Secret to Building Confidence

If we can all agree on one thing, it’s that confidence doesn’t always come easy. Building confidence takes effort – it requires us to be open to trying new things and forging better relationships. Sometimes, building self-confidence even means having to transform on a physical level.

Still, living a full life and being able to cope with everything that comes our way is an amazing tradeoff. With that in mind, let’s talk about how we can get to where we want to be. We’ll talk about everything from going to therapy to getting Invisalign in Phoenix, AZ – so let’s just dive into it!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Confidence and Knowing Your Value

Being confident is all about knowing your value and what you bring to the table. But how can we discover our hidden talents if we’re full of insecurities?

Identify Your Biggest Insecurities

Obviously, the process of building self-confidence is supposed to make us shed our insecurities. But we can’t fight something if we don’t name it first! So at the beginning of our journey of self-discovery, let’s take the time to dive into the things that make us tick.

We can even make a list of our biggest insecurities, whether they’re physical or not. For example, some people may be insecure about the number of books they’ve read. Others may find fault with an aspect of their appearance, like not having clothes that fit or having a noticeable overbite.

Either way, once we name our insecurities, we’ll be one step closer to defeating them once and for all. However, there are two ways to do that. On the one hand, we can deconstruct those anxieties and overcome them.

Alternatively, we might realize that they’re problems we can solve as easily as getting invisible braces for a persistent overbite.

Work on Your Physical and Mental Health

Oftentimes, we find that the path to overcoming self-doubt starts with taking care of our physical and mental health needs.

Rather than using exercise to punish or shrink ourselves, we need to think of movement as a way of reconnecting with our bodies. And the same goes for our relationship with food.

We can’t feel good about ourselves if we’re constantly feeling bloated because of something we’re eating. A nutritionist may help us figure out if we’re allergic to certain food groups.

While we’re at it, we might as well get a full physical and dental checkup. It can’t hurt to make sure that everything is in working order. And hey, if any of our insecurities can be fixed with something as simple as Invisalign trays or clear braces – we might as well get it over with, right? If nothing else, advocating for ourselves at a doctor’s office will prepare us for the next step on our journey.

At the same time, we can’t let our mental health needs fall by the wayside. If we can’t afford therapy, we can always use self-help books and articles. And if that’s out of the question too, we can always contemplate different confidence-building self-esteem quotes every day!

Speak up for Yourself

After we take the reins where our health is concerned, asserting ourselves in other arenas should become much easier. Gradually, exercise can make us more connected with our bodies, allowing us to stand up straighter and keep our heads up. Joining a group cardio class at a local gym is the perfect way to step out of one’s comfort zone and start talking to people.

From there, it’ll be easy to transfer our newfound ease into other situations. We’ll find ourselves asking questions more confidently and asking for what we want at work. Even in our personal lives, being able to express our desires more clearly and calmly will help us achieve our wildest dreams.

Reinvent Your Style

Now that we’re more in tune with our physical, mental, and social needs, we can finally have some fun! First, think of the most amazing outfit you’ve ever seen but never thought you’d wear. Once you have the image in your mind – make it a reality! Whether you’re wearing a crazy color or pattern, or a sleek monochromatic look, going for a specific style will definitely make you stand out.

And, since you’ve already worked through any residual shyness during the previous steps, stepping into the light will feel amazing! Even introverts will love strutting their stuff in an outfit they’ve never been brave enough to try.

Of course, this tip doesn’t just apply to your fashion sense. If you have a hairstyle or even color you’ve always wanted to try – consider this a sign, and do it!

Follow Inspirational People on Social Media Platforms

As we have established, the process of building confidence isn’t for the faint of heart. But we’re all allowed to stumble and have doubts. If that happens, you can take comfort in knowing all your role models had similar moments too.

Just be careful who you’re looking up to. The Internet is still a highly curated place. So make sure the people on your feed are genuine. Otherwise, you run the risk of constantly comparing yourself to other people, instead of being inspired by them.

Above all, be kind – to yourself as well as others. The line between confidence and arrogance is, at times, concerningly thin. So make sure you’re staying on the right side.

Set Goals and Follow Through

The most enjoyable part of stepping into your power is being able to assert your intentions. Setting goals – however small – and consistently meeting them allows us to feel secure in the knowledge that we’ll be able to achieve whatever we set our minds to.

Just pick a task you’ve been putting off and do it! Start by organizing a sock drawer or preparing a healthy meal. Before you know it, you’ll be meal prepping in your pristine apartment. Teaching ourselves how to deliver on these kinds of promises will easily translate into long-term goal-setting too.

Step off the Beaten Path

We’re aware that this final tip sounds vague, but hear us out. Letting ourselves stray off the beaten path is the best way to put our newfound confidence to the test. On the one hand, we can literally explore our surroundings by taking a route we’ve never taken or doing an activity we’ve never tried.

Alternatively, we can go with the figurative meaning of the phrase. Instead of literally looking for new stomping grounds, building confidence also means letting ourselves consider the different avenues our lives could take. Basically – brainstorm the rest of your life. Now that you know how to set and reach goals, you get to think big!

What Does Confidence Even Look Like

At this point, the tips we’ve shared seem pretty theoretical. How would you know if these exercises have managed to improve your self-esteem? Honestly, would Invisalign trays really make much of a difference?

Well, while taking care of your health would certainly have a positive effect on your life, building confidence requires much more effort. You’ll know that you’ve made it when you’re able to consistently stick to your values even if doing so makes others uncomfortable.

Ultimately, you should be your own biggest advocate and supporter. Even if you make mistakes, you’ll be able to acknowledge and learn from them. That’s what being confident means – owning the best and worst of oneself and always striving to be better.

About The Author:

Maria Samuel JohnsonMaria S. Johnson, DDS, is an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She teaches both in the undergraduate Doctor of Dental Medicine curriculum and the Advanced Education General Dentistry Residency.

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