5 Fun Ways to Feel More Confident
1 – Clothes can make you feel more confident.
What is the one piece of clothing or accessory you own that makes you feel amazing and therefore feel more confident?
I put on my tiara if I need a self-esteem boost when I’m at home, but I also own a pair of amazing, ‘don’t mess with me’ boots, if I am going out.
Never underestimate the power of a specific piece of clothing.
Harvard professor and author of Rebel Talent. Francesca Gino, tells of when she donned a simple pair of red sneakers to teach a class she noticed it made her students more attentive and thoughtful. This was due to her inner mental state. ‘I didn’t feel more self-conscious,…I felt more confident. She goes on to discuss how wearing something bold, potentially non conforming, leads to a higher level of self-esteem.
It’s almost like putting on a costume for the person who is confident. Do this enough, and you will become that person for real.
2-Get a kick-ass playlist.
Have you got a song that just makes you want to get up and sing as if no one is listening? A song that brings out your inner Madonna or Broadway star?
Music can make us feel more vibrant and creative. When we feel creative, we feel more successful, and yes, that is a great feeling, so we feel more driven and more confident.
I listen to my ‘Karaoke Playlist’ before I do anything that I find stressful or intimidating, It is filled with all my favourite songs that I want to sing at the top of my voice and trust me, I am no singer! Just by hearing them, I feel more uplifted, happier and stronger and ready to attack whatever is coming next! Basically, I am ready to ‘kick-ass!
3-Practise what you are good at.
What are you good at? What activities make you feel confident and happy? What makes you feel like you rock your world?
Identify your strengths and examine your lifestyle choices. Can you do more of the things that make you feel good? Yes? Then do more of them!
I know I am simplifying things a little, but the point is, focus more on what you are good at and start to condition yourself to feel confident. Train this emotion like a muscle, use it or lose it! How can you ever feel stronger if you are spending too much time perfecting your weakness?
Once you have identified your strengths and got used to feeling more confident, it is easier to begin to tackle other areas of your life that can be more challenging.
4-Challenge yourself physically.
This may be a tough one, but don’t leave me now!
The more times you can put yourself in situations that feel ‘uncomfortable’ the more used to that sensation you become. This way, when you are feeling uncomfortable due to being shy or self-conscious, you will be more prepared for the feeling and less likely to avoid it.
Exercise is a great way to do this. The endorphin release can make you feel like you are a superhero and ready to conquer your fears!
Lifting weights is one way to do this. It doesn’t just make you physically stronger and improve your bone density, it gives you a great feeling of inner strength. Inner strength equals confidence. Running is another great way, but in reality, any form of exercise will improve your feeling of accomplishment. That feeling is very empowering and actually quite addictive.
You will also have the obvious health benefits, which also lead to confidence. A healthy body will give you more vitality which gives you more energy and focus. This is the mindset of someone who is ready and able to embrace what life throws at them.
Try to pick a form of exercise or movement that you like. Don’t forget, you also want to practice what you are good at.
5- Get used to being silly.
When was the last time you were silly for the sake of being silly or did a foolish act just to make yourself smile? I know it may sound, dare I say it…silly, but by being a little foolish every now and then you will be desensitizing yourself to the fear of making mistakes. You will also lower the anxiety of looking stupid in front of others that goes with that.
Folly is a great word, and I believe we all need more of it in our lives.
I’m not suggesting you put clowns feet on and skip down the road, although that is actually on my ‘things to do for the sake of it’ list, just something a little bit trivial.
So why these 5 ways?
We can all do with a little more confidence sometimes, and these are 5 fun and easy ways you can immediately integrate into your life. I have tried and tested them all, (especially the being silly part!), so I know they work, and they work quickly too.
I went from being too shy to speak in public, even to my friends,to delivering presentations and workshops in front of large gatherings, and most importantly of all, singing live karaoke, on my Facebook page, and don’t forget, I can’t sing! My poor friends!
Trust me, if I can do, so can you!
