11 Ways to Increase Self Confidence

Self-confidence is hard to define, yet it’s a concept we all feel and understand. Many believe it’s an essential key to success.

When our confidence is high, it gives us the courage to speak up and try new things. But when it’s low? It feeds our doubt and holds us back.

Everyone has low self-confidence from time to time. Doubt and fear are natural human emotions, even for the most self-assured.

But perpetual low self-confidence does more than keep you from pursuing your dreams, it can spill over into every aspect of your life.

The great news is self-confidence is like a muscle you can exercise and strengthen!

So, if a lack of confidence impacts your personal or professional life, you can take steps to improve it.

Below we’ll define self-confidence and why it’s so important. Then, we’ll share nine effective ways to develop your sense of confidence.

“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

What is self-confidence?

Self-confidence is trusting your ability to handle different aspects of life. That is, a positive feeling about yourself affects your actions and emotions.

Self-confidence means

• knowing who you are, what you want, how you think, and what you believe.
• feeling good about who you are, even when others don’t agree, and even when you make mistakes.
• you understand your strengths and weaknesses and can live a full life with them.

Why develop self-confidence?

Self-confidence improves your quality of life in many ways-personal, professional, and financial.

And though it doesn’t make problems disappear, it does make you more resilient when faced with difficulties.

A healthy self-belief

• helps you feel better mentally and physically.
• improves the quality of your relationships.
• creates healthier coping skills.
• opens you up to new ideas and experiences.