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Build your self-confidence

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By Konye Chelsea nwabogor

Self-confidence is the difference between feeling unstoppabl­e and feeling scared out of your wits. Your perception of yourself has an enormous impact on how others perceive you. Perception is reality — the more self-confidence you have, the more likely it is you’ll succeed. Although many of the factors affecting self-confidence are beyond your control, there are a number of things you can consciousl­y do to build selfconfid­ence. By using these strategies you can get the

mental edge you need to reach your potential. say no to negativity and bring yes to positivity

This is the time to really evaluate your inner circle, including friends and family. yes, it’s a tough one, but it’s time to seriously consider getting away from those individual­s who put you down and shred your confidence. Even a temporary break from them can make a huge difference and help you make strides toward more self-confidence.

Be positive, even if you’re not feeling it quite yet. Put some enthusiasm into everything you do and always hit the ground running, excited to begin your next project. Stop focusing on the problems in your life and instead begin to focus on solutions and making positive changes. improve your body language and image

This is where posture, smiling, eye contact, and speech come into play. Just the simple act of pulling your shoulders back gives others the impression that you are a confident person. Smiling will not only make you feel better, but will make others feel more comfortabl­e around you. Imagine a person with good posture and a smile and you’ll be envisionin­g someone who is self-confident.

Look at the person you are speaking to, not at your shoes--keeping eye contact shows confidence. Last, speak slowly. Research has proved that those who take the time to speak slowly clearly feel more selfconfid­ence and appear more self-confident to others. The added bonus is they will actually be able to understand what you are saying.

Go the extra mile and style your hair, give yourself a clean shave, and dress nicely. Not only will this make you feel better about yourself, but others are more likely to perceive you as successful and self-confident as well. don’t aCCept failure

Low self-confidence is often caused by the negative thoughts running through our minds on an endless track. If you are constantly bashing yourself and saying you’re not good enough, aren’t attractive enough, aren’t smart enough or athletic enough, and on and on, you are creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. you are becoming what you are preaching inside your head, and that’s not good. The next time you hear that negativity in your head, switch it immediatel­y to a positive affirmatio­n and keep it up until it hits the caliber of a self-confidence boost. be prepared

Learn everything there is to know about your field, job, presentati­on--whatever is next on your“to conquer”list. If you are prepared, and have the knowledge to back it up, your self-confidence will soar. be thanKful regardless

Life is full of challenges and there are times when it’s difficult to keep our selfconfid­ence up. Sit down right now and make a list of all the things in your life that you are thankful for, and another list of all your accomplish­ments. Once your lists are complete, post them on your refrigerat­or door, on the wall by your desk, on your bathroom mirror--somewhere where you can easily be reminded of what an amazing life you have and what an amazing person you really are. If you feel your self-confidence dwindling, take a look at those lists and let yourself feel and be inspired all over again by you.

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