“Self-confidence gives you courage and extends your reach. It lets you take greater risks and achieve far more than you ever thought possible.” ~ Jack Welch

There is a common element in all individuals that get things done. That element is self-confidence. It enhances all our abilities to take greater risks and achieve more. Self-confidence extends your reach and makes you perform miracles.

Self-confidence is our attitude which gives us a positive views about ourselves. It helps us to trust our abilities and believe that we can achieve what we want.

Self-confident people have realistic expectations of themselves and others. Even if sometimes some of these expectations are not met we remain positive, accept ourselves and look optimistically to conquer
obstacles.

We feel good about ourselves even when others don’t appreciate and acknowledge our efforts. We don’t long for the approval of others, although getting approval still makes us feel good when it comes.

Self-confidence is contagious. Self-confident people instill similar confidence in others and at the same time gain the confidence of others.

Our self confidence is expressed in our behaviour, body language, the way we dress, talk, look, walk, what we say and think. Being self confident we are able to overcome out fears, accept the truth and live happy lives. That’s not to say bad things don’t happen, they do, but being self confident we know that we can overcome, survive and thrive.

The signs of low self confidence are feeling of guilt, skepticism, pride, fear, pretension, laziness, depression, pessimism, procrastination, doubt, and jealousy. A lack of self confidence will also come through our behaviour, for everyone to see.

Thankfully, there are ways to build our self confidence.

1. Have faith in yourself

Our self confidence increases when we believe in our abilities to perform. When we start a new endeveour, a new business or a new job, or in times of crisis there is always a concern about our abilities to perform. At those times we seem to forget our innumerable talents.

So how do you get faith? Faith is another way to describe unshakeable belief. The first step in gaining that unwavering belief in your abilities is to identify what our abilities are. So list them out - all of them. When I ask others to do this, they draw a blank, or write two or three things down. So I’ve developed a memory jogger list to help.

What are the things you enjoy doing?
What are the things other people tell you you are good at?
What are you good at doing?
List at least 5 natural talents that you possess.
List your qualifications.
List 5 things that you’ve done in the past that have surprised you.
What do you think is your greatest curse?
List the 5 biggest challenges in your life and how you overcame them (or continue to).
When you were half your current age, what did you enjoy doing?
When you were half your current age, what did other people say you were good at?

This list will help you re-discover your skills and abilities. Understand that every single item on this list has at least 3 other skills and abilities that are either a critical part, or associated with it. This list, every time you review or add to it builds faith in your present abilities and will boost
your self confidence.

This is a two part post. The second part which contains more methods on building your self confidence will be ready in about a few days.

Update: You can find the second part [1] here.

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