Top ten tips for building confidence

We’re not born with a ready supply of confidence, it’s something we have to work at, develop, nurture and sustain. And still it can desert us just when we need it most!  Use these tips to help build your confidence and support others: we all need a little boost from time to time…

1. Decide on the purpose of what you are about to do. Think it through, make a plan, understand what the outcome will be and clarify your role. Do you have the resources you need to complete the task?
2. Surround yourself with people who are confident, supportive, positive thinkers. Keep away from the mood hoovers and whingers.
3. Talk to people who are experts in the field. Ask for their advice, discuss the pitfalls and build confidence from their success.
4. Select three positive, helpful words to combat those negative thoughts as soon as they start to creep up on you. Repeat these words in your head, over and over. You’ll be amazed at the impact it has.
5. Keep a sense of humour and avoid the temptation to take yourself or your task too seriously.
6. When you hit a setback, don’t be defeated. Regroup, re-plan and keep going. Think about the first time you rode a bike. I’ve never met anyone who got it perfectly on day one.
7. Having said that, confidence is also the strength to spot when it’s time to admit defeat, adopt Plan B and learn from the experience without allowing it to get the better of us.
8. Confidence is spelt c-o-n-f-i-d-e-n-c-e . Not to be confused with delusional, aggressive, rude or overbearing.
9. You’ve done it! Capture that feeling of success when the task is complete. Write down how you feel and refer back to it next time you need a boost. Thank the people who were part of your journey.
10. Look for the next opportunity as soon as you can. There’s nothing like that feeling of confidence to give us the drive we need to attempt the next challenge.