Going From Nervous To Radiant
Yes, you can think of confidence as a skill, but that doesn't mean you can't learn it! Being confident is about shifting your perspective from seeing yourself as a nervous person to someone who can radiate positivity and certainty. And it turns out, it's a lot easier than you might think! Here are 20 tips to transform yourself into the amazing, confident person you've always wanted to be.
1. Stand Up Straight
If you want to be confident, you have to look the part, too! Confidence is all about embracing who you are and not being afraid to put yourself on display; so if being hunched over looks like you're trying to hide and disappear, then you should be doing the opposite. Good posture is everything and standing up straight can make a huge difference on your appearance.
2. Make Eye Contact
It might be uncomfortable at the start if you're not used to giving eye contact, but there's no better way to let others know you're listening attentively than by looking them right in the eyes. It immediately gives off the vibe that you're comfortable socializing with others and will make you seem more charismatic.
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3. Smile
Not only will you look more attractive when you flash your lovely smile for others to see, it's an easy way to come across as more personable and friendly. Most people see confident individuals as social butterflies, meaning looking like you're enjoying yourself and the others around you can make you appear more confident with your surroundings.
4. Don't Fidget
The more nervous people are, the more likely they are to fidget whether it's twiddling their thumbs or shaking their legs. And because this is such a clear social cue that demonstrates a level of discomfort, you need to avoid doing it if you want to look confident and comfortable.
5. Speak Clearly
You know you've failed if the person you're talking to keeps asking you to repeat yourself! Confidence is not just how you look, it's how you act too; when speaking to someone, don't jumble up your words or talk too quickly. It's one quick way to make it seem like you just don't got it together!
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6. Speak Loudly
Another thing to look out for when conversing with others? Your volume. Make sure you're always speaking just loud enough so people can fully make out what you're saying, of course without having to shout. No one enjoys talking to someone who whispers so incoherently that every phrase is a puzzle!
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7. Use Confident Wording
An easy hack for making yourself seem more confident? Don't use words that sound hesitant or uncertain. Phrases like "I think" or "I don't know" instantly make you seem worried and nervous, two things that really lower the confidence you give off. Try using much more direct and firm language to give off the impression you're going for.
8. Dress In Nice Clothes
It's not about wearing fancy or expensive clothes, it's about dressing in a way that suits your looks and makes you feel comfortable. Because as we all know, the better you feel about how you look, the easier it is to feel confident in your own skin.
9. Keep Your Hands Relaxed
Don't know what to do with your hands when you're out in public or talking to someone? Just don't overthink it and you'll be fine! Most people who get nervous think they have to overcompensate with what they're doing with their hands, but all it does is make you look more awkward. Don't sweat it and just keep your limbs relaxed.
10. Keep Your Head Up
Stop staring down at your feet and face the world head on! It's easy to look down when you don't feel confident, but fight that urge if you really want to improve yourself. Be happy being in your own body, be proud, and raise that head up! It's a strong sign that tells everyone you've got this.
11. Be Present
Overthinkers tend to get lost in their own minds, even when talking to other people. But while you're just trying to figure out what to say next, it might appear a bit rude or even anxious to the person opposite of you. Instead of trying to plan ahead and nail every point of discussion, learn to let yourself live in the moment. Be present, engage actively, and you'll be shocked by how much more confident it'll make you look!
12. Avoid Rambling
One clear sign of nervousness is when you start rambling in a conversation because your mind is going a million miles an hour. If you catch yourself starting an involuntary rant, do your best to stop; try to calm down so you can avoid spitting out stories one after another.
13. Approach Others First
Don't wait for others to come to you, you're totally capable of making the first move! Being the first to approach others automatically makes you seem like a personable and confident person who's willing to make things happen for themselves.
14. Have A Great Handshake
Whenever you meet someone new, the best way to make a good first impression is to start off with a solid and firm handshake. It's not much, but it's a quick way to make someone believe that you're strong and assured, especially when they don't have anything else to go off of.
15. Don't Be Too Still
While you shouldn't fidget, being too still can also give off the impression that you're uncomfortable and actively choosing not to move. Instead, move naturally and don't be afraid to speak using body language. Making occasional small gestures is a sign of comfort!
16. Don't Apologize
It's time to stand up for yourself and believe in what you're doing. Try to limit how often you say sorry, only saying it when it's absolutely necessary. If you've gotten to the point where an apology feels like a reflex, you should stop to think why you're saying it to begin with. Do you really mean it or did you say it out of instinct and fear?
17. Talk About Yourself
While there's a fine line between confidence and cockiness, it doesn't mean you should be afraid to talk about yourself, your accomplishments, and your goals. Being direct about what you want shows that you know exactly who you are without coming across as rude or selfish.
18. Be Open-Minded
Feeling a need to justify your preferences or beliefs with aggressive behavior is a sign of anxiousness that can come off quite poorly. It's alright to defend your stances, as long as you're being open-minded and actually listening to what others have to say too. It's also a sign that you might struggle with criticism as the result of insecurities or fears that you hold deep inside.
19. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Actively trying new things and being unafraid to step outside your comfort zone can be a unique approach in becoming more confident. The more familiar you are with being anxious and nervous, the more likely you are to know how to handle it. So the next time you're faced with an awkward social situation, you'll know exactly how to manage your emotions and behavior.
20. Love Yourself
At the root of it all, confidence comes from a place of loving yourself and putting yourself first. If you're proud of who you are, it's so much easier to radiate that and let other people know! So never forget to practice self-care and remember to be your own number one fan - confidence will come naturally once you master this.
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