Self-confidence is a fickle thing. If you’re like many of your peers, it’s one of the single biggest inhibitors in your own success story. But what, if anything, can be done to increase your confidence?
The Root of Low Self-Confidence
We all have varying levels of self-confidence. Some of us feel so uncomfortable in our own skin that we rarely put ourselves “out there” in social or professional situations. Others have high degrees of confidence and can say or do extremely bold things without seemingly having a care in the world.
As someone who falls into the former category, it’s helpful to understand what separates you from becoming more confident. In particular, you should evaluate the following three categories (which are typically at the root of low self-confidence).
- Past experiences. You are the culmination of all your past life experiences. If you’ve suffered through trauma, overbearing parenting styles, bullying, harassment, and/or humiliation, these factors have directly contributed to your low self-confidence.
- Social messages and pressures. The world around you sends mixed signals that ultimately make you feel less about yourself. Whether it’s a perfect model flaunting her body on a lingerie commercial or a successful businessman building a million-dollar business from scratch, the advertising world makes it easy to feel like you don’t stack up.
- Genes and temperament. Much of your self-confidence is built into your brain at birth. Your genetic makeup has an impact on how positive you feel about yourself and how happy hormones – like dopamine and serotonin – are produced.
Stoking the Confidence Within
Regardless of what your low self-confidence is rooted in, there are some practical steps you can take to improve your view of yourself and positively embolden your interactions with others.
Here are some suggestions:
- Enhance Your Skills
Whether right or wrong, we tie our confidence to our capabilities. The more capable we feel we are, the easier it is to be confident in who we are. If you desire to amplify your self-confidence, take time to enhance your underlying skillset.
You don’t need to have a deep arsenal of impressive skills. You simply need to focus on a few things that you can do well – in your job, personal life, hobbies, etc. Focus on improving by one percent every day and you’ll eventually look back and see how far you’ve come. This will give you the confidence to try new things in the future and believe that you can succeed.
- Smile More Often
Did you know that the simple act of smiling can actually boost your self-esteem and lead to healthy relationships with others? It’s true! A smile is a powerful thing.
Don’t feel confident in your smile? Well, do something about it! Many people find that periodontal cosmetic surgery can help them address issues like gummy smiles, exposed roots, or gum indentations. When combined with straight, white teeth, smiling will become natural.
- Spend Time With the Right People
It’s been said that you become the combination of the people you spend the most time with. If you want to have a high degree of self-confidence, don’t waste time with people who are chronically pessimistic and self-deprecating. Instead, surround yourself with people who are comfortable in their own skin.
Self-confidence is contagious. You don’t even need to ask people for their secrets to success – just observe. You’ll learn a lot by watching how they process information and act accordingly.
- Think Positively
It’s often easier said than done but do your best to think positively in all situations. When you feel negative thoughts creeping in, imagine yourself physically stomping them out. Counteract every doubt with a confident declaration of success. This will put you in a more positive frame of mind.
Discover the Best Version of You
You might be one person with a single mind, body, and soul, but you’re capable of becoming multiple versions of yourself. If the current version of you lacks confidence and self-esteem, seek out self-improvement so that you can become happier and healthier.
There’s a better you waiting just around the bend. You have to go out and find it.
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