GirlsGuideTo | 9 Simple Tricks to Build Self-Confidence

We discuss beauty-related topics often on Girls Guide To, and for good reason: they’re fun! However, outer beauty is just part of feeling good. You need to focus on the inner beauty, too. The ladies of Girls Guide To… TV share their thoughts in our most recent GGToTV episode. And we’d like to build upon their discussion and bring you more ways to feel beautiful on the inside by boosting your self-confidence.

1. Dress Sharp
While clothes, as well as other material items can’t promise happiness, they can certainly boost one’s confidence. No one is more conscious of your physical appearance than yourself. When you don’t think you look good, it affects the way you carry yourself and interact with other people. To improve this, improve what you can control about your physical appearance. Wear clean clothes and maintain good personal hygiene. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on clothes. Instead, focus on quality instead of quantity. One great rule to follow is “spend twice as much, buy half as much”. So skip out on Forever 21 and start purchasing investment pieces. Bonus: buying less = less closet clutter.

2. Good Posture
The way a person carries him or herself reveals a story. If you have slumped shoulders and lethargic actions, you can come across as lacking self-confidence. When you’re hunched over it looks like you’re not excited to be there and that you’re just trying to hide. This isn’t 7^th grade science class; you want to be seen. Instead, practice good posture by standing up straight, keeping your head up, and maintaining eye contact. You’ll make a positive impression on others and even better, feel more alert and empowered yourself.

3. Personal Commercial
A quick trick to build confidence is by listening to a motivational speech. There are endless options online, through YouTube and TEDTalks. However, you should try creating a personal “commercial” for yourself, too. Instead of listening to what others have done start reminding yourself of your own accomplishments. Create a 30 second speech that highlights your strengths, goals, and the struggles you have overcome. Then recite this to yourself, when you need that extra confidence boost.

4. Gratitude
When you dwell on things you don’t have, it’s like focusing on your weaknesses. Instead, focus on all the things you do have. Spend time each day mentally listing everything you have to be grateful for. List your past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum. You’ll be amazed how much you have going for you and motivated to take that next step towards success.

5. Compliment others
It’s old news that when someone is hurtful to others, they are probably unhappy themselves. So, stop thinking negatively about yourself, because you’ll likely project that feeling onto others via gossip and insults. Instead, get in the habit of praising other people. Refuse to entertain gossip and make an effort to compliment others instead. By focusing on the best in others, you’ll indirectly bring out the best in yourself.

6. Sit in the front
In schools, offices, and public assemblies everywhere, people constantly try to sit in the back of the room. Most of us prefer the back because we’re afraid of being noticed or called upon, which just reinforces a lack of self-confidence. Instead, make the conscious decision to sit in the front row. You’ll be more visible to the important people of the class, those who are talking in the front of the room. Plus, you’ll be less distracted than if you sat in the back and more likely to focus on the information being presented. Plus, since you’ll learn more by sitting in front, you’ll have even more confidence next class.

7. Speak up
Too often, people are afraid of speaking up for fear of saying something “stupid” or that others will judge them. This fear really isn’t justified. Generally, people are much more accepting than we imagine. When others around you speak up, don’t you wish you did the same? So, don’t make an effort to speak up and contribute at least once every group discussion or class. You’ll become a better public speaker, more confident in your own thoughts, and be recognized as a leader by your peers.

8. Exercise
Physical fitness has a huge effect on self-confidence. If you’re out of shape, you’ll feel it. By working out, you’ll not only improve your appearance and health, but you’ll energize yourself and accomplish something positive. Plus, you’ll gain all those feel-good endorphins. Having the discipline to work out regularly will make you feel better, and you’ll have the positive momentum to move forward with other goals.

9. Focus on contribution
Too often, we’re caught up in our own goals and desires. We focus too much on ourselves and not enough on the needs of others. If you focus some of your attention to others, then you won’t be fixated on yourself and your flaws. Instead focus on contribution, whether it’s through working hard at your job, playing on a team, or volunteering. This will increase your self-confidence and allow you to contribute with maximum efficiency. Plus, the more you contribute to the world, the more you’ll be rewarded with personal success and recognition.

How do you build your self-confidence? Do you have any personal “commercials” or mantras to share? Leave your advice in the comments below!

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