Feeling confident helps us to do more, be more, and give more to others.
The following 7 simple strategies can help you to feel better about yourself – and that can help make you more productive, motivated, and effective.
So why not pick at least one strategy that you can use today…
1. Dress Your Best
Sure your appearance can affect how others perceive you, but what about the way you perceive yourself?
You needn’t dress up, but do dress well.
Each morning, choose clothes that look and feel good and that help to bring out the best you. Not the you that wants to lounge around in sweat pants eating chocolate all day.
2. Watch Your Posture
It’s difficult to feel good with hunched shoulders, a hanging head, and a lazy stride.
In contrast, a good posture lets the air into your lungs and the confidence into your life.
To boost your sense of confidence, remember to:
- Stand tall
- Sit up straight
- Walk briskly.
And add a smile to put the icing on your confidence cake.
3. Tell The Truth
Whatever your moral perspective, avoiding fibs helps you to avoid feeling guilty and acting shifty – both barriers to a healthy self-respect.
Instead, aim for honesty and directness when you deal with people.
You’ll enjoy the emotional perks.
4. Look People In The Eye
There’s a lovely feeling you get when you make a genuine connection and look someone in the eye. That sense of shared humanity is a real self-esteem booster.
But um, if people look scared, you may need to dial it down a notch.
5. Be Brave About Saying No
If you don’t like it, don’t want to do it, or don’t want to be there, find a kind way to say so.
Wussy avoidance tactics can leave you feeling – well, wussy.
Choose to feel better and say a gentle no. You’ll both like you better.
6. Keep Your Breath Minty Fresh
It’s staggeringly difficult to thrust yourself forth into the world with confidence and self-respect if flowers wilt at the opening of your mouth.
Practice good oral hygiene and make judicious use of gum or breath mints. It will help you feel good about speaking up without fear of people passing out.
7. Use Your Time Doing Something That Matters To You
Do meaningful work.
Or, if you find your work trivial, then volunteer, begin a project, or start a movement.
However you do it, have something that matters somewhere in your life. It’s difficult to feel happy and confident without it.
What Are Your Confidence Tips?
Do you have any strategies for feeling more confident?
Please share them!
A version of this article originally appeared in my Get Organized newsletter.
Make your bed as soon as you roll out of it.(yes it’s possible) Frames your day!!
:-))
Always wear a smile.
A good haircut. Cool glasses. Makeup every day.
A good haircut. Cool glasses. Makeup every day.
Wear nice underwear too….really! It is such a confidence booster to your day. It starts right after you shower!@-}–
Remember that we have an opinion and that it matters just as much as the next persons.
This is a great article, I hand my pen and paper handy for note taking. My favorite point was number 7 use your time doing something that matters. I will get started on that. Thank u
I’m so glad you found it helpful Cutella! And I wish you well with your new project. 🙂
Thank you Michelle, I also download your free ebook it was a great way to help me get started on my goals
I love what I do, teach swimming, and feel its importance but looking good in a bathing suit has not happened yet, maybe if. I sit up straight!
Keeping my word has worked the best for me
How do you do it Michele, state the obvious, but collectively in such a way that makes the penny drop! Magic!
🙂
No.5 and 7. Saying NO to those things that are just Things and do something that will make a difference in another’s life.
#6 – Don’t chew gum. Nothing looks worse than anyone (but especially a lady) chewing gum. Use mints or the Listerine Pocket Packs or breath spray instead. Also, staying hydrated with water or herbal tea helps to keep the breath fresh.
Good ideas, Anne – thanks!
More good stuff. It’s amazing how much the simplest things can pep you up.
And it’s a virtuous circle Andrea – the better you feel, the more you can do. 🙂
Love this! Thanks for the encouragement (I sat up straighter immediately!)
And Kay, you made me :).
I did, too! I recently started noticing how often I was hunched over the table sitting in staff meetings and the like, and could only imagine what impression that must give. I’m doing better, but I still need reminders.
Kathie Reed Martin When i need a reminder for stuff like this I try wearing a new ring. Every time I see it I get a prompt. Plus, a great excuse to buy a new ring. 🙂