Boosting your self-confidence is not always an easy task. There is no special technique. There are oodles of different positive habits that you can adapt to your lifestyle to help you increase your self-confidence. Try applying these habits to change the way you feel about yourself, including the way people see you.

So let’s get started!

Don’t compare yourself to others   

Stop comparing things you have done or how you have done them to someone else, whether it be a friend, sibling, coworker, etc

It’s very unhealthy to measure yourself as a winner or loser in this negative fashion. We each compete with ourselves and try to improve each day. We learn from our own mistakes and learn from the mistakes of others people.

It’s damaging to compare yourself and create such negative self-talk.

Saying ‘no’ is not a bad thing

Set the boundaries that are beneficial to you. This means knowing what you want and asking for it. It means being able to say ‘no’ to something you don’t want to do. You are entitled to say yes or no according to your needs and personal desire. You do not have to be a people pleaser and give in to the pressure or manipulations of others.

Non-confident people tend to worry more about what other people will think of them and therefore give in to the wants and desires of someone else.

Don’t play it safe  

Be willing to take some risks and don’t always play it safe.

Sometimes playing it safe only holds you back from what you want and where you want to go. Yes, it may be scary to take a risk, and it may not work out the way you imagined it. It may work out beautifully, so you create something meaningful in your life.

A confident person is not afraid to take chances. A confident person looks at the possibilities. If you take a risk and it doesn’t work out the way you wanted it, then it is nothing more than finding a better way to accomplish it.

 “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison

Speak calmly and clearly

Speak clearly and keep your emotions in check. That doesn’t mean you have to talk in a monotone flat voice, but you’re not flailing your arms, raising your voice, or mumbling how you present what you want to say.

Nervous talking habits show others your lack of confidence. Have you ever noticed that you are more willing to listen to someone when they speak calmly, confidently?

Never judge others

To judge others, gossiping, and other nonproductive negative activities do not make you look confident.

Be aware that the people who gossip or openly criticize and judge people are a red flag that these are not individuals you want to be associated, you will look like a  follower sheep – Baaaa!

It’s also a waste of your time and lowers your energy. Spend time focusing on your own life – what you want to create.

Watch your posture

Your posture also sends a message of confidence. So stand up straight and be in charge of your physical body and gestures. I know it sounds like your mom, but it has a truth.

Be a good listener

Have you noticed that intelligent, confident people are usually great listeners? They can learn something from the discussion or communication that is taking place. They will look you in the eye and listen to what you have to say. They are learning about you, the topic, a situation, or just new information. They are taking it all in.

A confident person doesn’t feel the need to dominate a conversation. They don’t have to be the center of attention. Yes, you need to know how to keep the conversation alive with a collaborative effort.

Give yourself credit

To help increase your confidence, take a step back and look at all the things you have already accomplished. Don’t forget what you’ve already done.

Remember to stop and look at all the forward steps you have taken, all your achievements.

Remember that you’re doing great! The fact that you are aware and have the desire to improve, grow and evolve.

This is the greatest sign of a genuinely self-confident person!