As per the estimates, over 80% of people worldwide lack confidence. The high number of searches about “how to be more confident” on search engines affirms this data. Confidence is certainly the best costume one can wear. Have you noticed the aura of confident people? Don’t they appear cheerful, friendly, active, and self-assured? When there is a confident person in a room full of people, he or she takes away all attention and everybody else is in awe of his or her aura of self-assurance. Isn’t it?
“Self-confidence can be learned, practiced, and mastered–just like any other skill. Once you master it, everything in your life will change for the better.” -Barrie Davenport
Each one of us wants to develop the traits of a confident person. And as this quote summarises, the attributes associated with self-confidence can be mastered. Thus, self-confidence is a learnable skill. However, there is a big difference between looking confident and feeling confident. Most of us try to wear the mask of confidence without actually developing it. And this is when we fail and self-doubt steps in. Tell me — Do you want to “look” confident or do you want to “be” confident? Most of us find ourselves in this spot. We often want to do things for others or how we want to be perceived, and that is because of how we are raised, what we have been taught, and who we grew up with. We are so occupied with external situations that we hardly take a breathing spell to listen to our inner voice. So, for a moment, just a tiny moment, take a pause and accept yourself before venturing into the outside world. When you accept yourself, you naturally develop the confidence of showing up in the world.
Be Confident – Why is self-assurance important?
Confidence — is a tool that helps to portray us as “sure” of ourselves. It is the belief that one can master anything. Confidence seeds the ability to take action! It is more likely that a confident person is also a good decision-maker. It is important that one is perceived as confident in life situations, for some self-confidence is an advantage and for some, it is a non-negotiable situation.
Confidence is the key for leaders to run organizations else how would people believe in their vision — This is how they pull funding. Confidence separates two similar skilled candidates during an interview. A confident person has more chances of grabbing an excellent opportunity. Thus, Confidence is what makes you shine, and confidence is what makes you glow.
These tips will help you both ‘appear’ and ‘feel’ confident from within:
a. Believe in yourself: Have faith in yourself, believe in your vision. The world follows you only when you seem convinced about yourself. When you feel confident about yourself, your actions, your words, and your posture imitate the same. The most precious gift that you can give to yourself is “belief”.
b. Practice posture: It is extremely important that we practice posture. Our physiology speaks a lot about how we feel. Does a person with slouchy shoulders, a nervous smile, or shaking hands look confident to you? No, he doesn’t. A good posture and a radiant smile can do wonders. When you smile with your chin up you give away a shine that boosts your confidence. Your posture reflects your confidence, so go ahead and carry the right posture.
c. Look in the mirror: You’re your best critic. When you look in the mirror, you’re looking at the face others will see and you’re looking at the spark you have within yourself. When you stand in front of a mirror ask yourself “Would I like to spend time with this person?” and see your reflection will immediately respond with a smile. That’s your victory!
d. Celebrate small successes: Never underestimate the powerful impact of a small success. Always remember the first salary you earned by doing a small job. The day you finished a school project, the day you topped the class or the day you looked your best or stood up against bullies. These are the days that your mind interprets as successful events. Celebrate your accomplishments no matter even if they are not as per the standards of society.
e. Hold on to happy moments: Happiness is different for all of us, for some, it is being with family on holidays, for others, it is the day you bought your house or cleared that driving test you have been practicing for. Feed your mind with happy thoughts. If it makes you happy, it’s worth reminiscing about.
f. Monitor your progress: It is best practice to set up goals for yourself, both short and long-term goals. You’re filled with enthusiasm when you achieve your short-term goals and it instills confidence in you to plan for bigger goals.
g. Accept there will be hurdles: Nothing in life is certain. It’s all about highs and lows. Life can throw up anything to anyone. Sometimes, a little preparation for the “unplanned” can help keep your confidence. Whatever life gives you, accept it with a positive attitude and never stop believing in your abilities.
Finally, I assure you that self-confidence can definitely a learnable skill. You just need to follow the right way and be disciplined in your approach.
Also Read: How To Be Brave – You’ve Got What It Takes!
