How To Have Abundant Self-Confidence

Building self-confidence and self-esteem

by Marta Kagan

Confidence is power - The power to attract, persuade, influence, and succeed. Imagine what your life would be like if you had an abundance of self-confidence! Confidence isn't an inherited trait, it's a learned one. This means that you can have an abundance of self-confidence. Start here, right now.
Here are three simple guidelines to help you begin experiencing the joy and ease that flows from an abundance of self-confidence:

1.       Think confidence. Confidence starts in the mind. What you think of yourself very much influences the way you feel about yourself. This, in turn, affects the way you speak and act.

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt.

The very first thing you have to do to create abundant self-confidence is to start thinking with confidence. Pay attention to your internal dialogue, and learn to notice when you allow negativity or doubt to control the course of your thinking.

Replace negative thoughts with an image of self-confidence. Focus on your strengths, those things that come easily and naturally to you. Define these special qualities as your own "personal brilliance". Practice replacing your doubts with an image of self-confidence every time that negativity or doubt enters your mind.

Keep in mind that whatever you believe becomes your reality. The more intensely that you believe something to be true, the more true it becomes.
 

2.       Establish a confidence-building environment. Your environment has a tremendous influence on you. The books you read, the people you spend time with, and the music you listen to all influence the way you think and feel about yourself and the world around you.

In a nutshell, your environment can either build up your self-confidence or drag it down.

If you're in a situation where you're discouraged, such as an unhealthy relationship or a miserable job, you have to change that situation if you want your self-confidence level to grow.

Create an environment that supports you in your desire to have abundant self-confidence. Spend time with confident people. Remove the influences that wear down your personal image of success. Don't allow someone else to influence or determine your destiny. Give yourself the opportunity to flourish and grow!
 

3.       Practice, practice, practice!

"What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing." -Aristotle. 

It takes lots of practice to develop a habit. Self-confidence, over time, becomes a healthy habit.

As a student of self-confidence, study confident people. Observe their body language and their vocal qualities. Practice the simple qualities of self-confidence: eye contact, smiling, open body postures, and a firm handshake. Resist the urge to structure your sentences such that statements sound like questions. Be decisive.

Plan confidence-building situations, especially new situations where people don't already know you or have pre-conceived opinions or expectations of you.

Remember to practice, practice, practice! Self-confidence can be yours. Take it!
 

About The Author
Marta Kagan
is an innovative business, career, and life strategist. She is dedicated to helping people discover and realize their own unique potential. To sign up for more free tips like these, visit her at http://www.lifelinecoaching.com