1. Don't ever put yourself down.
Remember that you're a human being with flaws just like everyone else. Look at your weaknesses honestly, but without exaggerating them.
2. Work on your weaknesses one at a time.
As you make progress in areas you want to change -- learning to manage money more efficiently, for example -- you'll slowly gain the kind of confidence that lasts.
3. Fake feeling confident -- before long the feeling will be real.
For example, if you're nervous about having your husband's boss and his wife over for dinner, do your best by setting a beautiful table, preparing your best dish and wearing a knockout dress. Then pretend you are Liz Taylor playing a gracious hostess. Before long you'll find you're not acting anymore.
4. Never stop trying -- everybody fails from time to time.
The important thing is to pick yourself up, brush yourself off and start all over again...and to learn from your failures.
5. Cheer yourself on.
Say to yourself, "I have nice hands, or I have a good memory, etc...." By complimenting yourself on a regular basis, your self-confidence will increase steadily.
6. Believe facts, not feelings.
Our lack of self-confidence sometimes makes us turn feelings into facts to fit a situation. If someone snaps at you rudely, don't assume the person is angry at you. It could be that he or she is reacting to some problem or pressure in their own life.
7. Choose a role model.
If you admire President Reagan's warm friendly way of speaking, try to develop a similar style. It's important to remember that you can't be completely like your role model -- just try to emulate character traits you admire most.
8. Paint a pleasant picture of yourself in your mind.
If you have a report to deliver in front of a group for example, make a mental image of yourself delivering it in an easy, confident manner.
9. Take a bow.
Confident people take credit when they do a good job. |
