Sunday, August 26, 2012

Part 2: Gaining Confidence

10 ways to instantly build confidence:

Dress sharp: Clothes don't make you, but they sure do up your spirits, depending on what you wear. Don't dress for someone else because you are they one who has to live with it and be conscious about it. When you don't feel/look your best it shows in how you carry yourself and interact with people. Use this to your advantage by taking care of your appearance.

A great rule to follow when shopping is "Spend twice as much, spend half as much." Rather than buying tons of cheap clothes, buy half as many high-quality items. In this long run it saves money, because expensive clothes last longer and stay in fashion for much longer. Buying less also helps reduce closet clutter.

Walk Faster: One of the easiest ways to tell  how people feel is by their walk. Is it slow? Tired? Painful? Or energetic and purposeful? Confident people walk fast: They have places to go, people to see, and important work to do. Even if you're not in a hurry, you can still put some pep in your step to boost your confidence.

Good Posture: People with slumped shoulders and lethargic movements show a lack of self-confidence. They aren't excited about what they are doing and don't feel important. By practicing good posture, you'll automatically feel more confident. Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact. You will be perceived more positively and instantly feel more alert and empowered.

Personal Commercial: One of the best ways to build confidence is to listen to a motivational speech. However, those opportunities aren't very often, so give yourself a 30 or 60 second speech highlighting your strengths and goals. Then recite it in a mirror, or in your head whenever you need the extra boost.

Gratitude: Focusing too much on what you really want automatically makes your mind go crazy with why you can't have it which leads you to dwell on your weaknesses. The best way to avoid this is to constantly focus on gratitude. Each day set aside time to make a list (even if it's mental), of everything you are grateful for. Recall your past successes, skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum. In the process you will become well-liked and gain self-confidence. By looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.

Sit in the front row: Yes, I know, the back row is where most people try to sit, but most do that because they are afraid to be noticed. By sitting in the front row you will get over this irrational fear and build your self-confidence. You will also be more visible to the important people at the front of the room.

Speak Up: During group discussions some people don't speak up for fear of sounding stupid. This is a silly fear, for most people are much more accepting than we imagine. In fact, most people are dealing with the same fear. By making more efforts to speak up you will gain more confidence in your thoughts, be seen as a leader by your peers, and become a better public speaker.

Work Out: The best way to feel great is to be happy with how you look, in my experience at least. If you are  out of shape then you feel insecure, lethargic, and less attractive. By working out you have more energy, you look better, feel better, and can accomplish something positive. Having the discipline to work out not only makes you feel better, it creates positive momentum you can build on the rest of the day.

Contribute: Too often we focus on our own desires, and ourselves rather than on others. If you stop thinking of yourself and concentrate on the contribution you are making to the rest of the world, you focus less on your flaws. This will increase your self-confidence and allow you to contribute with maximum efficiency. The more you contribute to the world, the more you'll be rewarded with personal success and recognition.

Much Love,

Avg Girl

(p.s. let me know what subjects you want to hear about. Thanks for reading!)

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