Building self confidence - what Shannon Columbo says...   

Building Self Confidence

"How to build self confidence?"

Well, Shannon Columbo thinks you could stop saying 'should'; you could also stop being critical, take time to yourself and think positively - all in her article called 'Boost Your Self-Confidence: 9 Easy Hints'. And she goes on to explain how to build self confidence, and why it's so important to do so.

And if that's not enough for your self confidence building, you'll find three 'how to boost self confidence' websites listed below - yes, the Self Help Collective does not have all the answers! :-) (We are confident, though, that you will return once you've checked out those websites - oh yes! :-O )

As to you, what do you know about gaining self confidence? You've done it after all - developed self confidence - no matter if you still feel you need to build self-confidence it a bit more. Why not tell us about your own building self confidence tips, eh! Thanks.

Building self confidence - what I say...

Self-confidence comes in handy, whether you are looking for a new job, going on a first date, or joining a club for the first time! I've found self-confidence even more important with people that already know you, and already have expectations of you - failing here is worse! It takes confidence to still try to do new things or be somebody 'better' in their eyes. (That's what I think, how about you?)

So it's always good to keep reminding yourself that you are confident, whilst continually gaining self confidence is also important. (Especially for that particular day when you go on a first date, start a new job and join a new gym! Phew!)

So it's always useful to take a self-confidence course every now and then. Or, to have a quick look at some self confidence tips. So...

Building self confidence? Read on, that's what I say... :-)

PS I think Sharon's tip about taking time for yourself is so important, I really do. Everyone's life would be better if they just pandered to themselves a little bit more. (Don't you think?) Anyway...

Building self confidence - what they say...

Would you believe it if I told you that several other websites know a thing or two about building self confidence. I know, incredible! Still, here are some great examples of how to build self confidence. Yes, developing self confidence is as easy as 1-2-3... :-)

1. How to Build Self Confidence - wikiHow
   "You want to be confident and feel confident, but what if you're starting with little or no confidence? How do you get from Point A to Point B? True self-confidence isn't an overnight acquisition. It takes dedication to realize you are a good human being that is worthy of respect and love..."
   
   
2. Building Self-confidence from MindTools
   "Self-confident people inspire confidence in others: Their audience, their peers, their bosses, their customers, and their friends. Gaining the confidence of others is one of the key ways in which a self-confident person finds success...."
   
   
3. How to Instantly Build Self Confidence
   Self Confidence Basics, affirmations, smiling, negative thoughts, setting goals, having a 'can do' attitude - it's all at PickTheBrain.com
   
   
4. Improving self confidence
   An article from the Self Help Collective, no less! :-)
   
   
5. Improve your Self Confidence with Positive Self Talk
   Another quick-to read article that hits home.
   

And now, I'm confident you will enjoy what Shannon Columbo has to say...

Boost Your Self-confidence: 9 Easy Hints

Building self confidence - what Shannon Columbo has to say...

Whether you are looking for a new job or going on a first date, one of the most important characteristics that will stand you in good stead is your self-confidence. Increase your self-confidence with these tactics to help you through interviews, meetings, and more.

1. Stop saying "should"

Don't make yourself feel guilty by thinking about the things that you should have done: if something is in the past, let it pass. Fretting over it will not improve your situation. Try using the word "could" instead of "should" for everything. This way, your actions become your choices, and you are empowered to make decisions. For instance, "I should mow the lawn," becomes "I could mow the lawn," which is a much more positive statement. Instead of allowing your tasks to hold power over you, take power for yourself by actively choosing how to spend your time.

2. Don't focus on yourself

If you are stressed out in a public situation, consider how the other person must feel. Go out of your way to make the other person feel comfortable, or introduce two people who haven't met. Set yourself small tasks. Just having a task to do will make you feel better.

If you are alone and feeling anxious, take a few deep breaths. You can try various techniques, from meditation to distraction to take your mind off of you.

3. Set realistic goals

Setting goals will help boost your self-confidence. You want to set goals that are attainable. Choose something that you can measure, rather than something that is hard to measure so this way you will have a way to chart your progress. For instance, rather than saying "I will become an expert on the Victorian period," you could set yourself the task of reading the complete works of Jane Austen, or you could sign up for a course at the local university. Chart your progress. Keeping track of how you are doing will allow you to feel positive about yourself.

4. Surround yourself with positives

If there are things or places in your life that are bringing you down, avoid them. If there are people in your life who are constantly negative, it might be time to reconsider your friendship with these people. You want to surround yourself with people who are optimistic and caring, people who respect you and value you for who you are. It is easier to be self-confident when you know you have a network of supportive people around you.

5. Stop being critical

Stop comparing yourself to others with self-criticism. You will always find something that someone else is better at. You are an individual, and unlike anyone else, so comparisons are moot. Constant self-criticism can also turn into cattiness: to make yourself feel better you might point out flaws in other people. Choosing to focus on your positive traits and on other people's positive traits will help you gain self-confidence.

6. Take the time you need

Take some time for yourself. Perhaps painting your nails or polishing your shoes will make you feel that much more empowered. Take the time to do small things that are often overlooked. This time you spend will help you gain confidence.

It is important to learn that you are worth making time for. You will never be able to adequately care for another person until you care for yourself, so take time to unwind and relax.

7. Think positively

If you find yourself thinking negative or critical thoughts, think "cancel" or "delete." Your mind is like a computer, and you will be able to erase those negative thought patterns with practice. Then, once you have pointedly erased that negative thought, replace it with a positive one. If you were thinking "My thighs are too fat," say, "cancel" and then, "My thighs are growing thinner every day" or "I love my body just the way I am." Try saying these nice things to yourself in front of a mirror.

Write down your best traits, abilities, and skills on a piece of paper. Then when you are feeling down you can come back to this piece of paper to remember how wonderful you are. You can also write down five or ten things that you are grateful for each day. Remembering how fortunate we are helps boost confidence because it helps surround us with the positivity that is required for true self-confidence.

Try visualization to help you with achieving your goals, and to help you think positively towards a sense of self-confidence.

8. Reprogram yourself

You might hold some beliefs which are limiting to you. It is time to take these negative thoughts and replace them with positives, as outlined in the previous point. Here are some thoughts you might need to re-think (literally!): "I can't do that," "I get scared easily," "They don't like me."

Remember that even confident people get bummed out sometimes. Having occasional periods of anxiety is completely natural.

9. Fake it... and Smile!

If you don't know how to truly be self-confident, then just pretend to be self-confident! Smile, too. Just the act of smiling will release endorphins to the brain, which will eventually make you happy. Acting confident will help build your confidence for when you truly are confident.

Remember: you are going to be fine. Start building your self-confidence today so that you can begin leading the lifestyle you deserve.

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To get a new job to match your new lifestyle, or if you apply this advice so that you can find a new job, visit The Guide to Resumes. You can shine, so why not let your employer know your value?

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com

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