fears READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy