Building Self Confidence

So what exactly is confidence? Well, confidence is the feeling that you have control and you can do what you want. Confidence means that you feel things will turn out the way you want. Of course having self-confidence does not mean you can do everything.

Actually, many times people are not confident in themselves because they have unrealistic standards for themselves. Then when they fail to reach the unreachable goals they have a feeling of failure.

Confidence is not something people are born with, such as intelligence or personality. It is something a person develops over time. Therefore, it can also be changed and shaped. Many people are not “confident people”. You probably feel confident in yourself in some areas (such as sports) and not as confident in other areas (such as school and test).

How is Self-Confidence Originally Developed?

In a child’s earlier years, their parents shape the child’s confidence. If the parents are accepting and loving and show confidence in the child, then he or she will naturally gain confidence. The values of society can sometimes constrict a child and make him or her feel worthless of unable to compete. Also, friends can be a big determinant of a child’s confidence.

Have Confidence in Your Own Abilities

Research has shown that confidence is not dependent on abilities. That means that just because a person is good at something does not necessarily mean they are confident. Be confident in yourself that you can do the things you set out to. Also, if you do fail, remember that everything will be ok.

How to Boost Your Confidence

Reward Yourself For Trying- Even if you do not succeed, give yourself credit for trying. If you really poured you heart out and tried your best, then you should be pound no matter what the outcome is.

Emphasize your strengths- Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Try to use your strengths more and build confidence in them. Then after you accept the things you are not-so-good-at, you can slowly begin to build confidence in them too.

Positive Self-Talk- Remember the Little Tank Engine? By telling yourself you can do something you will be much better at it. You can build confidence in yourself. Don’t wait for someone else to tell you, be your own source of confidence. Also, by telling yourself positive things you can block out the negative thoughts that come to you when you blankly find yourself becoming nervous.

Learn From Your Failures- Failing can be a good thing… if you learn from it. Realize your mistakes and improve next time. You may fail again next time, but if you can improve your performance you will have just a little more confidence. Keep trying, and eventually you will be able to confidently do the thing that once made your knees turn to jello.