If you haven’t been feeling good about yourself, I want you to know there is something you can do about it!

You can raise your confidence and build self-esteem. It’s okay. It happens to most of us at one time or another throughout our lives.

This post will show you how to raise your confidence and build your self-esteem. Please note: the information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute or replacement for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In fact, you may be shocked to learn you can gain confidence quickly, and you’ll learn seven ways to boost your confidence and feel better about yourself.

Why do I lack confidence?

There are many reasons why some of us may lack confidence. Some women may have experienced criticism or negativity in the past that has damaged their confidence, while others may have a tendency to be self-critical or may have low self-esteem.

Sometimes, a lack of confidence may be related to past traumas or social or cultural influences that have made you doubt your abilities. The specific reasons for lack of confidence depend on an individual and your unique life experiences.

No matter the reason, there are ways to build your confidence, and they are much easier than you think!

What are ways that challenge your confidence?

We all have subtle ways that challenge our feelings about ourselves, make us feel awkward or unhinged, and make us want to escape the current dinner party, work event, reunion, etc.

It could be running into an old flame, attending a high school reunion, dealing with an office bully or an over-opinionated relative, or not feeling like you’re in shape enough to work out at your local fitness center.

Perhaps you’ve put on a few pounds and are uncomfortable with your appearance. Maybe you see new wrinkles appearing on your face, and you don’t feel like yourself when you look in the mirror.

When you think about it, the awkwardness you feel often comes from that little voice in your head…the young girl who isn’t so sure of herself and afraid she’ll be rejected.

However, reminding her that you are no longer a little girl is important. You are a grown woman with TONS of life experiences, and people’s opinions no longer matter to you anymore.

It doesn’t have to stay that way!

I will give you seven easy-to-apply techniques that you can use TODAY to improve your confidence.

Using these tricks daily will improve your confidence in any situation.

7 Easy Ways to Feel More Confident

#1. Set Small Goals and Achieve Them

Set small goals and work towards achieving them. As you accomplish these goals, your confidence will grow. You can do this with small goals around the house, goals at work, fitness, and personal goals.

HOW TO SET GOALS AND FULFILL THEM

Identify your goals: What do you want to accomplish? Be specific and make sure your goals are measurable.
Make a plan: Break your goal into smaller, more achievable steps. This will help you stay on track and make progress toward your goal.
Set a deadline: Having a deadline will help you stay focused and motivated. Make sure your deadline is realistic and allows enough time to complete each step of your plan.
Stay organized: Keep track of your progress and adjust your plan as needed. This will help you stay on track and make sure you are making progress toward your goal.
Stay motivated: It can be easy to get discouraged, especially if you encounter setbacks. Remember why you set this goal first, and keep pushing forward. It can also be helpful to find a support system or accountability partner to help keep you motivated.
Celebrate your successes: When you reach a milestone or achieve your goal, take the time to celebrate your success. This will help you stay motivated and encourage you to continue setting and achieving goals.

#2. Try Positive Self-Talk

Do you remember the Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey skits on SNL? Although those skits were really funny, there’s actually a lot of truth to your self-talk.

Are you looking in the mirror and yelling at yourself that you look fat, ugly, or aging? What do you say to yourself if you make a mistake?

Believe it or not, we tend to be really hard on ourselves. It’s time to change that inner dialog with positive self-talk!

Instead of beating yourself up, remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments, and try to focus on the positive aspects of yourself and your life.

Not only can self-affirmation help boost self-esteem and confidence, but it can also counter negative thoughts or beliefs that may be holding you back.

How to Practice Self Affirmation

Identify your values and beliefs: Start by thinking about what is important to you and what you value in life. This could include things like your relationships, career, hobbies, and personal goals.
Write down affirmations that reflect these values: Once you have identified your values and beliefs, write down affirmations that reflect these values. For example, if one of your values is to be a good parent, you might write an affirmation such as "I am a loving and caring parent."
Say your affirmations daily: Choose a time each day to repeat your affirmations to yourself. You can do this out loud or silently in your mind. Setting aside a few minutes each day specifically for this practice can be helpful.
Be specific and realistic: Make sure your affirmations are specific and realistic. Avoid using generalities or vague language, and focus on affirmations that are meaningful and relevant to your life.
Believe in your affirmations: As you repeat your affirmations, try to really believe in the words you are saying. This can take some practice, but over time, you may find that your affirmations become more deeply ingrained in your mind, and you begin to believe in them more fully.

#3. Good Grooming

Do you sometimes have a hard time getting dressed for the day? Feel like it’s not worth putting in the effort since no one sees you anyway?

Guess what - there is ONE person you need to dress for every day, and it’s YOU!

Dress and groom yourself in a way that makes you feel good about yourself.

Good grooming habits are important for maintaining personal hygiene and appearance. It can be as small as brushing your teeth and hair to get a mani/pedi. Do things that make you smile when you look at yourself in the mirror.

5 Ways to Practice Good Grooming

Wear makeup: If you choose makeup, remove it before going to bed at night to avoid clogging your pores. Use a makeup remover or gentle cleanser to remove all traces of makeup.
Pluck or shape your eyebrows: Keep your eyebrows trimmed and shaped to frame your face and enhance your natural beauty. You can pluck or shape your eyebrows yourself or visit a professional for assistance.
Exfoliate your skin: Exfoliating your skin can help to remove dead skin cells and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Use a gentle exfoliator or a scrub 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type.
Take care of your hair: In addition to washing and conditioning your hair, consider using a weekly hair mask or deep conditioning treatment to keep your hair healthy and shiny. Trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and maintain the overall health of your hair.
Use deodorant: To prevent body odor, use a deodorant or antiperspirant daily. Choose a product that is appropriate for your skin type and preferences.

#4. Keep Good Company

Did you know it makes a big difference in your life who you choose to hang out with? It might seem fun at first to hear the latest drama of Debbie-downer friends and neighbors, but after a while, you’ll find yourself starting to think and act that way as well.

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn with says we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.

Are the people you spend time with building you up or bringing you down?

Surrounding yourself with positive people can have many benefits, both for your mental and emotional well-being and your overall success and happiness.

Benefits of Surrounding Yourself with Positive People

Positive people can uplift and inspire you. When you're around people who are optimistic, cheerful, and encouraging, it can rub off on you and help you feel more positive and motivated as well.
Positive people can support you. Being around supportive and encouraging people can help you feel more confident and capable, which can be especially helpful when you're facing challenges or obstacles.
Positive people can help you see the brighter side of things. When you're surrounded by positive people, it can be easier to see the good in situations and to find the silver lining in difficult times. This can help you stay hopeful and resilient, even when things aren't going exactly as you'd hoped.
Positive people can help you feel more connected and less lonely. When you're surrounded by positive people, you're more likely to feel a sense of belonging and connection, which can be especially important for your mental and emotional well-being.
Positive people can help you achieve your goals. When you're surrounded by positive people, you may be more likely to set and pursue goals, as they can provide encouragement, motivation, and support along the way.

#5. Practice Self-Care

As women, we are so busy taking care of everyone else in our lives that we often forget to take care of ourselves.

We care for our spouses, children, aging parents, and the list goes on. However, we can only give to others as long as we are caring for ourselves first, or we’ll burn out.

In fact, when you’re on an airplane, and they’re giving the emergency info, the flight attendants always tell you to put on your oxygen mask before placing it on someone else. That’s because you need to care for yourself first to have what you need to care for others.

You also need to practice that in your everyday life. Take care of your physical health by getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

Self-care is important for everyone and can look different for each person.

HOW to practice self-care

Take time for yourself: Make sure to set aside time each day or each week to do something you enjoy, whether reading a book, taking a walk, or spending time with friends.
Eat well and exercise: Taking care of your physical health is an important part of self-care. Make sure to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, which can help you feel better physically and emotionally.
Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for good health and well-being. Make sure to get a good night's sleep each night by establishing a bedtime routine and creating a relaxing environment.
Take breaks: It's important to take breaks from work and other responsibilities to give yourself time to relax and recharge.
Seek support: Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support when you need it. It's okay to ask for help; talking through your feelings and concerns with someone you trust can be very helpful.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine through activities like meditation or yoga.

#6. Try New Things

It’s so easy to fall into daily routines. There’s comfort in them, but they also keep us from seeking out new adventures. As humans, we are wired to need new things and adventures. When was the last time you tried something new?

Seek out new experiences and challenge yourself to try new things, even if they make you a little nervous.

Trying new things can be a fun and rewarding way to expand your horizons, learn new skills, and have new experiences. Here are some tips for trying new things:

Start small: If you're feeling anxious or uncertain about trying something new, it can be helpful to start with small steps. This can help you build confidence and get a sense of what you enjoy.
Take risks: While it's important to be safe and cautious, it's also important to be willing to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. This is often where the greatest rewards and personal growth can be found.
Be open-minded: Keep an open mind and be willing to try things outside your usual interests. You never know what you might discover that you enjoy.
Seek out new experiences: Look for opportunities to try new things in your daily life, whether trying a new type of food, taking a new exercise class, or visiting a new place.
Don't be afraid to fail: It's natural to feel a bit nervous or unsure when trying something new, but it's important to remember that it's okay to make mistakes and not succeed at everything you try. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow from the experience.

#7. Expand Your Knowledge

Seek opportunities to learn and grow through education or other experiences.

There are many ways to expand your knowledge and learn new things. Some suggestions include:

Reading books or articles on topics that interest you or are relevant to your field of study or work.
Taking online courses or classes to learn new skills or to deepen your understanding of a subject.
Attending lectures, workshops, or conferences on topics that interest you.
Asking questions and engaging in discussions with knowledgeable people about a particular subject.
Seeking out new experiences and trying new things as can expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking.
Keeping an open mind and being willing to consider new perspectives and viewpoints.
Reflecting on your own experiences and learning from them.
Seeking out mentors or advisors who can provide guidance and support as you learn and grow.

Remember that confidence is something that can be developed over time, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself as you work on building it. Let me know how the changes you make have improved your life in the comments below.