Most of us aren't born feeling extremely confident. For us, confidence is often situational. In some situations we feel self assured -- in others, not so much.

Luckily, confidence is something that can be not only built but learned. Actions inform attitudes; the way we behave can, over time, change how we feel. The following is a guest post from Mareo McCracken, a global growth consultant and revenue leader at Move Medical. (You might consider following him on LinkedIn; he often takes an unusual approach to overcoming the challenges most of us face.)

Here's Mareo:

People-watching is fun -- sometimes inspiring, always instructive -- so whenever I'm around people I try to learn as much as I can.

In business meetings I pay attention to and notice who does what. At community events I focus on what leaders and influencers do. I learn what to do and just as important, what not to do.

And I definitely notice what poised, self-assured, confident people do consistently:

1. They take responsibility.

Confident people don't blame others. No matter the circumstance, a confident person understands that truly owning one's feelings, emotions, and results is the only true path to success.

2. They crave progress.

Confident people don't aspire for perfection; they drive for improvement.

To a confident person, the "perfect person" is one who knows who they really are and fully embraces their own possibilities. Improvement is a choice as well as a journey.

3. They don't gossip -- they uplift.

Confident people don't talk about other people. They talk about ideas, projects, goals, plans, and aspirations.

They recognize the importance of staying positive -- or at least neutral.

4. They understand the power of saying "no."

Confident people don't over-promise. They understand the value of time and effort and are conscious to commit to things that are aligned with their ultimate goals, passions, and beliefs.

By doing this, confident people are able to give their best at all times.

5. They honor their minds and their bodies.

Confident people know they need to take care of themselves to do and be their best. They value balance, which includes exercise, relationships, eating well, education, hard work, and sleep.

6. They know and act on their "why."

Confident people have a purpose. The reason behind an action drives the enthusiasm for that action.

As a result they are excited, dedicated, passionate, and fearless. And they share their passions with others.

7. They ask for help.

Confident people know that trying to accomplish everything alone is not possible. They ask for help often. Confident people don't feel threatened by seeking help from others.

Confident people love helping others, but they also love being helped.

8. They view failure as a learning moment.

Confident people don't see failure as an end but instead as a tool to grow. They recognize that on the road to success there will be trials, challenges, and obstacles -- but they know perseverance always wins in the end.

Remember, learning from others doesn't mean striving to become a mirror image. Instead, take the best and find ways to make it your own and always ensure your actions align with the results you seek.