How to Have Great Self-Confidence

People with self-confidence display a more positive outlook on their life as well as the world around them. Building self-confidence can have many positive benefits including having realistic expectations, and being more independent in decision-making. People with great self-confidence also rely less on others for approval. Increasing overall self-confidence also helps to feel more in control of life in general. Although many people have self-confidence in some areas of life but not others, there are steps you can take to increase all-around self-confidence.

Instructions

• 1

  Improve your emotional resilience. People with good self-confidence endure difficulties in their lives; however, they have emotional tools to help them cope. Practicing resilience means being able to balance your emotions and developing skills that will allow you to be flexible and positive, even in the face of difficulty. One way to increase your resilience is to pay attention to the types of things you say to yourself. Try to replace negative messages, such as “I’m a failure,” with positive ones, like, “I can succeed.” Tuning in to the times when you need to be more independent or when you need to rely on others can also help build reliance and self-confidence.

• 2

  Increase exercise and social activities. According to Help Guide, exercise not only helps with physical health but also increases endorphins, which are mood-lifting chemicals that will help you feel better overall and increase your self-confidence.
  Social activities can also increase your self-confidence. Socializing increases mental health by helping people to feel less isolated, and increases mood and sense of overall well-being. According to Jolanda Jetten and colleagues in the September 2009 issue of "Scientific American Mind," belonging to groups, such as those connected to sports, and hobbies can increase your mental health, as well as self-confidence.

• 3

  Give yourself credit for your accomplishments and reward yourself. Many people don’t do this. It is also helpful to avoid comparing yourself with others. Although this is natural, it can result in feeling depressed and lowering self-esteem. Replace negative comparisons with positive, affirmative statements about yourself. Looking at yourself independently will help you focus on your own strengths and abilities.