Self Confidence is the difference between feeling empowered and feeling scared out of your wits. Your view of yourself has an enormous impact on how others see you. The more self confident you feel, the more fun and enjoyment you will have as well as great successes!

Many of the elements affecting your self confidence may be beyond your control, however, there are a number of things you can decide to undertake yourself to build self confidence. By using these elements you can get the edge you need to reach your potential.

Build Your Own Self Confidence

1. Have a Good Stance

Similarly, the way a person carries himself or herself tells a story. People with slumped shoulders and slow  movements display a lack of self confidence. They appear to be without enthusiasm about what they’re doing and they don’t consider themselves important. By practicing good posture, you’ll automatically feel more confident. Stand up straight, keep your head up, and look people in the eye. You’ll make a positive impression on others and instantly feel more alert and empowered. 

2. Smile and Speak up

During group discussions many people never speak up because they’re afraid that people will judge them for saying something stupid. People are much more tolerant than we imagine. IMost people are dealing with the exact same fears as we do. By making an effort to speak up a couple of times in every discussion, you’ll become a better public speaker, you’ll feel more self confident in your own thoughts, and recognized as a potential leader by your colleagues.

Dress Smartly

There is a saying that "Clothes Maketh The Man (Woman)”!! They certainly influence the way he or she feels about themselves. No one is more conscious of physical appearance than you are yourself. Use this to your advantage by taking care of your personal appearance. In most cases, significant improvements can be made by choosing to wear smart clothes, and focusing on appearance! 

This doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on clothes. One great rule to follow is spend more  and yet buy less,  Choose fewer quality clothes and feel really good wearing them.  Less good clothes last less time and perhaps go out of fashion more quickly. 

Sit in the front row

Most people choose to sit at the back of the room in meetings and gatherings. They prefer to be inconspicuous at the back of the room. You can build your self confidence by choosing to sit closer to the front of the room. You’ll also be in the range of the more influential people who can help you.

Keep Fit

Along the same lines as personal appearance, keeping fit has a huge effect on self confidence. If you are overweight, you’ll feel less secure, less attractive, and less energetic. By working out, you improve your appearance, energize yourself, and accomplish great results. It creates positive results for you to feel "tip top” for the rest of the day.

Develop a Faster Walk

One of the easiest ways to tell how a person feels about herself is to examine her walk. Is it slow? Are you tired? Is it painful? Or is it energetic and purposeful? People with confidence often walk more quickly. They have places to go, people to see, and important work to do. You can increase your self confidence by putting some energy in your walk. Walking 25% faster will make to you look and feel even more confident.

Develop Your Own Advertising Commercial

One of the best ways to build confidence is to listen to a motivational person.  If this isn’t possible you can fill this need by making your own personal commercial. Write a 2 minute talk that outlines your strengths.Read it out loud (or inside your head if you prefer) whenever you need a confidence boost.

5. Appreciate Yourself

When you focus too much on what you want, the mind creates reasons why you can’t have it. So focus on appreciating your good "side”. Set aside time each day to mentally list everything you have to be grateful for. Recall your past successes, your own skills,  your relationships, and highlight those positive achievements. 

6. Compliment other people

When we think negatively about ourselves, we often project that feeling on to others. Look for opportunities to compliment or praise people about something important to them. 

By looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.

10. Focus on What You Can Do For Others

Too often we get caught up in our own needs. We focus too much on ourselves and not enough on the needs of other people. If you stop thinking about yourself and concentrate on what you can do for others, you won’t worry as much about you own foibles.