How to Increase your Confidence and Self Worth
Most people agree that self-confidence is a crucial prerequisite to success. It is one of the most important ingredients in getting what you want in life. Life tends to give us several opportunities that make our lives worth living, and to make the most of this opportunities we need self-confidence.
We all have times in our lives when we feel inadequate and incompetent but some of us feel that way more than others. Being self-confident has always paved the way for success in different spheres of life. It enables you to successfully compete for any job, overcome stressful situations and develop lasting healthy relationships. Study has shown that successful people have one thing that stands out about them “Self Confidence” they have confidence and also know how to use it.
On the other hand lack of self-confidence creates a demon that sabotages our happiness, freedom and success in life. Every time we choose to listen to that inner voice of self-doubt we always find ourselves in that dark place where we feel unworthy to welcome lives best for us.
How do you really know you lack self-confidence?
Are you the type who shies away in the corner avoiding social confrontation, can’t stand being the center of attention (but would love to) or is scared to death at the thought of standing up and speaking in the front of a crowd of people then you are fully infested by the virus called lack of self-confidence.
How do you deal with lack of self-confidence?
First, you must understand that the reason you are shy or introverted isn’t because you are any less social, humorous, intelligent or charismatic than others. Many confident people aren’t smart or charismatic at all. They just don’t fear what others think about them or allow other peoples opinion or perceptions shape their self-image. They tend to express themselves as they deem fit irrespective of whatever opinion others have. Also self-confidence cannot be faked it’s something you must develop as you improve your life. It can be developed by demonstrating certain actions. You can begin by coming up with a list of actions and goals. Then create a plan of action for achieving them.
Strategies to improve your self-confidence
(1) Have the right focus: Instead of focusing on correcting your weaknesses work on building your strengths. Doing this makes your weaknesses become less prevalent in your mind and you will begin to feel more confident with yourself.
(2) Work on your physical goals: This has to do with anything that will help you develop outward manifestation of high self-esteem. These physical goals include working out and dieting. Eating well and exercising can help you look better. It puts you in a positive mood and causes you to experience weight loss, have better muscle tone and even healthier skin. Looking in the mirror and liking what you see can go a long way to enhance your self –confidence.
(3) Be Positive: One way to be and remain positive is by using positive affirmations. The use of positive affirmations is an awesome way to enhance your confidence. It allows you to communicate with your subconscious mind, strengthening your confidence one thought at a time. You can start by making a list of positive affirmations, read and recite them daily. As you consciously do this you begin to develop a new and empowering dialogue to guide your thoughts.
(4) Identify your talent: One great way to boost your confidence is being able to identify your talents or abilities and believe in them. It’s easy to blow off your abilities especially when people around you do not seem to acknowledge them but as you keep working at them you’ll find that your self- confidence will increase as you excel in these areas.
(5) Surround yourself with positive people: Many times you lose your confidence, it is not because you have lost your ability, rather it’s because you have decided to focus too strongly on the opinions of some kind of people around you. Hanging around positive people who believe and see good in you especially in situations when you are consumed by self-doubt helps to bring out the best In you .Avoid the constant chaos that comes from relying too much on the opinions of people. it is a good thing to cultivate the habit of letting negative words and attitude roll off your back.
(6) Learn to appreciate yourself: Appreciating yourself emphasizes your strength .Give yourself credit for everything you can do and every new thing you are willing to try. As you do this you begin to see yourself as someone with something of value to contribute to anything, whether in your workplace or in a relationship.
With these few strategies you can completely reverse the condition that has deprived you of the best in life. And remember, if there is something you desire to pursue in life, go after it with all your heart and feel confident that success will be yours.