ROADMAP TO BUILDING CONFIDENCE

 

The author reflects this picture of an eagle with stretched wings with the confidence level that each one of us have within us, but in some situations we doubt ourselves and put some limitations on ourselves and impose a lack of confidence within us. Here is a roadmap to build confidence that we all know but sometimes forget.  

         Roadmap to Building Confidence

Building Self-Assurance in Various Aspects of Life

There are countless articles and books on how you can be more confident, and I am thankful for all the good advice that I have gathered from them. Confidence is a multi-layered attribute, and achieving it requires dedication and practice. Here are some effective tips to help you build confidence in different areas of your life.

Understanding the Importance of Self-Knowledge

One of the fundamental steps in building confidence is understanding yourself. Self-knowledge allows you to recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and helps you navigate through challenges with a clear perspective. Engage in self-reflection regularly and seek feedback from trusted friends and colleagues.

Know Your Expertise

We are all salespeople.  We need to sell our ideas, products, ourselves for a job, a business deal etc.  If you are a salesperson or a business professional, knowing your product inside out is crucial. Study your competitors, practice your presentations, and overprepare yourself for meetings.

Understand your customers' preferences, their likes and dislikes, and their buying habits. Follow them on Linked-in or social media to understand them deeper.  This knowledge will empower you start any conversation confidently, to speak with authority and answer any questions confidently.

If you are nervous before a presentation but know your work, only you know that you are nervous.  Imagine the time when you succeeded or accomplished something that you were praised or applauded by your boss or a customer or a business partner, how did you feel.  Carry that feeling with you, with all the positiveness that you had within you. 

Remember that when you do a presentation you know more than anyone else who is sitting around the table, because you have come over prepared with the data and all the questions that you anticipate will be asked.

 

Developing a Positive Mindset

Confidence is as much about your internal dialogue as it is about your external actions. Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on your achievements and the progress you have made. Practice gratitude and acknowledge the efforts you put into your work.

Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful tool for building confidence. Spend a few minutes each day picturing yourself succeeding in your endeavors. Whether it’s acing a presentation or closing a deal, seeing yourself succeed in your mind creates a positive association with the task and reduces anxiety.

Enhancing Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is a key component of confidence. Work on your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Maintain eye contact by gradually looking to your left and to your right periodically, and do not stare at the person you are talking with.  You will look intimidating.

Use a clear and steady voice, and practice active listening. By practicing active listening, I mean learn to ask questions on the topic that the person is talking to you about.  In that way he or she knows that you are listening. 

These skills not only help you convey your message more effectively but also make you appear more confident to others.

Practice Public Speaking

Public speaking can be daunting, but it is a skill that can significantly boost your confidence. Join a local Toastmasters club or take a public speaking course. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become in front of an audience.  Or simply video record or voice record yourself on your phone and watch/listen to it over and over again and see where and how you can improve.

Improving Your Physical Health

Your physical well-being has a direct impact on your confidence levels. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. When you feel good physically, it reflects in your demeanor and boosts your self-assurance.

Dress for Success

The way you dress can influence how you feel about yourself. Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Dressing well can give you an extra boost of confidence, especially in professional settings.

Setting Realistic Goals

Confidence grows with each success, no matter how small. Set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Break down larger tasks into manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. Each accomplishment will build your confidence and motivate you to take on bigger challenges. Write a daily TO DO LIST in your diary and check mark all the things you have done at the end of the day.  In this way you keep a check on yourself and see what you need to do next.

Learn from Failures

Failure is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of letting it diminish your confidence, use it as a stepping-stone for growth. Analyze what went wrong, learn from your mistakes, and apply those lessons to future endeavors. Resilience in the face of failure is a hallmark of confident individuals.

Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences

The people you associate with can have a significant impact on your confidence. Surround yourself with supportive and positive individuals who encourage your growth. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and inspiration.

 

Self Talk

Self-talk is crucial because it influences your direction. Your brain cannot distinguish between real and fake; it believes what you tell it. For example, saying "I am unwell" leads your brain to produce toxins and cortisones. Conversely, saying "I am happy and healthy" prompts the brain to release endorphins and dopamine, promoting well-being.

Avoid Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk can undermine your confidence. Be mindful of your internal dialogue and challenge any negative thoughts. Replace them with positive affirmations and focus on your abilities and achievements.

Continuously Learning and Growing

Confidence is not a static trait; it requires continuous effort and learning. Stay curious and open to new experiences. Enroll in courses, attend workshops, and seek opportunities for personal and professional development. The more you learn, the more confident you will become in your abilities.

Embrace Challenges

Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges can significantly boost your confidence. Embrace opportunities that push your boundaries and allow you to grow. Each challenge you overcome will add to your self-assurance.

 

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm leads to perception of confidence.  When you are enthusiastic about something even if you do not have much knowledge about that topic, it leads to accept challenges and new learning opportunities that will help you to gain confidence.  For example, if you show your enthusiasm in a job interview even if you do not have any knowledge of the product the company is selling, your enthusiasm is perceived as confidence by the interviewer because they see that you are interested in learning and will accept any challenge to prove yourself.

Conclusion

Building confidence is a journey that involves self-awareness, positive thinking, effective communication, and continuous growth. By implementing these tips and staying committed to your personal development, you can enhance your confidence and achieve success in various aspects of your life. Remember, confidence is not about being perfect; it’s about believing in yourself your abilities. Keep striving, keep learning, and let your confidence shine.

Do not worry about others' opinions of you. Caring about what others think can limit your progress. Others provide opinions based on their own capabilities and experiences, which may be true for them but hinder your advancement and be confident.

Take a piece of paper and list what you don't care about what others think of you. Reading it will help you unblock and overcome any limitations within you and boost your confidence.

For example;

I don’t care what people think that _______________________________________

I don’t care what people think that ______________________________________

I don’t care what people think that _______________________________________

I don’t care what people think that _______________________________________

I don’t care what people think that _______________________________________

I don’t care what people think that _______________________________________

 

Joy D'Penha

Certified Freelance Writer & 

Certified Life Coach