Confidence is a priceless asset. It’s so hard to define - some express it as a feeling of self-assurance or a healthy frame of mind. But one thing is certain – if you have confidence, you feel wonderful. It’s easy to send it soaring: an unexpected compliment, a successful makeover, and some positive feedback from a job you feel you’ve done well. You feel good!
Confidence and Self Image
But as with most things, there is a down side the balance is downside – the balance is delicate. Unfortunately, our self-esteem can all too easily plummet. It is easy to burst your confidence bubble; an unsuccessful interview, someone lets you down, you overhear a nasty personal remark – suddenly life takes on a singularly dull shade of grey and your confidence plunges.
You feel bad!
But all is not lost. Confidence is closely related to self-image and a sense of self-worth. And often even the most self-assured extrovert possesses a secret weak spot, such as a hang up about their appearance, a dread of speaking in public or a phobia about social situations. Self-confidence management is something that can be learned, either from self-help books or from an assertiveness training course.
These courses include useful exercises to increase confidence and self-esteem. People who lack confidence often have a poor image of themselves that may have originated in a formative experience which created a negative thought-pattern in their unconscious. The mind seems to have a tendency to generalise so that one bad experience at a youthful party, or embarrassment in a college interview, a one-off panic in surging crowds, could bring similar panic situations in the future. There are now many programming techniques to allay such fears.
Building up self-confidence takes work, but it is the difference between what we can be and what we settle for. It really is never too late to start. Trying working on these useful tips to increase your self-confidence. You have nothing to lose - but your inhibitions!
Visualise the new you!
Use your imagination to visualise yourself as a happy, smiling, confident and optimistic person. Visualise stepping into that ideal self. Mentally rehearse what it is like to be that person. Practise smiling, talking and saying hello to people. Make an effort to be friendly.
Learn to say no!
Many people who lack confidence feel they have insufficient control over their business and private lives. They compromise or do things they would prefer not to, just to avoid difficult situations. Next time you feel you would prefer not to do something – be brave – say no.
You may surprise a few people, but confronting a difficult situation you’re scared of, is often the first step in your transformation.
Polish your self-image
People who lack confidence often have a poor image of themselves. Recognise your worth – make a conscious decision to identify your good points and stop criticising yourself.
Taking Up Something New
I bet there are things you would take up such as painting, writing, hiking, music etc. Anything that puts you in touch with other people is great to improve your self-assurance, which comes from the knowledge that even though you may not have been successful at something, at least you tried, so begin praising yourself.
Feel pleased with yourself because you made an attempt at exposing yourself to different social situations.
The Smell of Success
Essential oils are useful in promoting confidence in stressful situations. Because oils are a personal thing, find one that appeals to your senses. Try rosemary or lavender. Have a warm, relaxing bath with a few drops of your chosen oil. Now imagine the situation in which you feel anxious.
Picture yourself smiling and achieving a successful outcome. Then when you finally find yourself in that stressful situation, place a few drops of the essential oil on your handkerchief. A quick sniff will help you recreate positive feeling.
Help
Never be too proud or afraid to admit your need help. Seek help if you think you need it from friends or trained counsellors and don’t panic if you don’t achieve everything immediately.
Each day think quietly about your goals and take each day at a time – step by step – have confidence and you will succeed!