5 Ways to Boost Self-Confidence

Life is challenging and often makes it hard to practice self-confidence. However, self-confidence is crucial to your overall happiness and well-being. To achieve it, start off with some of these simple practices.

Pinpoint your strengths.

Your self-esteem will flourish when you hone in on abilities and achievements that truly matter to you. Maybe you have impressive balance - sign up for a ballet class! If you are a great cook, show off your skills by throwing more dinner parties. Start by figuring out what these skills and talents are, and then emphasize them in everyday life.

Practice positive affirmations.

Positive affirmations encompass a “mind over matter” mentality. By thinking positive thoughts, you in turn will become more confident and happy. However, it is important that you practice these affirmations in the right way. People with low self-esteem often do not believe affirmations that are too contrary to their own existing beliefs. For example, thinking “I will be successful” may make you feel worse if you feel extra lazy. The key is to come up with affirmations that are more manageable. For example, "I will persevere until I succeed!"

Don’t criticize yourself.

Unfortunately, we tend to make ourselves feel worse when we are already low in self-esteem. Instead, act with self-compassion. Stop that inner voice from criticizing you. A good practice is to ask yourself whether you'd say those negative things to a friend or child. Probably not, right? Share the compassion you give to others with yourself.

Accept compliments.

It is sometimes so hard to accept compliments. When we have low self-esteem, it is in our nature to shrug off these compliments as lies. Although it may be initially uncomfortable, it is time to start accepting them. To practice this effectively, prepare set responses to certain things, and force yourself to use them until it's automatic. These responses include things like "thank you" or "how kind of you to say." You will eventually believe these compliments yourself.

Remind yourself of your worth.

We all experience a blow to our confidence at one time or another. When rejection happens, it is important to remind yourself of your worth. Write down your positive and desirable qualities on a piece of paper to make it stick. With practice, you will eventually find yourself with higher self-esteem and healthier emotional habits.

Ballet is a great way to build up your self-confidence while having fun. Check out my class schedule and sign up today!