Self-confidence is something we learn to build up because the challenging world of business, and life in general, can deflate it. Even the greatest leaders’ self-confidence falters at times. It’s not something that people are born with. Confidence is a mindset that takes time and effort to maintain. It must be learned, practiced and refreshed just like any other skill. Here are 5 effective ways to continuously build your own self-confidence.

Speak Softly

Listen to yourself when you respond to the customer. Are you raising your voice to be heard? Changing your tone to sound authoritative? Do your best to keep your tone even and soft. Slowing your speech can also help, causing the customer to slow down and listen to you.

Visualize Yourself As You Want to Be

Visualize an image of yourself that you are proud of and want to strive for. When we struggle with self-confidence, we have a poor perception of ourselves that is often inaccurate. To put yourself in the right mindset, imagine a fantastic version of yourself, achieving your goals. Now take that image and use it to motivate yourself every day to achieve your goals and be the reason why you are putting in the work.

“What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.” – Napoleon Hill

Set Yourself Up to Win

Too many people are discouraged about their abilities because they set unrealistic goals. To begin building your self-confidence, set small goals that you can easily win. Once you have established a pattern of successes, you can move onto harder goals. Make sure to keep a list of all your achievements, both big and small, to remind yourself of the progress you have made.

“To establish true self-esteem we must concentrate on our successes and forget about the failures and the negatives in our lives.” – Denis Waitley

Do One Thing That Scares You Every Day

The best way to overcome fear is to face it head-on. By doing something that scares you, whether that’s taking a sales call or pitching your new product idea, you are gaining experience and boosting your self confidence.

“Life always begins with one step outside of your comfort zone.” – Shannon Alder

Act the Part

Your physical demeanor can instantly showcase self-confidence or scream insecurity. You should present yourself in a way that says you are ready to take command! If you look and act confident, you will feel in control and others will have more confidence in you as well. You can do this by holding your head up high, sitting up straight, and making direct eye contact with those you are interacting with. Practice self-confidence and soon it will become second nature.

“When you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you will always perform your best without worrying about anything.” – Maria Sharapova  

Think & Act Positively

Positive energy leads to positive outcomes, so set your mind on positive cruise control. Surround yourself with happy, positive people who build you up and make you smile. This will in turn make you feel better and make the environment around you even more enjoyable.

“Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success.” – Shiv Khera

Other Ways to Build Your Self-Confidence: 

• Erase negative thoughts
• Change small habits
• Focus on solutions not problems
• Smile
• Volunteer
• Exercise 
• Be grateful
• Do activities that make you happy

How do you boost your self-confidence? Share with us in the comments below!