Building your confidence and self-esteem is one of the most important issues to focus on in your growth journey.

What does it take to succeed? You might think you need lots of money and powerful friends. However, there’s a more significant factor that’s free and within your reach. This crucial factor is believing in yourself.

What is self-confidence, and why is it important?

Self-confidence means valuing and accepting yourself despite any of your faults or what people say or believe about you. It also means you believe in your judgment and your abilities. Your level of self-confidence affects your mindset and behavior. Lack of self-confidence often leads people to behavior that is destructive to them and others. 

An example of self-confident behavior is doing what you believe is right, even if others criticize you for it.  Low self-confidence will cause the person to do only what they think others will approve of, whether it is right or wrong. Another example of self-confidence is admitting your mistakes and learning from them. A person with low self-confidence may blame others or quickly try to cover it up so as not to admit their mistakes.

Self-confidence is very important for success. It helps you to believe you can succeed despite setbacks. Self-confident people are resilient and persistent. Self-confidence inspires people to believe in you and your ideas. No one wants to back an idea when the founder is not confident in his ability to make it a success.

The great thing about confidence is that it’s a skill you can develop. You might need to fake it sometimes, but gradually you’ll accept and trust
yourself more. 

How can I improve my confidence daily?

1. Review your achievements. It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. Give
yourself credit for your major accomplishments and the incremental progress
you make each day. 

2. Set goals. Keep adding to your track record by creating specific and compelling
goals for the short and long term. Making an effort is just as important as the
end results. 

 3. Change your inner dialogue. How do you talk to yourself? Choose words that
lift you up and inspire you to try harder.

 4. Continue learning. Maybe you need additional resources and qualifications to
pursue your passions. Take courses online, read books, and talk with others
about their areas of expertise.

 5. Think positive. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and hope. Start your day with
a smile, and savor small pleasures. 

Taking Care of Yourself

Your daily choices reflect how much you value yourself. Adopt habits that protect your physical and mental well-being, such as:

 1. Exercise regularly. Physical activity reduces stress and increases hormones
that help you feel calm and happy. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate
aerobic exercise each week. 

2. Eat healthy. 

It’s easier to have confidence when your energy levels are high and your blood sugar is stable. Enjoy a diet rich in nutritious whole foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid excess salt and sugar.

3. Sleep well. 

Your body and mind need 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep each night. Stick to a consistent bedtime and keep your bedroom dark and quiet. 

4. Manage stress. 

How do you deal with daily tensions? Learn constructive coping strategies. In addition to working out, you could develop a daily self-care practice or listen to soft music.

5. Reaching out for support.

 Believing in yourself also means being realistic. Relying on others can sometimes be a
sign of wisdom and strength. 

Try these strategies:

1. Advocate for yourself. 

Mutually supportive relationships are based on healthy boundaries and asking for help when you need it. Communicate tactfully and directly, and allow yourself to be vulnerable.

2. Network actively.

Build a strong system of personal and professional contacts. Join clubs and go to places where you can meet others who share your interests. Nurture your relationships by staying in touch and being willing to communicate on a deeper level where you share your thoughts and feelings.

 3. Find a mentor. 

Working with a trusted advisor is a great way to gain guidance and valuable feedback about your career path and other aspects of your life.  Look for someone you can relate to and be respectful of their time. You can start with someone you know or ask your contacts for introductions.

 4. Be generous.

 Giving to others can increase your regard for yourself in many ways. In addition to receiving the joy and fulfillment of giving, you’ll see proof that you have strengths that can make a positive impact on the world and your community.