Confidence comes in many forms. As children, we often have never-ending oodles of stuff, with no filters and no inhibitions. Then, as we make our way into the big wide world we face challenges from people and situations that can knock us down or build us up. We begin to learn what makes us feel good about ourselves and are encouraged to embrace our individuality. Where our confidence comes from is different for everyone, but here are a few of the areas we tend to have in common.
Confidence-Building Tips
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1. Be kind
To yourself! Imagine you are talking to a child who is struggling with low self-confidence. What would you say to them to build self-esteem? Use the same language for positive self-talk and give yourself a break. Be the friend to yourself that you would be to someone you cared about. Give the same advice and be as compassionate as you would be to your best friend.
2. Look at the part
Dress to impress; fake it ‘til you make it; get up, make-up, show up! These are just some of the quotes you’ll regularly spot on Instagram, in the hope of giving you a push in the right direction. They all add up to the same thing really; confidence doesn’t come easy to everyone, so aiming to look self-assured on the outside, even if you’re a crumbling wreck underneath, is a step in the right direction.
It might not feel natural, to begin with, but looking at the part will give others the impression that you have everything under control. In turn, you may find people treat you differently, and that in itself can boost your self-esteem. Before you know it, the confidence will be absolute, rather than a carefully rehearsed routine.
3. Minimize negative thinking
Take a bit of time to think through the situation you’re facing. It’s not always the easiest thing to do, but try to put it into perspective. Tell yourself, ‘It’s ok if things don’t go to plan.’ Believe in your ability to handle tricky and changing situations, and when the time comes you’ll be in a much better position to deal with things.
4. Treat yourself
However you choose to unwind, it’s important to have time to recharge and reset. Confidence can be compromised if you’re forever feeling frazzled, so give yourself the time and space you need to top up your self-esteem tank. Book a short trip, or a spa day or grab a good book and take a duvet day to focus on nothing more than getting the rest you need to get up and do it all again tomorrow.
5. Take time to groom
It’s not necessarily true that confidence comes from within. For many women, it is inextricably linked to personal appearance, whether we like it or not. Whatever your style, from boho to boardroom, you can give yourself a confidence boost by feeling comfortable, clean, and carefully put together. You don’t need to compromise your style or personality, just dress appropriately for the occasion and the image you want to portray.
6. A bit of extra help
While we’re on the subject of personal appearance, let’s take a moment to consider why more and more women are choosing cosmetic surgery as a way to increase their self-confidence. There’s no shame in wanting to make the best of what you have, with a few tweaks here and there if that’s your thing.
Breast enhancements, dermal fillers, Botox, and the like have become run-of-the-mill procedures for a growing number of women looking to build on their confidence. With an impressive number of clinics around the UK, Enhance Medical Group, for example, is one such facility that will work with you to achieve your desired results.
7. Know your stuff
Knowledge is power! Planning and prepping for different outcomes is an important factor when you want to demonstrate your self-belief. Walking into a room, head held high, safe in the knowledge that you are ready for whatever the day throws at you, is the best way to establish confidence in the presence of your peers. Looking the part is one thing, but being able to back that up with knowledge and experience is the killer blow.
Whatever it is that builds your confidence is as individual as you are. Let’s try to celebrate our strengths, work on our weaknesses, and give each other a boost at the same time. Every one of us has something to offer, something to teach, and something to learn. As individuals, we are strong, as a collective, perhaps even unbeatable! So whether it’s your enviable intellect, superb self-belief, or even your fabulous figure, let’s join together and celebrate all that is good about being a confident, self-assured woman.
