6 Ways To Boost Your Confidence This Weekend
No one is confident in every area of their life, all the time. Even if someone appears to be, even if they insist they are, everyone has moments when they lack confidence or feel unsure. The thing about building confidence is it’s really in the doing. There are wonderful books and talks and podcasts about building confidence, but to boost your confidence you need to be the ‘Wonder Woman’ of your story.
Here are 6 simple and fun ways to lift your confidence this weekend.
1. Enhance your social skills
No, I’m not thinking social media, I’m referring to out there in the world, face to face connecting. Depending on where your social confidence it at, could you chat to someone in barre class? Strike up a conversation with someone you’re attracted to? Chit-chat with other shoppers or sales assistants? Or introduce yourself to someone at a party? Remember to draw on your strengths. Are you funny? Empathetic? Curious and like to ask questions? If it’s appropriate, use your strengths to give you confidence. Having regular conversations with different people in different settings will help boost your social confidence.
2. Get physical
Pull out your favourite tights or tank top and choose an appealing activity that suits your fitness level. You could try a new machine or weight bearing moves at the gym, go to a dance class, do some boxing, run or ride a bit further, tackle a different trail, or start training for a fun run. Exercise encourages action in other areas of your life. Becoming stronger and fitter might also give you the confidence to take on a work challenge or expand your social life.
3. Do that small hard thing
You know the one. You’ve thought a lot about how difficult/stressful/annoying it will be. Maybe you struggle with technology, don’t like going to the doc, can't decide on the best bathroom tile. Schedule the task, devote the time and get it done. You’ll feel great knowing you’ve tackled a small challenge and removed a key item from your list (and weight from your mind). Who knows, maybe it’ll be easier than you thought; maybe someone will brighten your day.
4. Chant Nooooo
Set boundaries and say “no” in a kind and clear way. You’ve got to admit, it feels pretty good. Certainly, better than resentment … The more you practise saying no when you need to, the more skilled and comfortable you’ll become doing so. Focus on your priorities this weekend, and if you need to, try one of those little (but oh so big) words.
5. Find your focus
Lots of people have an area where they’d like to amplify their confidence. What’s yours? One common example is public speaking.
Some small actions you could take to become more comfortable speaking in public are:
· Order for your group at a restaurant.
· Make a toast before a meal with friends.
· Tell a short story or share your opinion with a small group.
Whatever your area, start with small, regular actions and increase the challenges in a way that works for you. Doing the work to develop your abilities, skills and knowledge will create more confidence in any area of your life.
6. Don’t forget to reflect
Take some time to think or write about what you’ve done this weekend and give yourself another confidence boost! Congratulate yourself, look at what you did well and the progress you made, and appreciate what you learnt. Use this feeling to inspire your creativity and schedule a few confidence building activities for next weekend. If you had some hiccups, be a compassionate friend to yourself and try to have a giggle. Remember – you did it. That in itself deserves a lovely cup of coffee and French pastry.
>>> Have you heard of Confidence Coaching? It’s what I love to do. Contact me to organise a complimentary discovery session. Emma :-)