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Writer's pictureHeidi Deanne Coaching

Boost self confidence with these 8 surprising actions



We had some GREAT feedback from our blog post last week on self-esteem and self-confidence and a lot of you wanted to learn more about each area. If you missed it, check it out. So here we are with some tips on boosting your self-confidence today! (Stay tuned for our July 23 post where we’ll chat about self-esteem.)


Self-confidence is a valuable asset that empowers us to take on challenges, pursue our goals, and navigate life with a sense of assurance. While there are many conventional ways to build self-confidence, there are also some surprising actions that can make a significant impact. In this blog post, we'll explore eight unconventional yet effective strategies to boost self-confidence. Let's dive in!


Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

Ahh yes, everyone’s least-favorite “f-word”, failure. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as a stepping stone to growth and improvement. Take on new challenges and be willing to make mistakes. Each failure becomes a valuable lesson that strengthens your resilience and enhances your self-belief.


Embracing failure as a learning opportunity requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to view setbacks as valuable experiences. To cultivate this mindset, it's important to reframe failure as a stepping stone towards growth and personal development. Start by reframing failure as a natural part of the learning process rather than a reflection of your worth or capabilities. Reflect on what you can learn from each failure and how it can contribute to your future success. Embrace a growth mindset by focusing on the lessons and insights gained from setbacks, and use them to refine your approach, improve your skills, and ultimately increase your self-confidence. Remember, every failure is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger on your journey towards success.


Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is important because it allows us to develop resilience, gain valuable insights, and ultimately achieve greater success. When we view failure as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and growth. By embracing failure, we cultivate resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks with renewed determination. We also gain invaluable lessons and insights that can inform our future decisions and actions. When we see failure as a chance to learn and improve, we become more adaptable, innovative, and willing to take calculated risks. Ultimately, this mindset shift empowers us to overcome obstacles, reach our full potential, and confidently pursue our goals.


Practice Positive Self-Talk

Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations. Start each day with a mantra or affirmation that uplifts and encourages you. Repeat these affirmations throughout the day to counter self-doubt and cultivate a positive mindset.


Practicing positive self-talk is a powerful tool for boosting self-confidence. Start by becoming aware of your inner dialogue and consciously replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Whenever you catch yourself engaging in self-criticism or doubt, challenge those thoughts and reframe them in a more positive light. For example, instead of dwelling on your mistakes, remind yourself of your strengths and past accomplishments. Surround yourself with uplifting and encouraging words by creating a list of affirmations that resonate with you. Repeat these affirmations daily, especially during moments of self-doubt or when facing challenges. Additionally, seek out supportive and positive influences in your life, whether it's through reading inspiring books, listening to motivational podcasts, or connecting with like-minded individuals who uplift and empower you. Remember, the way you speak to yourself has a profound impact on your confidence, so make a conscious effort to nurture a positive and empowering inner dialogue.


Practicing positive self-talk is crucial for building self-confidence because our thoughts shape our beliefs and actions. When we engage in negative self-talk, we undermine our confidence and limit our potential. On the other hand, by cultivating a habit of positive self-talk, we reinforce a more empowering mindset that encourages us to take on challenges, persevere through setbacks, and believe in our abilities. Positive self-talk helps us silence our inner critic and replace self-doubt with self-assurance. It allows us to approach situations with a more optimistic and resilient mindset, increasing our chances of success. Moreover, positive self-talk nurtures a healthier and more compassionate relationship with ourselves, fostering self-acceptance and self-love. By treating ourselves with kindness and encouragement, we create a foundation of confidence and inner strength that can positively impact all aspects of our lives.


Seek Discomfort

I’m sorry, what?! Why?!


We’ll tell you: pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is a powerful way to build self-confidence. Take on new experiences, whether it's trying a new hobby, speaking up in meetings, or taking on leadership roles. Embracing discomfort helps you develop new skills, overcome fears, and prove to yourself that you're capable of more than you may have imagined.


To seek discomfort, you can shake up your routine and try new things that challenge you. Push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and take on tasks or activities that may initially feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Embrace the feeling of uncertainty and embrace new experiences with an open mind. Whether it's attending a networking event, public speaking, or taking on a new project, pushing beyond your comfort zone can help you grow and develop new skills. Remember, true growth happens when we venture into the unknown and push ourselves beyond our perceived limitations. By seeking discomfort, you create opportunities for personal growth, build resilience, and unlock your full potential. So go ahead, embrace the discomfort, and see where it takes you!


Seeking discomfort is important because it allows us to step out of our comfort zones and experience personal growth. When we push ourselves to try new things, take risks, and face challenges, we expand our boundaries and develop resilience. By embracing discomfort, we break free from self-imposed limitations and open ourselves up to new opportunities and possibilities. It helps us build confidence, overcome fears, and develop a mindset that is adaptable and resilient in the face of adversity. Seeking discomfort encourages us to continually learn, evolve, and discover our full potential, both personally and professionally. It is through these experiences that we truly grow and find fulfillment in life.


Celebrate Small Victories

Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Each step forward, no matter how incremental, is a testament to your growth and progress. By celebrating these victories, you reinforce positive self-perception and build confidence in your abilities.


To celebrate small victories, the reader can start by acknowledging and recognizing their achievements, no matter how small they may seem. This can be done by keeping a journal or a list of accomplishments, where they can write down even the tiniest wins. It's important for the reader to take the time to reflect on their progress and give themselves credit for their efforts. Additionally, they can reward themselves for reaching milestones, whether it's treating themselves to something special, taking a break to relax and recharge, or engaging in an activity they enjoy. By celebrating small victories, the reader reinforces a positive mindset and boosts their self-confidence, creating a sense of motivation and momentum to continue striving towards their goals.


Celebrating small victories is important because it helps the reader build a positive and empowering mindset. By acknowledging and appreciating their progress, they cultivate a sense of achievement and self-worth. It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of big goals and overlook the smaller milestones along the way. However, celebrating these small victories allows the reader to stay motivated and inspired, even during challenging times. It provides a sense of validation and encouragement, reminding them that their efforts and hard work are paying off. Moreover, celebrating small victories helps to cultivate a habit of gratitude and self-appreciation, fostering a positive self-image and boosting overall well-being. Ultimately, embracing the practice of celebrating small victories empowers the reader to stay focused, resilient, and motivated on their journey towards success.


Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting individuals who believe in you. Choose to spend time with people who inspire and motivate you to be the best version of yourself. Their positive energy and encouragement can have a profound impact on your self-confidence.


To surround yourself with positive influences, start by evaluating your social circle and identifying individuals who uplift and inspire you. Seek out like-minded people who share your goals and values through networking events, professional organizations, or online communities. Engage in meaningful conversations, attend personal development seminars, and participate in mentorship programs to connect with positive influencers. Additionally, curate your social media feeds by following accounts that promote positivity, motivation, and personal growth.


Surrounding yourself with positive influences is crucial because it shapes your mindset, attitudes, and beliefs. When you are in the company of optimistic and supportive individuals, you are more likely to maintain a positive outlook, cultivate self-confidence, and stay motivated. Positive influences can provide encouragement, guidance, and inspiration, helping you navigate challenges and stay focused on your goals. They can also serve as role models, showing you what is possible and pushing you to strive for personal and professional growth. By surrounding yourself with positive influences, you create an empowering environment that fuels your self-belief and enhances your overall well-being.


Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a dear friend. Embrace self-care practices, prioritize your well-being, and remind yourself that you are deserving of love, respect, and success.


Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Start by recognizing and acknowledging your own struggles and challenges, and remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes and experience setbacks. Be mindful of your self-talk and replace self-criticism with words of encouragement and self-acceptance. Engage in self-care activities that prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This could include activities like practicing mindfulness, journaling, seeking support from loved ones, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation. By nurturing a compassionate relationship with yourself, you can cultivate inner strength, resilience, and a positive mindset.


Self-compassion is important because it allows you to embrace your humanity and acknowledge that you deserve kindness and understanding, just like anyone else. It helps to counteract feelings of self-doubt, insecurity, and self-judgment that can hold you back from reaching your full potential. By practicing self-compassion, you cultivate a foundation of self-love and acceptance, which promotes mental well-being, boosts resilience, and enhances your overall quality of life. It enables you to approach challenges with greater self-confidence, cope with setbacks more effectively, and foster a positive and compassionate relationship with yourself and others.


Engage in Power Poses

Strike a power pose! Research shows that adopting open and confident body postures can actually boost feelings of self-assurance. Stand tall, widen your stance, and hold your head high. These simple physical actions can create a psychological shift, making you feel more confident and empowered.


To engage in power poses, find a private space where you can strike confident and expansive body postures. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, place your hands on your hips, and lift your chin up. Alternatively, you can try the "Wonder Woman" pose by standing with your feet apart and your hands on your hips, or the "Superman" pose with your chest out and your arms stretched forward. Hold these poses for a few minutes, focusing on embodying strength and confidence. You can also incorporate power poses into your daily routine, such as before an important meeting or presentation, to boost your self-assurance and project a strong and confident image.


Engaging in power poses is important because it can positively influence your mindset and increase your feelings of self-confidence. Research suggests that adopting expansive body postures can lead to physiological changes in your body, including increased testosterone and decreased cortisol levels, which are associated with feelings of power and reduced stress. Power poses can also help you improve your posture, enhance your presence and impact, and influence how others perceive you. By practicing power poses, you can tap into your inner strength, boost your self-esteem, and project a more confident and authoritative image, both in personal and professional settings.


Experiment with Style

Didn’t see this one coming, did you? Expressing yourself through fashion and personal style can significantly boost self-confidence. Step outside your comfort zone and experiment with different styles that reflect your unique personality. When you feel good about how you present yourself to the world, it positively influences your self-perception.


To embrace the spirit of experimentation and boost your self-confidence, it's time to get playful with your personal style. Start by exploring various fashion choices and dare to step out of your comfort zone. Experiment with different clothing styles, colors, patterns, and accessories that you may not have considered before. Try on outfits that reflect your unique personality and express your individuality. Don't be afraid to mix and match, layer, or accessorize in unexpected ways. Embrace the opportunity to discover new aspects of your personal style and let your creativity shine. By stepping outside of your fashion comfort zone, you'll not only enhance your outward appearance but also cultivate a sense of empowerment and confidence in expressing your authentic self.


Experimenting with style is important because it allows you to express your unique personality, boost your self-confidence, and embrace your individuality. When you step out of your comfort zone and try new styles, you open yourself up to new possibilities and opportunities for self-expression. It's a way to break free from societal norms and expectations, and truly showcase your authentic self. By experimenting with different outfits, hairstyles, and accessories, you can discover what makes you feel most confident, empowered, and comfortable in your own skin. It's an opportunity to explore and define your personal style, which can have a positive impact on how you present yourself to the world and how you feel about yourself. So, don't be afraid to play with fashion and let your creativity shine through!


Boosting self-confidence is an ongoing journey that requires patience, practice, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. By incorporating these surprising actions into your daily life, you can cultivate a strong and unwavering belief in yourself. Embrace failure, experiment with style, practice positive self-talk, engage in power poses, seek discomfort, celebrate victories, surround yourself with positivity, and practice self-compassion. These unexpected strategies will empower you to reach new heights of self-confidence and unlock your full potential.

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