Creating Self Esteem and Building Confidence.
Genuine self-esteem is not the same as confidence. Self-confidence is based on the knowledge that you will probably be successful at an activity because you have been successful at similar activities in the past. Can we project self-confidence even when we don’t feel self-confident? Yes, there are several things we can do.
Pretend you are confident.
Imagine yourself to be a confident person. Get that image in your mind and act it out. Project confidence. Stand up straight, dress better, and try to play the part.
Monitor your self-talk.
Listen to what those little voices are saying inside your head. If they are eroding your confidence, stop those tapes and put in new, positive messages.
When you meet people, look them in the eye.
Confident people do that. People who aren’t confident don’t.
Smile.
This can be a subtle sign of confidence.
Listen.
Confident people are generous enough with their time to listen to others.
Know your stuff.
Your confidence can’t be all a front. While you are looking people directly in the eyes, standing straight, and otherwise acting as if the world were your oyster, you also have to know what you are doing. If you are prepared and sure of your facts, you’ve got a better chance of projecting confidence.
Rehearsal is the best confidence builder
Rehearsing can be as simple as writing out a speech or your intended conversation with someone, and practicing it in front of the mirror. Do a role-play with a trusted friend of colleague as the interviewer before you interview for a new position. To tackle your underlying fear of failure, include imagery with your rehearsal. Imagine yourself succeeding.
Every day, remind yourself that you have done some things well.
Rather than dwell on the things that didn’t work or the things that didn’t go well, focus on what you did accomplish. Give yourself a mental pep talk at the beginning or the end of every day.
Read inspiring biographies and autobiographies.
Build a file of stories that inspire you most. Remember, your capacity far exceeds your current level of performance. Accept the fact you will have ups and downs just like everyone else.
Be thankful.
No matter how bad your circumstances, there is probably somebody worse off than you.
Build excellent support around you. There are a lot of excellent people out there to spend your valuable time with. However, relationships are fragile. You must be prepared to devote some time to them.
Push yourself to accomplish short-term goals.
There is no greater way to build confidence than to get things done. Push yourself to get at least three things accomplished each week that move you closer to your goals.
Do something for yourself every week.
You deserve it. Find a way to celebrate what you have accomplished or overcome.
For more information on building confidence please visit our personal development courses.
