How to build self-confidence

When you trust the voice on the inside more than the doubters on the outside, you’re really taking control of your life. But the journey to cultivating that inner trust, the belief in yourself that you are capable, you can do, and you do deserve it isn’t a straightforward one. As with everything in this life worth having, there will be trials and tribulations, unexpected challenges, and you will need to persevere in the face of adversity even if those around you decide to give up. With this in mind, dedicating a small portion of your day to developing this level of self-confidence can help you express yourself and live life on your own terms.

There are a million ways to solve a puzzle as the saying goes, but in our fast-paced, time-poor society, utilising the Pareto principle can give us a key advantage. This is the idea that approximately 80% of results come from 20% of our work. 

So how do we choose where to focus? Fortunately, the latest developments in neuroscience can lend us a helping hand. Combining years of research with over a decade of empirical evidence, there are six key steps to developing self-confidence.

1. Exercise

Exercise has long been known to have a plethora of beneficial effects on both body and mind. As neuroscience gains a deeper understanding of how exercise creates those feel-good chemicals, it is the foundation of strong self-confidence.

In addition to the health benefits, exercise provides a challenge and a subsequent achievement, it increases stamina, focus and concentration. It can clear the mind of negative thoughts and be used to change your energy in just a few short minutes. Explore different options until you find something you enjoy and commit to a short period of exercise daily.

2. Personal development

The first-century Greek philosopher Epictetus said it best, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters”.

Learning how your mind works so that you can transform your perceptions is a skill that pays dividends for life. Changing an event from something that had a profound impact on you, to being a tremendous resource, will allow your confidence and self-expression to flourish. Developing the skills to regulate your own emotions and keep a clear mind during times of challenge strengthens your self-belief and increases your self-worth.

Personal development is the engine for building self-confidence.

3. Meditation

Meditation is both a skill and a practice and is essential to connect to that voice on the inside. This tool can be used to integrate emotional charges and create inspiring visions. Investing a few minutes each day to enter stillness, while the rest of the world keeps the foot on the accelerator, allows you to stay grounded and calm. Meditation is a means to balance your physiology, view challenges from a greater perspective, and a moment to disconnect from social media, smartphones and television to tap into your heart and seek guidance.

4. Journaling

A strategic journal serves as a specific tool to grow and expand your self-confidence each and every day. Journaling is so important because it collects the data that evidence your successes and records your progress. It turns the intangible sensations of the body into a clear demonstration of progress and improvement. Journaling helps you to draw on your exercise, personal development and meditative experiences to distil our learning into golden nuggets of wisdom. 

5. Planning and prioritisation

Even the greatest of ideas may never see the light of day without an inspired plan. It’s easy to get bogged down with the small, day-to-day steps needed to achieve big dreams. Learning how to create an inspired plan and how to prioritise action steps builds confidence by chunking things down into small enough pieces that give you the certainty you need to take action. 

When you have strategically thought out what you want, and created your own road map of how to get there, you’ll develop unshakeable confidence that it can be achieved. As this confidence is often the difference between realising your dreams and falling just short, planning and prioritisation create the momentum you need.

6. Learning and study

The more you know, the quicker you realise how much you don’t know. Human beings are geared for learning, and our brains continue to make new connections from the moment we are born to the moment we die. A curious approach to life helps us approach problems with intrigue, and keeps our brain healthy. There are many different types of learning, but when you engage in something that lights up your spirit, it opens the tap to unlimited energy and inspiration. Finding what you love to learn about will take you on a lifelong journey of exploring the world with confidence.

Self-confidence is a journey more than a destination, but these timeless tools will help you move towards your goals with purpose and productivity. Beyond that, you can take each step of the journey speaking from your heart, leading from the front, and having fun.

Remember, it’s OK to need a helping hand in life. You don’t need to be going through a crisis or challenge in order to benefit from seeking professional support. In fact, we think everyone can benefit from working with a coach at some point in their life. Learn more about coaching and how a coach can help with confidence building. 

If you’re ready to start your coaching journey, simply browse profiles and when you have found a coach you resonate with, send them an email.

Read our interview with Danny on Hypnotherapy Directory or visit his website, Danny Greeves Coaching. Danny’s book, Six Steps to Self-Confidence, is available now.