10 Ways to Gain More Confidence

Whether you lack confidence in your physical appearance or who you are as a person, it’s going to effect your daily life. It’s going to effect how you carry yourself, how you treat others, your thoughts, and your relationships. Confidence is important, however many people are lacking it and are quite hard on themselves. Having confidence does not mean you’re conceited or obsessed with yourself. It’s simply being proud of who you are. Gaining confidence is a process, but hopefully these things will make it easier for you.

1. Be Grateful

I’m not sure how many blog posts I’ve started with “be grateful” but here’s another one! All of us have insecurities and things we don’t like about ourselves. For me, I have bad skin that makes me feel self-conscious and gross, but in reality it’s really not that bad. I have to remind myself that it could be worse and how grateful I am that it’s not. This doesn’t just apply to physical features either…if you’re reading this you probably have the ability to change who you are. You’re able to adapt and grow and become a better person, not everyone can.

2. Exercise and Eat Well

This may be obvious but unfortunately many people lack a healthy lifestyle. Diet and physical activity are literally the best and easiest place to start, because eventually your mentality will catch up too. Not only will you look better, but you’ll feel better and that will shine through. You’ll feel more empowered, energized, positive, and a huge list of other benefits.

Working out has definitely helped shape me into who I am, literally and figuratively. I feel the best and most confident in my gym clothes and at the gym, where I don’t wear make up, I’m sweaty, and my hair is a mess. I take a lot of pictures of my body, something that people may find arrogant, but I’m proud of how my body has changed and what my body has accomplished and I’m not afraid to show that. You’ll understand once it becomes part of your lifestyle!

3. Practice Mindfulness

You’ll learn a lot about yourself by sitting in silence trying to still your wandering mind. It’s not easy but I definitely recommend it. However, you don’t necessarily have to meditate to achieve this. Just make yourself more aware of everything; your surroundings, your feelings, others feelings and body language, things happening in the world, etc. It’s almost like a sixth sense that you develop. Be cautious of what you say and think, they both have the ability to effect your life and others’ lives.

4. Smile and Laugh Often

Surround yourself with positive people that enjoy the little things in life and make you happy. Laughter is the best medicine and will get you through a lot. Learn to laugh at yourself and not to take things so seriously.

5. Don’t Do Things You Know You’ll Regret

This one is huge for me because I always tend to think about my actions before I actually go through with them. You are responsible for yourself, so don’t put yourself in a situation that you know you can’t take back later. You’ll end up dwelling on it, creating a problem in your life, or hating yourself for it.

6. Recite Affirmations

Write down and say affirmations out loud daily, maybe morning and night.
“I am confident and courageous. I possess the strength and ability to accomplish all my goals and dreams.”
“I am in the process of becoming the best version of myself.”
“I am now free from self-doubt and filled with self-confidence.”

A quick Pinterest search will give you hundreds of ideas! Find the ones that stand out to you or make them up yourself (even if you don’t believe it yet) and say it loud and proud!

7. Do Things That Make You Happy

Don’t settle for less than that. Most people do, unfortunately. Relationships, careers, lifestyle, etc. Find your passion, chase your dreams, do what makes you happy. Don’t allow anyone to tell you that you can’t.

8. Compliment Others

Online and in person. Recently, I’ve seen so much women to women empowerment on social media and I love it (mostly in the fitness industry). There used to be so much hate and jealousy but everyone is starting to realize that we can all look amazing, take pictures of ourselves, and make others feel good about it too. FINALLY! If you think someone’s outfit is cute or their eyes are beautiful, tell them! You never know how much you could turn their day around and this shows that you’re secure with yourself to compliment someone genuinely.

9. Never Stop Improving

Never, ever, ever, There’s always room for growth. Improve physically and mentally, for yourself. Read books, listen to podcasts, watch documentaries, wake up earlier, go volunteer, go on an adventure, try new things, develop a morning routine, solve puzzles, get certified in something, take classes, just keep bettering yourself!

10. Love Yourself

I know that this is a hard one for many people, but confidence and self love basically go hand in hand. Be a good person, spread love, be happy, think happy, and do you. It’s never too late to start loving yourself. If you’re looking for a good book to read, check out You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero…it’s literally the best “self-help” book I’ve read and it makes you want to chase your dreams and love yourself!

You’ve got to start somewhere, because confidence doesn’t just happen overnight and you don’t want to depend on someone else to tell you how great you are. You have to believe in yourself in all areas and the right people and circumstances will flock to you. Start somewhere and practice daily!

“Your energy introduces you before you even speak.”