How to Gain Confidence in Yourself

Being confident is easier than you think!

Becoming more confident in yourself is easier than you think, however, as with all good things it takes a little time. For a variety of reasons we can all lose confidence in ourselves. This article gives step by step instructions on how to gradually gain confidence in yourself!

Things You'll Need

• Journal
• Time Alone (at least an hour each day)

Instructions

1. 

   Start by setting aside at least an hour a day in a quiet place where you can journal. You can use a spiral bound notebook or an expensive, monogrammed journal. Whatever works for you.

2. Take an hour a day to sit quietly and journal. Ask specific questions including:
   1. What do I want in my life?
   2. Am I happy with my life the way it is now?
   3. Why do I not feel confident in myself?
   4. What can I do to gain more confidence in myself?
   4. What can I do to change my confidence level?
   5. What can I see myself doing in one year, five years, ten years?

3. After journaling the answers to your questions reflect on your life. What have you done in the years you've been alive? Gone to college? Raised a family? Graduated from high school? Written a best selling play? Worked a minimum paying job? Lived to the fullest? Journal your reflections using statements like:
   "I have (fill in the blank)"
   How do you feel about your accomplishments?

4. Find a support group. This could be your immediate family, friends, or a group of internet friends -- whatever works for you. Make sure to tell your support group that you are working on gaining more confidence in yourself and would appreciate their help, support, and encouragement.

5. Try doing one new thing a week. This may seem incredibly hard at first but it does get easier with time. Center your new activity around something you like to do. For example -- do you like to cook? Try having a small dinner or brunch for a few friends and show off your culinary skills. Always journal how you feel after each new activity. Did it make you tired? Was is enjoyable? Could you do it again in six months and feel more confident?

6. Try to vary your activities. If you like to cook host a small dinner one week, then a recipe exchanging party the next week. At first remember to keep things small and manageable -- this is meant to be enjoyable -- not more work for you to stress out over.

7. Over time you will see a change. Remember to journal and always take time to reflect over your progress. That's it! Remember that you are unique and wonderfully created -- enjoy being a confident, happy you!

Tips & Warnings

• Try to journal at least once or twice a week if not more -- this can help you chart your profess on your confidence building journey!!

• If you don't see immediate progress -- keep trying!! This is not meant to be an overnight fix! Always reassess how you feel after a set period like every three months, six months, nine months, twelve months

• If you don't see progress after a specific length of time (say one year) don't be afraid to consider therapy -- it is often less expensive than you'd think and can do a world of good!

• Avoid negative people!! This can be difficult especially if someone in your immediate family or close circle of friends is a negative person. Don't let their negativity affect your progress!!