Confidence is like any other skill which you can improve with Practice and Patience.

People regularly post questions related to improving confidence on platforms like Quora, the questions range from tips on building confidence to techniques for maintaining and enhancing it.

Frankly, I have struggled to muster confidence as well. During high school, I remember getting severe stomach cramps as soon as a public speaking assignment was mentioned and while I was there standing in front of the class delivering my notes- my knees used to shiver and I was constantly preoccupied by wondering if my fellow mates could see how badly am I quivering?

For sure they would be judging me for it.

Fast forward 4 years, I was gowned as the valedictorian of my graduating class and the speech I delivered on the podium was in front of hundreds of aspiring graduates, honorary professors and proud parents.

By the time I finished, I got a standing ovation!

Truly that was one of the best moments of my life.

Coming back to the underlying question- what changed?

The answer is fairly simple- I built, improved and maintained my confidence.

Improve your Confidence: Adopt these 5 Habits Now!

The next question is- how did I manage to do it?

Personally for me, the following 5 confidence boosters did wonders:

1) Dress-up

Nothing boosts confidence better than dressing up for success. Previously, I was completely oblivious to the power of having a good dressing sense, I was ‘okay’ with dressing up mediocrely.

What I came to realize later was dressing up averagely, set my confidence level to a bare-minimum level.

I did not feel enthusiastic about dressing up and this translated into not feeling enthusiastic about my day, not feeling an energy boost- basically feeling bored and dull all the time.

Gradually, I started taking interest in what I wore and how I carried it.

The change was more than pleasant!

My spirits felt better, my social circle got more responsive, I felt my zeal return and I had more energy to dedicate towards accomplishing my goals.

A crisp dressing sense emits power and confidence!

2) Groom Yourself

How can we overlook grooming?

Dressing and grooming go hand in hand. A well-tailored dress would do no good if it is carried improperly in a shabby way and on an appearance which is not well-kempt.

Work on developing a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercise in your daily routine.

Take personal hygiene seriously- keeping your hair and nails trimmed, ears clean and getting rid of body odor is a part of hygiene 101.

First impressions usually create a lasting impact, so while you work on your dressing- pay attention to grooming as well.

Choose the right shoes (make sure they are well-polished) and accessories (too much bling is a turn off) to pair with your dress according to the occasion- don’t under or overdress.

Remember: be chic, be classy and radiate confidence.

3) Firm-up Your Posture

Research has proven people who stand straight and sit in an upright position are perceived as more confident than the ones who sit and stand in a lazy, laid back or weak position.

It’s important that you maintain a correct, active posture. This will help in balancing your energy level and will keep pressure from building on your neck and shoulders.

Don’t slouch.

Don’t get in a hump-back position.

When you stand, pull your tummy towards your spine and tighten your pelvic muscles.

Hold your ground firmly by keeping your legs together and don’t sway from side to side.

4) Go For A Run

Adopt exercising as a daily habit- walk, jog, run or perhaps hit the gym if it works better for you.

People who exercise regularly show a higher degree of confidence than people who don’t.

Exercising keeps one’s energy levels well-moderated, it takes out lethargy and makes one feel alive and upbeat!

5) Have a Healthy Diet

Eat healthy to enhance your physical and mental fitness. Consuming healthy food will not only improve one’s life longevity but also moderate hormonal changes to keep emotional levels in check. It all comes down to what you eat:

Eat in small portions

Break your meal frequencies

Avoid oily/fried goods

Replace carbs with proteins

Improve on your vegetable and fruit consumption

Eat only when you are hungry, don’t give in to random impulses

Your confidence levels will improve once your physical and mental health starts to improve.

These 5 habits proved to be life changing for me.

I adopted them with discipline and consistency for 2 weeks and the results got hooked me for life.

I am a believer now!

Building confidence is easy when the foundation you are building it on is strong and not fragile.

Make yourself a priority and start taking care of yourself, you will automatically feel a shift in your self-esteem and self-confidence levels.







