Confidence is a skill to be developed and honed. That's good news, because it means if you don't feel it now, you absolutely can! Here are 5 ways to boost your confidence that you will both feel and portray.
1. Use Confident Body Language:

- Posture: Stand tall with your shoulders back and head held high. Good posture not only makes you appear more confident but also affects how you feel about yourself.
- Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact when speaking with or to others. It conveys sincerity, attentiveness, and confidence. Avoiding eye contact can give the impression of insecurity, shadiness, or shyness.
- Smile: A genuine smile can instantly make you feel more relaxed and confident. According to Dr. Isha Gupta, a neurologist from IGEA Brain and Spine, a smile spurs a chemical reaction in the brain, releasing certain hormones including dopamine and serotonin. “Dopamine increases our feelings of happiness. Serotonin release is associated with reduced stress.
2. Communicate Confidently:
- Clear and Assertive Speech: Speak in a clear, steady voice. Avoid words that leak uncertainty, like "I think," "maybe," and "...or whatever." Also avoid filler words like "um" and "uh" (a silent pause is a better option) and speak at a moderate pace. Being assertive and direct in expressing your thoughts and ideas shows confidence.
- Active Listening: Confident people are never afraid of another's input. Demonstrate your confidence by actively engaging in conversations. Listen attentively, nod to show understanding, and ask questions to demonstrate your interest. This not only builds your confidence but also helps you connect with others, and show them you are not intimidated by outside perspectives.
3. Set & Achieve Small Goals:
- Goal Setting: Set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. These goals could be related to personal development, career, creativity, or any area of your life where you want to build confidence.
- Celebrate Achievements: When you achieve a goal, celebrate it. Acknowledge your success, no matter how small. And remember, success isn't always about the outcome. Sometimes, success is simply getting yourself to do something new in a new way. And you should appreciate yourself anytime to go after something new, even if it's done less than perfectly.
Which leads me to the next of 5 ways to boost your confidence...

4. Leave Your Comfort Zone:
Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone will teach you that you're capable of blowing past fears and accomplishing new things.Some ways to leave you comfort zone are:
- Try New Hobbies: Pick up a hobby you've never tried before, whether it's painting, dancing, cooking, or playing a musical instrument.
- Take on a Physical Challenge: Sign up for a fitness class, try a new sport, or set a fitness goal that challenges you to step outside your physical comfort zone.
- Public Speaking: Join a local Toastmasters club or practice speaking in front of small groups. This can help improve communication skills and boost confidence.
- Learn a New Skill: Identify a skill you've always wanted to learn, such as coding, a new language, or a form of self-defense, and dedicate time to mastering it.
- Volunteer: Step outside your comfort zone by volunteering for a cause or organization that you're passionate about. This can expose you to new perspectives and experiences.
- Read Diverse Content: Expand your perspectives by reading books, articles, or watching documentaries on topics you're not familiar with or that challenge your existing beliefs.
- Initiate Conversations: Take the initiative to start conversations with people you wouldn't normally approach. This can be in professional or social settings.
5. Find Your Positive People:

- Cultivate a supportive and positive social circle. Surrounding yourself with people who uplift and encourage you can have a significant impact on your confidence.
- Minimize exposure to negative influences, whether they come from people or media. Choose sources of inspiration that motivate and empower you.
- Consider Confidence Coaching: It's the ultimate mentorship program because it's all about you, your needs, your pace, and your confidence to design a life that aligns with you. And there are different package lengths and payment options to make changing your life entirely doable.