How to Build Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is priceless. It cannot be given or easily acquired. It can be nurtured, fostered and healed. Self-confidence lies within each of us, but building and revealing it is the challenge everybody must face in order to rise to personal and professional success. Allowing the good things into our lives is a process that must sometimes be learned. The great news is that we can teach it to ourselves.

Instructions

1. Start off your morning with positive thoughts about yourself. Make promises to yourself about all that you are going to do for yourself.

2. Make a list of all the dreams you had when you were younger. Check off all the ones that have come true. Dig deeply for these. They may be locked away and not easily remembered. If you get stuck, look over all the things you've done in your life. You'll probably be surprised to find that a lot of your actions and accomplishments have been dreams come true. As life goes on, it's easy to ignore these glories. In order to reward yourself, make a list of all the dreams you've had come true. You should be proud of this. Coming to this realization can be great for your self-esteem.

3. Turn around criticisms in your head to something positive. If somebody tells you that you look tired, think of it as a compliment. It is simply that the person means that you usually look absolutely gorgeous. Today, you simply look pretty. The fact that your gorgeous nature has been duly noted by the person is fabulous!

4. Hang around people that make you feel good. Choose your friends wisely when you are trying to build self-confidence. If someone is always teasing, mocking or making you feel badly, cut off the friendship. Even if you are not willing to give up the friendship altogether, explain that you need a break. When you explain your reasons, you may awaken a person to changing himself.

5. Think about all that you want to be. Write down words that you want others to use when describing you. Beautiful, talented and smart are only a few of common things that are desirable adjectives. Remember to keep this about what you truly want to be. If you are only trying to fit other's perceptions, you will never be able to build self-confidence.

6. End your day with positive affirmations. Refer to Step 4 for how you want to be. Write these affirmations on a sheet of paper to keep by your bed. You may even choose to frame them. State them truly with intent several times before bedtime.

Tips & Warnings

• Compliment yourself on things that you do well. Do this all day long to increase your self-confidence.

• Don't criticize others without concrete reason. You may be defeating--or even destroying--the self-confidence of those around you with a sharp tongue.