http://lifestyle.sympatico.msn.ca/BodyandM...fConfidence.htmThere are times when we feel we can do anything at all and there are other times when nothing seems possible. This is the reality for everyone. So how is it that some people can maintain an air of confidence even in the worst situations?
No one is immune to doubt, as confident as they may seem. Some of us have just learned the tricks of exuding self-confidence.
Increase your Knowledge
The best method to increasing your self-confidence is to work on improving your knowledge and abilities. As the saying goes: Knowledge is power.
Once your school days have passed and you hit the work force, it can be difficult to continue your education. Some people take up new hobbies like flying or cooking and others find they just don´t have the time.
At the very least, you can increase your knowledge by reading. Read books as a means to an end. Read books to gain information about what you need to know. Be it history, business, psychology, geography, or any other worldly matter, keep your mind sharp by reading.
Like Yourself
Liking yourself is equivalent to your self-worth and accepting yourself as you are. Your feelings about yourself are probably the most important feelings you can have. If you do not like yourself, then who else will?
Self-esteem is directly influenced by the negative and positive thoughts you hear. These may be thoughts heard in your environment or thoughts in your own mind. Either way, this talk is extremely powerful.
Focus on your Strengths
Each one of us has our own particular strengths. The best among us know how to capitalize on them.
For example one of my strengths is writing and listening. I was always called shy or quiet when I was younger and was always told to speak up or say something! I thought something was definitely wrong with me as everyone else in my family could not keep their mouth shut.
Now I´m older and I´ve made those strengths work for me. My strengths are my business!
Try building on your strengths by deciphering all those traits you like about yourself. Alternatively, ask others what it is they like about you as a person and what they think you are good at. Make sure to ask someone who will give you an honest response.
Rather than trying to work on your weaknesses, spend your time capitalizing on your strengths.
Remind yourself of Success
Think about when you felt successful last year, last week, or indeed yesterday. Thinking about your past successes makes you a stronger person, better able to handle and cope with today´s challenges.
Those who perform best are able to say to themselves, I´ve done it before and I can do it again.
Now that´s confidence!
I use this exercise with my clients quite often. Either use a journal or simply tell yourself the things that you praise and acknowledge yourself for. Don´t stop until you get to ten.
A journal of your grea-*test*-('") accomplishments will come in very handy when you´ve had a bad day – and we all have lots of those.
Visualize Future Success
It is very exciting to see in your mind how it feels to have succeeded. Professional athletes use this technique all the time.
Successful people use visualization regularly. This is because our minds cannot distinguish the difference between something real and something imagined. Creating a detailed mental picture increases the likelihood of success and boosts your self-confidence to a tremendous degree.
There are many ways to do this. For example if you are going for a job interview, you can picture how it will feel to answer all the interviewer questions easily and effortlessly. Furthermore, close your eyes and truly visualize yourself getting that job. To learn more about creating a vision, just click here.
Get Rid of Nay-Sayers
Your environment has a great effect on the confidence that you, as an individual, display. Environment here could be family, friends, politics, or any other strong influence.
Surround yourself with people and events that support you. Is it imperative to ignore those people who tend to criticize and put you down. For some people, support groups can be a great benefit. For others, a personal coach can be a great asset. Whatever you choose, don´t allow nay-sayers to influence you – and take pride when you triumph over their negativity
Develop an Attitude
An attitude of excellence is the bottom line when it comes to self-confidence. Give your best at all times and shock everyone with your ability to carry yourself in a cool, assured manner.
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confidence breeds success
It is true that people with a high degree of self-confidence are far more likely to be successful – all other aspects being equal – than those who work in a less confident manner. Analyze your strengths and give yourself a reason to feel sure about yourself – and then let the world know about it.
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