Seven atttitudes of confident people

Confidence is not just about how you appear on the outside. It is often shaped by your attitude, your intentions and the way you respond to yourself, other people and challenges.

Here are seven attitudes I have noticed in people who seem to move through life with confidence:

1. Confident people watch their words and are careful with their thoughts. They are aware enough to know they need to define their own reality and not buy into everyone else’s.
2. Confident people witness their thoughts without judging them and practise self-acceptance. They realise that their perception of others can sometimes reflect something within themselves, and that their reactions can offer useful self-awareness.
3. Confident people have found a place within themselves where they believe change is possible. They don’t demand and don’t assume. They trust that if something is meant for them, they can work towards it. As they say in Scotland, “What is for you won’t go afore you.”
4. Confident people understand that the way they think about themselves is not always the way they actually are. Life doesn’t have a remote control; they know they may have to get up and change life itself. They are comfortable building their dream, rather than only helping to build someone else’s.
5. Confident people are aware that their worth is not determined by power or prestige, but by their moral principles, the courage of their convictions and their sincerity. They are alert to their own needs and have the ability to see good in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people.
6. Confident people try to keep their minds free from clutter. They are tolerant of others who make mistakes, as they know that they too have learned by making mistakes. They focus on creating, not criticising.
7. Confident people don’t focus on perfection, as they know it can distract them from excellence. They are aware that hurrying and being busy aren’t the same as productivity.

How is your attitude?

Are you:

• Motivated?
• Flexible in your approach?
• Willing to take healthy risks?
• Eager to stretch yourself?
• Willing to make meaningful changes?
• Able to return to a positive outlook after difficult moments?
• Clear about where you are heading in life?
• Aware of your core values?
• Assertive in a non-aggressive way?
• Accepting of your weaknesses?
• A champion of others?
• Able to care less about unhelpful judgement from others?
• A strong believer in your own capabilities?
• Quick to get back up from knocks?
• Able to stand by your convictions with self-belief?
• Comfortable presenting yourself confidently without showing off?
• Developing strong interpersonal skills?
• Inspiring others through your own behaviour?

If, like many people, you are not all of these things, that is OK. Building confidence is a process.

I invite you to learn the importance of self-confidence and understand that, when you build your courage muscles, you can begin to reframe anxiety, hidden fears and current challenges. You can design a strategy for your life, discover your visions, dreams and goals, and use influence, persuasion and communication skills to create an impact. Practise saying “no” until you can say it with confidence and ease.