Believe it or not, even the most apparently confident people deal with personal insecurities and self-esteem issues. While self-doubts and fears are products of our own minds, they still wield a great amount of power over us. Unfortunately, there is no single way to supersede personal insecurities for good. However, there are several methods that will help boost self-confidence levels if they are regularly practiced. Here are eight of the most effective.
1. Find your favorite physical characteristic
No single human being has the perfect body or most aesthetically pleasing face, because the evaluation of looks is subjective! Yet at the same time, many people struggle with feeling confident in their own bodies, especially now we’re in a digital era where superficial comparisons are prolific. Rather than focusing on insecurity, find a physical feature that you love, and focus on that.
Find clothing or accessories that complement that characteristic; for example, wear a colored top that brings out your eye color. Every time you look in the mirror, avoid giving attention to the insecurity and focus on that particularly beautiful feature of yours.
2. Pay attention to your appearance
Even if you don’t feel self-confidence, you can look confident! Remember to stand up tall, because your body language sends an unspoken message to others. Instead of looking down or crossing your arms to hide an outfit that doesn’t make you feel comfortable, convey more self-assurance by wearing your favorite outfit. This tactic will also help you maintain a leveled head and look straight ahead.
3. Surround yourself with positivity
Immersing yourself in an environment that fosters happiness and growth will inevitably make you feel more self-confident and satisfied with your life. Do things that you love, and make yourself proud by pursuing a passion. Most importantly, eliminate as much negativity as possible—including negative people who bring you down or distort your perception of life.
If someone does not appreciate and value you for who you are, then they are not worth keeping in your life. Slowly distance yourself until you are no longer chained to their negativity.
4. Brighten someone else’s day
Not only will doing a small deed for another person bring happiness to them, but you’ll also feel happy about doing something kind. As clichéd as it may sound, performing a small act of kindness or giving an unexpected compliment can truly lift your mood and even make you feel slightly rewarded and proud. Your mood can easily dictate your outlook, so maintain a positive attitude by fueling the positive energy around you.
5. Change your perspective
You might not be able to change a situation that makes you feel nervous or insecure, but you can change your attitude and see the light in any situation. Choosing to focus on the positive aspects will give you a sense of assurance, assuaging any doubts that are making you feel uncomfortable. If you feel down about rejection from a job, for example, change your perspective by appreciating the experience and using it to improve yourself. Remind yourself that everything happens for a reason and that the rejection occurred because there’s something even better waiting for you—all you have to do is seek it.
6. Exercise
If you exercise, you’ll not only look physically fit but will also be emotionally fit. Exercising gives you a sense of empowerment and accomplishment. While you may feel physically tired after a workout, you’ll be mentally alert and ready to take on anything that comes your way.
7. Step outside of your comfort zone
Sometimes, making yourself uncomfortable is the only way to tackle fear. For example, during my freshman year of high school, I decided to join the basketball team without knowing how to play basketball. I was utterly embarrassed during the first few days of tryouts, but I realized that my fear of being embarrassed had very few consequences—everybody feels embarrassed at some point, and the experience of doing something completely out of my comfort zone made me feel self-confidence enough to try other new activities.
Once you realize that fear and apprehension are products of your mind, you’ll be able to stop second-guessing yourself when you approach other uncomfortable things.
8. Ask yourself, “Who cares?”
Finally, whenever you question yourself or feel insecure, simply say, “Who cares?” People are selfish, so they are much more likely to be concerned with themselves and their own insecurities than they are to be noticing any of your insecurities!