The 6 things confident and courageous people don't do

Why are some people more confident and courageous than others?

There are many things that can influence how confident we feel, including our experiences, environment and the way we see ourselves. While we can't always control these influences, we can choose how we respond to them.

Confidence can grow when we challenge ourselves, take manageable risks and practise stepping outside our comfort zone. We can also look at the habits and behaviours that may be holding us back.

Here are six behaviours you might recognise and some ideas to help you approach them differently.

1. They don't try to please everyone all the time

Being kind and considerate is important, but there's a difference between caring about others and regularly putting your own wants, needs or boundaries aside to gain their approval. Building confidence can mean learning to recognise what matters to you and feeling able to express your needs, even when others may not agree.

2. They don't worry about things that are out of their control

Rather than focusing on 'what if's' or experiences in the past, which they can't change, confident and courageous people focus on the present and on things which are within their circle of influence.

3. They don't avoid new and challenging opportunities

This doesn't mean they don't have self-doubts or feel nervous. But they have the courage to know whatever happens they can deal with it, even when they are uncertain of what is to come. 

4. They don't let setbacks define them

Everyone experiences disappointment, frustration and times when life feels unfair. Confidence and courage don't mean ignoring those feelings. Instead, it's about giving yourself space to acknowledge them, while considering what you can learn, what you can influence and what your next step might be.

5. They recognise supportive relationships

They realise how draining some people can be when they appear to constantly complain or see the negative side of life. Instead, they surround themselves with friends and colleagues who leave them feeling positive and energised.

6. They don't need the approval of others

We all like to receive positive feedback sometimes, but confident and courageous people have enough self-belief and trust to make their own decisions and stand by them.

How confident and courageous are you feeling today?

Choose one of the behaviours from above that you recognise, and challenge yourself to let it go this week. That could be a great first step to having the courage to build your confidence.