A low level of self-confidence is very detrimental to your overall well-being. When you lack the confidence you need in life, you’re cautious about taking risks, and you end up in situations that aren’t the best for you. For instance, you settle for someone toxic because you feel you can’t get anyone better. It’s time for you to find new ways to increase self-confidence!
Few realize the dangers of low self-confidence, and it can sabotage your life in ways you never dreamed possible. However, if you’re too confident, then you may take risks that are foolish too. Someone who has an inflated sense of self-worth can be considered haughty, arrogant, or selfish.
Twelve Actionable Ways To Increase Self-Confidence
It’s essential to have a healthy view of yourself and your abilities. It can help you develop meaningful relationships and power you to get through the most brutal storms in life.
So, what can you do to increase your self-confidence immediately, especially if it’s on the lower side? Courtney E. Ackerman, MA, is an author and writer for Positive Psychology. She expounded on a theory that your confidence levels help be relatable, have competence, and independence.
She suggests that you should go through cognitive restructuring through CBT therapy if you suffer from low self-worth. While therapy is a great tool, here are some tips on how to improve how you look at yourself immediately.
1. Exercise Regularly
You know exercise can do beautiful things for your body, but did you know that it can increase your self-confidence too? Your bodily image is heavily linked with your opinion of yourself. When you’re burning fat and losing weight, you feel great.
Additionally, when you’re exercising, you’re increasing the feel-good chemicals in your brain. When your brain’s chemicals are balanced, you have a better mood, lower levels of depression, and a better outlook on life.
2. Make Yourself Presentable to the World
Your personal hygiene is of the utmost importance. It’s essential to take a shower, wash your hair, shave, clip your fingernails, and do anything else that makes you presentable. It’s such a small action, but it has a big impact.
You know what it’s like to be behind someone in line at the grocery store who hasn’t showered. What are the first thoughts that run through your mind? Do you want people thinking those things about you?
How can you be confident in life if you don’t care enough about yourself to care for your appearance? If you always look like you rolled out of bed, then you’re not going to be on your “A” game or have stellar productivity. Remember that your outside appearance reflects your inner self.
Plus, did you know that poor hygiene is a sign that someone has hit rock bottom or is depressed?
3. Put Aside Jealousy
Are you appreciative of yourself, or do you spend your time being jealous of others for their talents and gifts? Maybe you wish you had a better personality, drove a nicer car, or made more money. However, none of those things matter in the grand scheme of things.
Every person on this planet has admirable gifts inside them. It would help if you focused on these things rather than looking over the fence into the lives of others. Be thankful for what you have if you want more in life.
4. Practice Gratitude Daily
Do you know what most high-achieving people have in common? No, it’s not lots of money or good luck. However, they have learned how to develop an attitude of gratitude.
By focusing on the blessings in your life, you make the bad stuff seem insignificant. A gratitude journal is a great place to start charting all your gifts, and it’s a great reminder of why you should be thankful rather than oppressed.
5. Dress With Care
The way you dress is closely related to hygiene, as your clothes improve how you feel. There’s nothing better than wearing something new that gives you a boost of confidence. No wonder the mantra “Dress for success” is so famous.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on an outfit to look good. You can get something at the thrift store that showcases your figure and makes you look like a million bucks. However, how you dress signals to those around you whether you care enough to take care of yourself.
Jerry Seinfeld made an astounding comment that said that people who live in sweatpants all the time are those who have given up on life. Perhaps, there is some truth to his theory.
6. Focus On Your Gifts, Strengths, and Talents
Do you focus on your strengths or your weaknesses? Most people tend to focus on everything they find wrong with themselves rather than the right things. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What have I accomplished in life?
- What things can I do well?
- Are there unique talents that make me special?
- Are there special abilities that others have praised about me?
If you want to boost your self-confidence immediately, make a list of all the things that you’ve accomplished. It’s okay to pat yourself on the back occasionally.
7. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
One way to bruise your confidence is by constantly comparing yourself to someone else. It doesn’t matter what the crux of the matter, the result is being miserable. Social media tends to have made this issue much worse, as people only post their best moments.
You’re uniquely you, and there will never be another person like you. Whenever you feel yourself starting to get down and compare your life with someone else’s, remind yourself of all your blessings. You never know how good or bad someone’s life is until you walk in their shoes.
8. Maintaining a Positive Outlook on Life
When a negative thought pops into your mind, what do you do with it? Does it instantly change your mood and make you start thinking about all the bad stuff, or do you counter it with something positive? For instance, if you had a horrible first marriage that ended in divorce, you might feel some guilt for it.
However, when those thoughts of failure come knocking at your door, remind them that you have beautiful children that came from that union. Remember that every dark cloud has a silver lining, and it’s up to you to remind yourself of that bright spot.
9. Shape Your Self-Image
If you want to increase your self-confidence, then you need to adjust the way you see yourself. When you have a positive self-image, your confidence will automatically boost. The good news is even if you have a poor self-image, you can change it.
You can foster a good self-image by looking at accomplishments, practicing gratitude, and falling in love with yourself. How you see yourself is a big indication of how confident you will be in life.
10. Be Kind and Generous
You’re probably wondering how being kind and generous can increase your self-confidence, but it can do wonders. In the ancient writings of the Bible, Acts 2:35, it states that “It’s better to give than to receive?” When you’re doing things for others and giving back, it makes you feel better about yourself.
There’s a feeling of pride that comes from being a good person. Now you shouldn’t go out of your way to do things for others to improve your self-confidence, but it’s just an added blessing that comes from giving back.
11. Set Small, Achievable Goals
One great way to increase self-confidence is to set small obtainable goals. Rather than looking at the big picture and becoming overwhelmed, why not set small goals that you can knock out with ease? There’s a sense of pride that comes from each milestone you reach.
Assume you decided you want to get in shape and be a marathon runner. You don’t start by signing up for a 5k before you’ve lost a pound or done any training? Instead, you set smaller goals that help you to reach the larger ones.
With each mile you run, you will feel a sense of pride flood you inside that helps you keep going. It’s these little accomplishments that build your self-confidence enough to tackle the bigger things. It’s all about incremental progress, and it’s a potent tool to have in your arsenal.
12. Develop a Network of Friends and Colleagues
Your support system is everything. There are always people in your world that are critical and love to tear apart one another. However, you need people who help boost you when you’re having a bad day or doubting yourself.
This network of friends and family can help you when your day seems dark. They can help you to increase self-confidence by knowing just what to say. According to the experts at Reco, drug and alcohol treatment is more effective when you have a strong support system.
Those who have mentors are more likely to obtain sobriety than those that don’t have anyone. Their saying is healthy people, healthy outlook. So, you can use this to apply to your life. When you hang with people who have good self-esteem, they can help lift you and increase yours.
Final Thoughts on Ways To Increase Self-Confidence
Your self-confidence is essential. It helps you to be successful, have good relationships, and live a happy life. The good news is that even if you lack the confidence you need, it’s not set in stone.
You can take positive steps to boost your esteem and have a better overall view of yourself. Though it might not happen overnight, you can increase self-confidence by trying some of these tips listed above.
