Poor self confidence can stem from any number of sources, particularly for men… pressure from a father to perform in sports, being ridiculed by a teacher or other children at school or something that is becoming more common these days the effect of men’s magazines with the latest muscle bound guy on the front.

And unfortunately one confidence knocking experience can have a knock on effect on other areas of your life.  So here are some simple tips that could help build your confidence.


Tip 1:  Develop a positive mental attitude

Positive language is key
Notice the language you use on a daily basis and start making it positive.  For example, is something difficult or a challenge?

The little voice in your head
Stop fuelling your inner critic with self-made poison.  Tell that little voice to shut up!  Start encouraging and energizing yourself with positive self-talk and so boost your self-confidence.

Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements you can say to yourself.  The important thing is to make the statement personal, present and positive.  And then to repeat it often.  For example,  ‘I am confident’.

This will initially feel a bit strange.  But by telling yourself that you are something can make it come true.  Just as telling yourself you are clumsy or not confident makes it true.

Smile
Try having a negative thought when you are smiling – it isn’t possible!


Tip 2:  It’s in your behaviour

Make comfortable eye-contact
In our culture we often use eye contact to gauge confidence.  Looking away while listening can also show a lack of interest, a short attention span or a subtle indication that you may be lying.  Ask a trusted friend if you ever lack good eye contact.  Then practice with them and others until you are able to maintain sincere and comfortable eye contact.

What your posture says about you
Posture sends the signal of your confidence and power potential.  Stand tall, walk tall, and most of all, sit tall.  Think of a confident person you know and copy the way they hold their head, shoulders and the rest of their body.

Do not confuse confidence with arrogance
There is often a subtle difference between confidence and arrogance.  The one comes from being comfortable in your own skin and the other from a place of insecurity.


Tip 3:  Boost your self image

Look good – feel great
Consider how good you feel about yourself when you know you look great.  The way you groom and dress can speak volumes about how confident you feel.

Exercise
This isn’t so much about becoming a muscle bound hunk, as feeling good about your body.  The endorphins released also have a feel good factor that can boost confidence.


Tip 4:  Success

Do it well
Choose something that you are good at and do it on a regular basis.  This breeds the feeling of success that can really boost your confidence.

Achieve a goal
Breaking up big goals or tasks into smaller and more manageable steps can help, especially if the goal seems impossible.  Exercise is an example of a great area to set achievable goals in.

Personal coaching can help to boost your confidence.
Contact Nina on 07866 610 761 or nina@livelifecoaching.com