5 ways to improve your self-confidence

Self-confidence, often described as the cornerstone of personal growth and success, is the belief in our abilities and worth.

True self — confidence is a deep knowledge and acceptance of who we are in any situation. It’s the sense that whatever happens, we will be ok. Confidence is about authenticity, it’s about learning from mistakes and the wisdom of others and using that knowledge to move forward, setting clear goals.

Many of us grapple with a lack of self-confidence for a variety of reasons which can hinder our potential and progress. But the good news is that confidence is a muscle and can be learnt and increased through practice.

Here are 5 techniques you can use to build your self-confidence on a daily basis:

Practice Self-Compassion: It all starts with being kind to ourselves - especially when we’re stressed. Brain scans show that when we are kind and loving towards ourselves, the empathy circuitry of our brain lights up, enabling us to be more discerning about the situation and more creative with our problem solving. Start by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you'd offer to a friend facing a similar challenge.

Negative Thoughts: Whenever a negative belief surfaces, question its validity. Is there evidence to support it? Often, you'll find these beliefs lack a solid foundation. Believing our thoughts does not make them true and turns into a bad habit that perpetuates the cycle of negative thinking. Make of list of how this belief isn’t true and reframe the thought into something more positive.

Set Realistic Goals: When we look at the big picture, it can feel too daunting, leading us to walk away and not even try. This is a confidence killer as it’s only through action, that we see evidence we are capable of making progress which in turn increases our confidence. Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps and take daily action towards your goal.

Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This can help reshape your self-perception. A daily practice of noticing 3 things that went well and what skill we employed can help to increase our self-belief and provide evidence that we are making progress.