Ten Ways to Boost your self confidence

Writing the Story of Your Life

Developing a more positive, confident outlook on your life doesn’t necessarily mean you need to make sweeping changes. By choosing to incorporate some of the following activities into your everyday life, you will get a boost to your self-confidence and sense of well-being. Sadie Nardini, author of the Road Trip Guide to the Soul, states, “The most powerful tool for boosting confidence is to change your perspective into something that empowers, rather than disempowers you. They say ‘truth is relative,’ so practice changing the stories you tell yourself about how insecure, weak or not good enough you are to ones that focus on the best qualities of who you are.” Ready to get started?

Try a New Exercise or Activity

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut — or even if you aren’t — shaking up your usual routine can be a good way to increase your confidence. It can be something with a definite goal, such as taking a wine tasting class so you can feel more knowledgeable about wine pairings at nice dinners. Or it can be something just for fun, like lacing up a pair of Rollerblades and learning to skate. Bring a friend along, or if you’re going solo to a class, you could end up with a new friend. No matter what you decide to take on, learning a new skill is always a good thing, and boosts your confidence.

Set an Attainable Goal — and Reach It

Setting a goal and following through on it is an empowering way to make changes in your life. Unrealistic goals that are not quantifiable — “Some day I’ll be famous for something” — are likely to fail. But by meeting smaller goals, you can build up your confidence and abilities, which can lead up to bigger goals. Your goal does not need to be a major feat, either: it could be achieving a state of mind, such as feeling calmer. For example, you could set a goal to get up ten minutes earlier each day, so you’ll feel less rushed.

Play Your Favourite Music

Play music that you love for a boost of energy and creativity. Your music selection can be anything that puts you in a desired mind-set: Listen to music you enjoyed as a teenager to connect with your youthful self, or put on something soothing when you want to relax. In addition, if you play a musical instrument, you can play along to your favorite songs. But even if you don’t play a musical instrument, you can always sing along!

Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Ritual

 Whether it’s a massage, a bubble bath, or deep breathing, carve out time to relax without interruptions. You’ll send a message to yourself — and others — that you value your well-being. To create your own personal ritual, Nardini suggests: “Make a short list of the things you love to do, or the experiences that relax you. Essential oil baths, yoga class, time spent in a coffee shop writing down my thoughts, all these things Zen me out. I suggest that my clients make a Date-With-Self once a week, at least, set in stone, where they make some space for their own nourishment, inspiration, and peace.”

Volunteer

Not only will you help others by volunteering; you’ll feel better about yourself, as well. Find a cause and an organization you care about, and you’ll be more likely to stay motivated. When deciding how you’ll help, don’t just think of the skills you’ve gained over the years — think of what you’d really like to contribute to others. For example, teaching a children’s art class could be a way to express your creativity and help others nurture their own.

Exercise

You don’t need to spend hours at the gym every day to reap the benefits of exercise: A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise five times a week is enough. Exercise boosts feel-good endorphins and your mood, and getting a more-toned body doesn’t hurt, either! As with volunteering, a key component of exercise is motivation. If you don’t like playing team sports, you may find your exercise bliss in a noncompetitive activity such as yoga. Try different types of exercise until you find one or several that you enjoy. 

Practice Gratitude

Our society often encourages us to focus on what we lack — material possessions or physical perfection, for example, which can make us feel insignificant. Reverse this by learning to be grateful for what you have, and you’ll realize you have plenty to be confident about. Make a list of what you’re thankful for (like the friend who always makes time to talk to you, despite her busy schedule), and add to the list whenever you think of something new. Nardini suggests taking “thank you” breaks throughout each day to remember what you have. “Gratitude helps expand your perspective,” she says.

Go Back to your Childhood Dreams

Take a trip down memory lane, and think of something you always wanted to do as a child. If you never got around to taking guitar lessons or learning to ride a horse, there’s no time like the present to realize your inner rock star or equestrian. You’ll connect with your younger self, and accomplish a long-standing goal too. “If you always dreamed of being an artist, for example, but you never put brush to paper, then you will remain an artist on the inside only,” says Nardini. “To move your dreams into reality, you must take action.” Even if it’s only a few minutes each day, spend time realizing your childhood dream by painting that watercolor — or whatever form your dreams take.

Organise Something

Clutter not only looks bad — it can cause stress too. According to feng shui principles, clutter in any area of your home is a sign of stuck, stagnant energy. If you feel overwhelmed, pick one small task at a time, such as organizing a junk drawer. Once it’s cleaned, you’ll feel better and be motivated to tackle other challenges, organizational or otherwise. Don’t forget that being organized is a way of life too — not a one-time feat. Set aside regular intervals to organize smaller projects in your home and your life, so you won’t need to tackle big piles in the future.

Don't Forget to Laugh, and Stay Positive. Nothing boosts confidence like an optimistic attitude. Listen to your self-talk, and make a conscious effort to change habitual negative thoughts — for example, if you’re prone to complain, look instead for a solution to a situation. Focus on what you can control, and less on what is out of your hands. Nardini adds, “Also, remember that no one's perfect — even supermodels get Photoshopped.” So indulge in a hearty laugh with friends, and celebrate imperfect, wonderful you!

Try these simple and fun ways to break out of your routine and find a more positive, confident you.