Confidence is key to unlocking opportunities in both personal and professional life. It helps us trust ourselves, try new things and inspire others. The best part? Confidence is something you can build with small, intentional habits. If you’re tired of battling self-doubt, try these strategies to rebuild your self-esteem and embrace your best self.
1. Adjust your posture
Good posture isn’t just about appearances—it can actually make you feel more confident. Research shows that standing or sitting tall with shoulders back boosts self-belief and reduces self-deprecating thoughts. Make a habit of checking your posture throughout the day to lift both your frame and your self-esteem.
2. Smile confidently
A smile does more than brighten your face—it releases endorphins that improve mood and self-assurance. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth, focus on oral hygiene to build confidence. Whiter teeth and fresh breath will have you smiling freely, spreading positivity to everyone around you.
3. Find your workout sweet spot
Regular exercise, even in small amounts, improves mood, focus and self-confidence. A study in the International Journal of Sport Psychology found that physical activity significantly boosts self-esteem over time. Whether it’s yoga, walking or dancing, choose a workout that feels good to you and stick with it.
4. Do one thing each week that scares you
Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zone. Challenge yourself weekly by tackling something intimidating, like speaking up in a meeting or reaching out to an old friend. These small acts of courage build resilience and confidence over time, making you more open to bigger opportunities.
5. Make yourself a priority
Confidence flourishes when mental, physical and emotional health are in balance. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether it’s reading, meditating or taking a solo walk, carve out time daily to focus on activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
6. Detox your social media feed
Social media can be a double-edged sword, offering connection but also fostering harmful comparisons. If scrolling leaves you feeling inadequate or unhappy, curate your feed to include only uplifting and inspiring content. By limiting exposure to unrealistic standards, you’ll find it easier to focus on your own progress.
7. Embrace the pep talk
Feeling insecure doesn’t mean you’re failing—it’s a sign of growth. Instead of hiding your self-doubt, acknowledge it and push forward anyway. Hands trembling during a presentation? Let them shake and focus on your message. Worried about failing at a new venture? Try it anyway, and embrace the lessons failure brings. Normalizing insecurities helps diminish their power, reminding us that everyone has them. Take those cues as an opportunity to speak kindly to yourself, too. Knowing how to give yourself a pep talk is a great skill to hone. To make your internal speeches motivational, address yourself in the second person by using the word “you” instead of “I.” This simple change allows you to talk to yourself like a friend and can make your affirmations feel more believable.
A version of this article originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.
