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| Boilerpipe Text | Key Takeaways
Learning how to be more confident starts with focusing on your own strengths instead of comparing yourself to others.
Practice self-compassion, positive self-talk, and healthy habits to foster greater confidence.
Build trust in yourself by setting realistic goals and facing your fears step by step.
Confidence refers to your belief in your ability to handle challenges and succeed, whether in life generally or in specific situations. Research suggests it's important for health and well-being.
Most of us probably want to be a little more confident, but it's easy to lose confidence if you feel you've made a mistake or failed.
That's why actively learning how to be more confident is crucial. In other words, you have to
believe
in yourself. Being more confident involves avoiding comparison, seeking positive influences, using positive self-talk, and setting realistic goals, among other things.
"The doubt that comes with second-guessing yourself has both internal and external repercussions," explains Hannah Owens, LMSW. "Confidence not only affects you and how you feel about yourself, but it also communicates to others that you are trustworthy and capable—which can be helpful both socially and at work."
1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Do you compare how you look to people you follow on Instagram? Or maybe you compare your salary to what your friend earns.
Social comparison theory
explains that making comparisons is natural.
But it isn't likely to help boost your self-confidence. It may even have the opposite effect.Â
A 2018 study published in
Personality and Individual Differences
found a direct link between envy and the way we feel about ourselves.
Specifically, researchers noted that when people compare themselves to others, they experience envy. And the more envy they have, the
worse they feel about themselves
.
How do you build self-confidence when you notice that you are drawing comparisons?
First, remind yourself that doing so isn't helpful. Everyone is running their own race, and life isn't a competition.
If you’re feeling envious of someone else's life, it's also helpful to remember your own strengths and successes.
Keep aÂ
gratitude journal
to recall the areas in life where you are blessed. This can help you focus on your own life rather than the lives of others.
"Social media is especially nefarious in this way," says Owens. "It is a system practically designed to foster comparison. But remembering that people generally only post the very best and the very worst of their experiences can help you celebrate your daily victories, which can boost your confidence."
2. Surround Yourself With Positive People
Take a moment and think about how your friends make you feel. Do they lift you up, or do they bring you down? Are they constantly judging you, or do they accept you for who you are?Â
The people you spend time with can influence your thoughts and attitudes about yourself, perhaps more than you realize. So, pay attention to how others make you feel. If you feel bad about yourself after hanging out with a particular person, it may be
time to say goodbye
.Â
Instead, surround yourself with people who love you and want the best for you. Seek out others who are positive and can help build your confidence. Self-confidence and a positive attitude go hand-in-hand.
3. Take Care of Your Body
This tip for how to be more confident is based on the idea that it’s hard to feel good about yourself if you’re abusing your body. When you
practice self-care
, you know you're doing something positive for your mind, body, and spirit—and you'll naturally feel more confident as a result.
Here are a few self-care practices linked to higher levels of self-confidence:
Diet
:
Healthy eating
comes with many benefits, including higher levels of confidence and self-esteem. When you fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods, you feel healthier, stronger, and more energized, which can result in feeling better about yourself.
Exercise
: Studies consistently show that
physical exercise
boosts self-confidence. For instance, a 2016 study found that regular physical activity improved participants' body image. And when their body image improved, they felt more confident.
Meditation
:
More than just a relaxation practice,
meditation
can help boost self-confidence in several ways. For one, it helps you to recognize and accept yourself. Meditation also teaches you to stop negative self-talk and disconnect from unhelpful mental chatter, interfering with your confidence.
Sleep
: Skimping on sleep can affect your emotions.
Good-quality sleep
has been linked with better mental health.
Caring for yourself is important to self-confidence. Make sure you are getting what you need to feel good about yourself and your abilities.
"Taking care of your body doesn't just mean looking good," explains Owens. "When you make yourself and your self-care a priority, you are projecting to the world that you matter—which convinces others to feel the same way about you."
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Self-compassion
involves treating yourself with kindness when you make a mistake, fail, or experience a setback. It allows you to become more emotionally flexible and helps you better navigate challenging emotions, enhancing your connection to yourself and others.
A 2015 study found that self-compassion and self-confidence were connected.
So the next time you're in a challenging situation, recognize that being imperfect or falling short at times is a part of being human. Do your best to navigate these experiences with compassion toward yourself.
5. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Negative self-talk
can limit your abilities and lessen your self-confidence by convincing your subconscious that you "can't handle" something or that it is "too hard" and you "shouldn't even try."
Self-talk that is optimistic, on the other hand, can foster self-compassion and help you overcome self-doubt and take on new challenges.
The next time you begin to think that you have no business speaking up in a meeting or that you are too out of shape to work out, remind yourself that your thoughts aren’t always accurate. Then find a way to turn those thoughts around into more
positive self-talk
.
Here are a few examples of ways to challenge pessimistic self-talk and reframe your thoughts into a more positive way of thinking, increasing your self-confidence along the way:
"I can't handle this" or "This is impossible" becomes "I can do this" or "All I have to do is try."
"I can't do anything right" becomes "I can do better next time" or "At least I learned something."
"I hate public speaking" becomes "I don't like public speaking" and "Everyone has strengths and weaknesses."
6. Face Your Fears
Stop putting things off until you feel more self-confident—like asking someone on a date or applying for a promotion. One of the best ways to build your confidence in these situations is by
facing your fears head-on
.
Practice facing some of your fears that stem from a lack of self-confidence. If you’re afraid you’ll embarrass yourself or think you’ll mess up, try anyway. A little self-doubt can even help improve performance. Tell yourself it’s just an experiment and see what happens.
You might learn that being a little anxious or making a few mistakes isn’t as bad as you thought. And each time you move forward, you gain more confidence in yourself. In the end, this can help prevent you from taking risks that will result in major negative consequences.
"This is, of course, easier said than done," says Owens, "but even small victories can help. Consider this a kind of exposure therapy. Even a little progress is still progress!"
7. Do Things You're Good At
What happens when you do things that you are good at? Your self-confidence starts to soar. Your strengths become even stronger, which helps improve your belief in yourself. Taking this approach also has another benefit: It can increase how satisfied you are with your life.
Research suggests that building personal strengths is associated with higherÂ
life satisfaction
 levels. This starts with identifying those strengths. Then, work to make them stronger by engaging with them regularly.
If you're good at a certain sport, for instance, make it a point to train or play at least once a week. If you're good at a particular task at work, try to do that task more often. Building on your strengths can also help you build your self-confidence.
8. Know When to Say No
While doing things you're good at can boost your self-confidence, it's equally important to recognize situations that can cause it to plummet. Maybe you find that every time you participate in a certain activity, you feel worse about yourself instead of better.
Saying no to activities that tend to zap your self-confidence is okay. Certainly, you don't want to avoid doing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable because discomfort is often part of the personal growth process. At the same time, there's nothing wrong with
knowing your boundaries
and sticking to them.
Setting social and emotional boundaries enables you to feel safer psychologically. It can also help you feel more in control. Self-confidence is, in part, feeling like you have control over your life.
Boundaries help establish this feeling of control.
The next time someone suggests doing something that you know will lower your self-confidence, respectfully decline. You don't have to avoid that activity forever, either. Once you learn how to be more confident, you may feel strong enough to try it again—without hurting the confidence you have in yourself.
9. Set Realistic Goals
Pursuing your goals
often involves failing several times until you figure out what works. This can make you wonder if you have what it takes to succeed. It can also leave you questioning how to be more confident while still achieving your dreams. The answer lies in setting realistic goals.
Setting high-reaching goals and failing to achieve them has been found to damage confidence levels.
Conversely, realistic goals are achievable. And the more you achieve your goals, the greater your confidence in yourself and your abilities.
To
set realistic goals
:
Write down what you want to achieve.
Ask yourself what chance you have of attaining it. (Be honest!)
If the answer is slim to none, the goal may be a bit too lofty.
Dial it back so it is more realistic and more achievable.
This may require doing a bit of research on your part. For instance, if you have a goal to lose weight, experts recommend losing one to two pounds per week for healthy, long-term weight loss.
Knowing this helps you set a goal in line with this guideline, boosting your self-confidence when you hit it.
Press Play for Advice on Confidence
Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of
The Verywell Mind Podcast
shares strategies that can help you learn to truly believe in yourself, featuring IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima. Click below to listen now.
Follow Now
:
Apple Podcasts
/
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/
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Confidence vs. Insecurity
When learning how to be more confident, it can be helpful to understand how someone with self-confidence is different from someone who is more insecure. Here are just some of the differences between the two.
Confident People
Celebrate other people's success
Open-minded
Optimistic
Willing to take risks
Laugh at themselves
Decisive
Always learning and growing
Admit mistakes
Accept responsibility
Insecure People
Judge and are jealous of others
Close-minded
Pessimistic
Afraid of change
Hide flaws
Indecisive
Act like a know-it-all
Make excuses
Blame others
Being More Confident Has a Lot of Benefits
Being confident in yourself just feels good. That said, having self-confidence can also bring many additional benefits at home, at work, and within your relationships. Here's a look at a few of the positive effects of learning how to be confident:
Better performance
: Rather than waste time and energy
worrying that you aren't good enough
, you can devote your energy to your efforts. Ultimately, you'll perform better when you have more self-confidence.
Healthier relationships
: Having self-confidence not only impacts how you feel about yourself, but it helps you better understand and love others. It also gives you the strength to walk away from a relationship if you're not getting what you want or deserve.
Openness to try new things
: When you believe in yourself, you're more willing to try new things. Whether you apply for a promotion or sign up for a cooking class, putting yourself out there is a lot easier when you have confidence in yourself and your abilities.
Resilience
: Believing in yourself can enhance your
resilience
or ability to bounce back from any challenges or adversities you face in life.
Greater success
: A healthy level of self-confidence can help you become more successful in your personal and professional life. Research has found, for example, that more confident people tend to achieve more academically.
Your level of confidence even affects how you present yourself to others.
Everyone struggles with confidence issues at one time or another. Fortunately, in many cases, learning how to
act
confidently can actually help you
feel
more confident.
"This is similar to the adage that the physical act of smiling can trick your brain into feeling happier," says Owens. "If you exude confidence, even when you don't feel that way, others will treat you differently, which will boost your confidence—and thus the cycle continues."
Sometimes low self-confidence is a sign of a mental health condition such as
depression
or
anxiety
. If your self-confidence interferes with your work, social life, or education, consider talking to a mental health professional. A
therapist
can help you better understand the issue, recommend treatment, and work with you to develop skills to build your self-confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your confidence tends to lag in social situations, try to change your perspective. Instead of looking at group interactions as a stressor, view them as an opportunity to work on building your self-confidence. Taking someone with you who makes you feel confident can also give you the self-belief needed to feel more comfortable around groups of people.
Creating the social event yourself may help, as well, because you will know what to expect and have some level of control. If social situations cause you great anxiety along with reduced self-confidence, talking to a mental health professional can help.
One way to develop self-confidence in a relationship is to recognize your worth. When you know the value you bring to others, it helps you feel more confident in yourself. It can also be helpful to stay in the present and not worry about the past or the future.
If your lack of confidence in relationships is due to a fear of being rejected, remember that not everyone is compatible. Just as you might not be for them, they might also not be for you—it's nothing personal.
If your lack of confidence in the workplace is tied to concerns about your performance, check in regularly with a superior to see how you're doing. Ask for feedback about areas where you can improve, then work on them to feel more confident in your duties.
It can also be helpful to consider where you excel at work and perform these activities as often as possible. If you do make a mistake, admit it, learn from it, and move on. No one is perfect, so you shouldn't expect yourself to be either.
If your self-confidence is tied to your physical appearance, developing a more positive body image can help. Instead of focusing on areas of your body that you dislike, spend more time appreciating the areas you feel good about.
Another tip for how to become more confident is to not compare your body to anyone else's. No two bodies are the same and each has its own strengths. Remember that there is room in this world for people of all shapes and sizes. |
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# How to Be More Confident: 9 Tips That Work
By
[Amy Morin, LCSW](https://www.verywellmind.com/amy-morin-4842552)
![Amy Morin]()
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[Amy Morin, LCSW](https://www.verywellmind.com/amy-morin-4842552)
Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.
Learn about our [editorial process](https://www.verywellmind.com/our-editorial-process-4778006)
Updated on October 03, 2025
Reviewed
Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by mental health professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. [Learn more](https://www.verywellmind.com/review-board-4796494).
by
[Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS](https://www.verywellmind.com/rachel-goldman-phd-ftos-4779228)
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Reviewed by [Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS](https://www.verywellmind.com/rachel-goldman-phd-ftos-4779228)
Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.
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Table of Contents
View All
Table of Contents
- [Ways to Be More Confident](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-boost-your-self-confidence-4163098#toc-1-stop-comparing-yourself-to-others)
- [Confidence vs. Insecurity](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-boost-your-self-confidence-4163098#toc-confidence-vs-insecurity)
- [Being More Confident Has a Lot of Benefits](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-boost-your-self-confidence-4163098#toc-being-more-confident-has-a-lot-of-benefits)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-boost-your-self-confidence-4163098#toc-frequently-asked-questions-cd27e6d3-c401-4557-934a-a3f360a8ec24)
Close
### Key Takeaways
- Learning how to be more confident starts with focusing on your own strengths instead of comparing yourself to others.
- Practice self-compassion, positive self-talk, and healthy habits to foster greater confidence.
- Build trust in yourself by setting realistic goals and facing your fears step by step.
Confidence refers to your belief in your ability to handle challenges and succeed, whether in life generally or in specific situations. Research suggests it's important for health and well-being. Most of us probably want to be a little more confident, but it's easy to lose confidence if you feel you've made a mistake or failed.
That's why actively learning how to be more confident is crucial. In other words, you have to *believe* in yourself. Being more confident involves avoiding comparison, seeking positive influences, using positive self-talk, and setting realistic goals, among other things.
"The doubt that comes with second-guessing yourself has both internal and external repercussions," explains Hannah Owens, LMSW. "Confidence not only affects you and how you feel about yourself, but it also communicates to others that you are trustworthy and capable—which can be helpful both socially and at work."
## 1\. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Do you compare how you look to people you follow on Instagram? Or maybe you compare your salary to what your friend earns. [Social comparison theory](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-social-comparison-process-2795872) explains that making comparisons is natural. But it isn't likely to help boost your self-confidence. It may even have the opposite effect.
A 2018 study published in *Personality and Individual Differences* found a direct link between envy and the way we feel about ourselves. Specifically, researchers noted that when people compare themselves to others, they experience envy. And the more envy they have, the [worse they feel about themselves](https://www.verywellmind.com/the-stress-of-social-comparison-4154076).
How do you build self-confidence when you notice that you are drawing comparisons?
- First, remind yourself that doing so isn't helpful. Everyone is running their own race, and life isn't a competition.
- If you’re feeling envious of someone else's life, it's also helpful to remember your own strengths and successes.
- Keep a [gratitude journal](https://www.verywellmind.com/writing-in-a-gratitude-journal-for-stress-relief-3144887) to recall the areas in life where you are blessed. This can help you focus on your own life rather than the lives of others.
"Social media is especially nefarious in this way," says Owens. "It is a system practically designed to foster comparison. But remembering that people generally only post the very best and the very worst of their experiences can help you celebrate your daily victories, which can boost your confidence."
## 2\. Surround Yourself With Positive People
Take a moment and think about how your friends make you feel. Do they lift you up, or do they bring you down? Are they constantly judging you, or do they accept you for who you are?
The people you spend time with can influence your thoughts and attitudes about yourself, perhaps more than you realize. So, pay attention to how others make you feel. If you feel bad about yourself after hanging out with a particular person, it may be [time to say goodbye](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-end-friendship-4174037).
Instead, surround yourself with people who love you and want the best for you. Seek out others who are positive and can help build your confidence. Self-confidence and a positive attitude go hand-in-hand.
## 3\. Take Care of Your Body
This tip for how to be more confident is based on the idea that it’s hard to feel good about yourself if you’re abusing your body. When you [practice self-care](https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729), you know you're doing something positive for your mind, body, and spirit—and you'll naturally feel more confident as a result.
Here are a few self-care practices linked to higher levels of self-confidence:
- **Diet**: [Healthy eating](https://www.verywellmind.com/meal-planning-for-eating-disorder-recovery-3956593) comes with many benefits, including higher levels of confidence and self-esteem. When you fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods, you feel healthier, stronger, and more energized, which can result in feeling better about yourself.
- **Exercise**: Studies consistently show that [physical exercise](https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-benefits-of-exercise-2584094) boosts self-confidence. For instance, a 2016 study found that regular physical activity improved participants' body image. And when their body image improved, they felt more confident.
- **Meditation**:More than just a relaxation practice, [meditation](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-meditation-2795927) can help boost self-confidence in several ways. For one, it helps you to recognize and accept yourself. Meditation also teaches you to stop negative self-talk and disconnect from unhelpful mental chatter, interfering with your confidence.
- **Sleep**: Skimping on sleep can affect your emotions. [Good-quality sleep](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-get-better-sleep-5094084) has been linked with better mental health.
Caring for yourself is important to self-confidence. Make sure you are getting what you need to feel good about yourself and your abilities.
"Taking care of your body doesn't just mean looking good," explains Owens. "When you make yourself and your self-care a priority, you are projecting to the world that you matter—which convinces others to feel the same way about you."
## 4\. Be Kind to Yourself
[Self-compassion](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-develop-self-compassion-4158290) involves treating yourself with kindness when you make a mistake, fail, or experience a setback. It allows you to become more emotionally flexible and helps you better navigate challenging emotions, enhancing your connection to yourself and others.
A 2015 study found that self-compassion and self-confidence were connected. So the next time you're in a challenging situation, recognize that being imperfect or falling short at times is a part of being human. Do your best to navigate these experiences with compassion toward yourself.
[Self-Compassion Exercises to Boost Your Happiness](https://www.verywellmind.com/bestselling-author-kristin-neff-the-verywell-mind-podcast-episode-85-5190534)
## 5\. Practice Positive Self-Talk
[Negative self-talk](https://www.verywellmind.com/negative-self-talk-and-how-it-affects-us-4161304) can limit your abilities and lessen your self-confidence by convincing your subconscious that you "can't handle" something or that it is "too hard" and you "shouldn't even try." Self-talk that is optimistic, on the other hand, can foster self-compassion and help you overcome self-doubt and take on new challenges.
The next time you begin to think that you have no business speaking up in a meeting or that you are too out of shape to work out, remind yourself that your thoughts aren’t always accurate. Then find a way to turn those thoughts around into more [positive self-talk](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-use-positive-self-talk-for-stress-relief-3144816).
Here are a few examples of ways to challenge pessimistic self-talk and reframe your thoughts into a more positive way of thinking, increasing your self-confidence along the way:
- "I can't handle this" or "This is impossible" becomes "I can do this" or "All I have to do is try."
- "I can't do anything right" becomes "I can do better next time" or "At least I learned something."
- "I hate public speaking" becomes "I don't like public speaking" and "Everyone has strengths and weaknesses."
## 6\. Face Your Fears
Stop putting things off until you feel more self-confident—like asking someone on a date or applying for a promotion. One of the best ways to build your confidence in these situations is by [facing your fears head-on](https://www.verywellmind.com/healthy-ways-to-face-your-fears-4165487).
Practice facing some of your fears that stem from a lack of self-confidence. If you’re afraid you’ll embarrass yourself or think you’ll mess up, try anyway. A little self-doubt can even help improve performance. Tell yourself it’s just an experiment and see what happens.
You might learn that being a little anxious or making a few mistakes isn’t as bad as you thought. And each time you move forward, you gain more confidence in yourself. In the end, this can help prevent you from taking risks that will result in major negative consequences.
"This is, of course, easier said than done," says Owens, "but even small victories can help. Consider this a kind of exposure therapy. Even a little progress is still progress!"
## 7\. Do Things You're Good At
What happens when you do things that you are good at? Your self-confidence starts to soar. Your strengths become even stronger, which helps improve your belief in yourself. Taking this approach also has another benefit: It can increase how satisfied you are with your life.
Research suggests that building personal strengths is associated with higher [life satisfaction](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-be-happy-an-introduction-3144720) levels. This starts with identifying those strengths. Then, work to make them stronger by engaging with them regularly.
If you're good at a certain sport, for instance, make it a point to train or play at least once a week. If you're good at a particular task at work, try to do that task more often. Building on your strengths can also help you build your self-confidence.
## 8\. Know When to Say No
While doing things you're good at can boost your self-confidence, it's equally important to recognize situations that can cause it to plummet. Maybe you find that every time you participate in a certain activity, you feel worse about yourself instead of better.
Saying no to activities that tend to zap your self-confidence is okay. Certainly, you don't want to avoid doing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable because discomfort is often part of the personal growth process. At the same time, there's nothing wrong with [knowing your boundaries](https://www.verywellmind.com/setting-boundaries-for-stress-management-3144985) and sticking to them.
Setting social and emotional boundaries enables you to feel safer psychologically. It can also help you feel more in control. Self-confidence is, in part, feeling like you have control over your life. Boundaries help establish this feeling of control.
The next time someone suggests doing something that you know will lower your self-confidence, respectfully decline. You don't have to avoid that activity forever, either. Once you learn how to be more confident, you may feel strong enough to try it again—without hurting the confidence you have in yourself.
## 9\. Set Realistic Goals
[Pursuing your goals](https://www.verywellmind.com/simple-tips-for-achieving-goals-3145003) often involves failing several times until you figure out what works. This can make you wonder if you have what it takes to succeed. It can also leave you questioning how to be more confident while still achieving your dreams. The answer lies in setting realistic goals.
Setting high-reaching goals and failing to achieve them has been found to damage confidence levels. Conversely, realistic goals are achievable. And the more you achieve your goals, the greater your confidence in yourself and your abilities.
To [set realistic goals](https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-for-goal-setting-self-improvement-4688587):
- Write down what you want to achieve.
- Ask yourself what chance you have of attaining it. (Be honest!)
- If the answer is slim to none, the goal may be a bit too lofty.
- Dial it back so it is more realistic and more achievable.
This may require doing a bit of research on your part. For instance, if you have a goal to lose weight, experts recommend losing one to two pounds per week for healthy, long-term weight loss. Knowing this helps you set a goal in line with this guideline, boosting your self-confidence when you hit it.
### Press Play for Advice on Confidence
Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of [The Verywell Mind Podcast](https://www.verywellmind.com/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058) shares strategies that can help you learn to truly believe in yourself, featuring IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima. Click below to listen now.
**Follow Now**: [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-verywell-mind-podcast-with-amy-morin/id1529983509) / [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2WGnJfJon5RKU9bXBUSWHU) / [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMzA3NDQ5LnJzcw)
## Confidence vs. Insecurity
When learning how to be more confident, it can be helpful to understand how someone with self-confidence is different from someone who is more insecure. Here are just some of the differences between the two.
Confident People
- Celebrate other people's success
- Open-minded
- Optimistic
- Willing to take risks
- Laugh at themselves
- Decisive
- Always learning and growing
- Admit mistakes
- Accept responsibility
Insecure People
- Judge and are jealous of others
- Close-minded
- Pessimistic
- Afraid of change
- Hide flaws
- Indecisive
- Act like a know-it-all
- Make excuses
- Blame others
## Being More Confident Has a Lot of Benefits
Being confident in yourself just feels good. That said, having self-confidence can also bring many additional benefits at home, at work, and within your relationships. Here's a look at a few of the positive effects of learning how to be confident:
- **Better performance**: Rather than waste time and energy [worrying that you aren't good enough](https://www.verywellmind.com/i-m-not-good-at-anything-combatting-low-self-esteem-5216365), you can devote your energy to your efforts. Ultimately, you'll perform better when you have more self-confidence.
- **Healthier relationships**: Having self-confidence not only impacts how you feel about yourself, but it helps you better understand and love others. It also gives you the strength to walk away from a relationship if you're not getting what you want or deserve.
- **Openness to try new things**: When you believe in yourself, you're more willing to try new things. Whether you apply for a promotion or sign up for a cooking class, putting yourself out there is a lot easier when you have confidence in yourself and your abilities.
- **Resilience**: Believing in yourself can enhance your [resilience](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-resilience-2795059) or ability to bounce back from any challenges or adversities you face in life.
- **Greater success**: A healthy level of self-confidence can help you become more successful in your personal and professional life. Research has found, for example, that more confident people tend to achieve more academically. Your level of confidence even affects how you present yourself to others.
Everyone struggles with confidence issues at one time or another. Fortunately, in many cases, learning how to *act* confidently can actually help you *feel* more confident.
"This is similar to the adage that the physical act of smiling can trick your brain into feeling happier," says Owens. "If you exude confidence, even when you don't feel that way, others will treat you differently, which will boost your confidence—and thus the cycle continues."
Sometimes low self-confidence is a sign of a mental health condition such as [depression](https://www.verywellmind.com/depression-4157261) or [anxiety](https://www.verywellmind.com/anxiety-disorder-2510539). If your self-confidence interferes with your work, social life, or education, consider talking to a mental health professional. A [therapist](https://www.verywellmind.com/best-online-therapy-4691206) can help you better understand the issue, recommend treatment, and work with you to develop skills to build your self-confidence.
### Frequently Asked Questions
- How can you be more socially confident?
If your confidence tends to lag in social situations, try to change your perspective. Instead of looking at group interactions as a stressor, view them as an opportunity to work on building your self-confidence. Taking someone with you who makes you feel confident can also give you the self-belief needed to feel more comfortable around groups of people.
Creating the social event yourself may help, as well, because you will know what to expect and have some level of control. If social situations cause you great anxiety along with reduced self-confidence, talking to a mental health professional can help.
Learn More: [An Overview of Social Anxiety](https://www.verywellmind.com/social-anxiety-disorder-4157220)
- How can you be more confident in a relationship?
One way to develop self-confidence in a relationship is to recognize your worth. When you know the value you bring to others, it helps you feel more confident in yourself. It can also be helpful to stay in the present and not worry about the past or the future.
If your lack of confidence in relationships is due to a fear of being rejected, remember that not everyone is compatible. Just as you might not be for them, they might also not be for you—it's nothing personal.
Learn More: [Fear of Rejection and Its Consequences](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fear-of-rejection-2671841)
- How can you be more confident at work?
If your lack of confidence in the workplace is tied to concerns about your performance, check in regularly with a superior to see how you're doing. Ask for feedback about areas where you can improve, then work on them to feel more confident in your duties.
It can also be helpful to consider where you excel at work and perform these activities as often as possible. If you do make a mistake, admit it, learn from it, and move on. No one is perfect, so you shouldn't expect yourself to be either.
Learn More: [6 Ways to Feel Better About Your Job](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-feel-better-about-your-job-5096912)
- How can you be more confident about your body?
If your self-confidence is tied to your physical appearance, developing a more positive body image can help. Instead of focusing on areas of your body that you dislike, spend more time appreciating the areas you feel good about.
Another tip for how to become more confident is to not compare your body to anyone else's. No two bodies are the same and each has its own strengths. Remember that there is room in this world for people of all shapes and sizes.
Learn More: [10 Ways to Feel Better About the Way You Look](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-body-positivity-4773402)
Read more:
- [Living Well](https://www.verywellmind.com/living-well-7510832)
- [Self-Improvement](https://www.verywellmind.com/self-improvement-4157212)
15 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellmind.com/our-editorial-process-4778006) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
1. Perry P. [Concept analysis: Confidence/self-confidence](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6198.2011.00230.x). *Nurs Forum*. 2011;46(4):218-30. doi:10.1111/j.1744-6198.2011.00230.x
2. Ozimek P, Brandenberg G, Rohmann E, Bierhoff HW. [The impact of social comparisons more related to ability vs. more related to opinion on well-being: An Instagram study](https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13100850). *Behav Sci (Basel)*. 2023;13(10):850. doi:10.3390/bs13100850
3. Vrabel JK, Zeigler-Hill V, Southard AC. [Self-esteem and envy: Is state self-esteem instability associated with the benign and malicious forms of envy?](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2017.11.001) *Pers Individ Diff*. 2018;123:100-104. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2017.11.001
4. Rafiei H, Senmar M, Mostafaie M, et al. [Self-confidence and attitude of acute care nurses to the presence of family members during resuscitation](https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2018.27.21.1246). *British J Nurs*. 2018;27(21). doi:10.12968/bjon.2018.27.21.1246
5. Duke University Personal Assistance Service. [Self-care tips for the body & soul](https://pas.duke.edu/concerns/well-being/self-care-tips).
6. Zamani Sani SH, Fathirezaie Z, Brand S, et al. [Physical activity and self-esteem: Testing direct and indirect relationships associated with psychological and physical mechanisms](https://dx.doi.org/10.2147%2FNDT.S116811). *Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat*. 2016;12:2617–2625. doi:10.2147/NDT.S116811
7. Scott AJ, Webb TL, Martyn-St James M, Rowse G, Weich S. [Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556). *Sleep Med Rev*. 2021;60:101556. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556
8. Arslan C. [Interpersonal problem solving, self-compassion and personality traits in university students](https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2015.2605). *Educ Res Reviews*. 2015;11(7):474-81. doi:10.5897/ERR2015.2605
9. Walter N, Nikoleizig L, Alfermann D. [Effects of self-talk training on competitive anxiety, self-efficacy, volitional skills, and performance: an intervention study with junior sub-elite athletes](https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7060148). *Sports (Basel)*. 2019;7(6):148. doi:10.3390/sports7060148
10. Martins I, Perez Monsalve JP, Velasquez Martinez A. [Self-confidence and fear of failure among university students and their relationship with entrepreneurial orientation: Evidence from Colombia](https://doi.org/10.1108/ARLA-01-2018-0018). *Academia Revista Latinoamericana de Administracion*. 2018;31(3):471-85. doi:10.1108/ARLA-01-2018-0018
11. University of South Florida Counseling Center. [What is self-confidence?](https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/counseling-center/top-concerns/what-is-self-confidence.aspx)
12. Höpfner J, Keith N. [Goal missed, self hit: Goal-setting, goal-failure, and their affective, motivational, and behavioral consequences](https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.704790). *Front Psychol*. 2021;12:704790. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.704790
13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [What is healthy weight loss?](https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/index.html)
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Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.
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| Readable Markdown | ### Key Takeaways
- Learning how to be more confident starts with focusing on your own strengths instead of comparing yourself to others.
- Practice self-compassion, positive self-talk, and healthy habits to foster greater confidence.
- Build trust in yourself by setting realistic goals and facing your fears step by step.
Confidence refers to your belief in your ability to handle challenges and succeed, whether in life generally or in specific situations. Research suggests it's important for health and well-being. Most of us probably want to be a little more confident, but it's easy to lose confidence if you feel you've made a mistake or failed.
That's why actively learning how to be more confident is crucial. In other words, you have to *believe* in yourself. Being more confident involves avoiding comparison, seeking positive influences, using positive self-talk, and setting realistic goals, among other things.
"The doubt that comes with second-guessing yourself has both internal and external repercussions," explains Hannah Owens, LMSW. "Confidence not only affects you and how you feel about yourself, but it also communicates to others that you are trustworthy and capable—which can be helpful both socially and at work."
## 1\. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Do you compare how you look to people you follow on Instagram? Or maybe you compare your salary to what your friend earns. [Social comparison theory](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-social-comparison-process-2795872) explains that making comparisons is natural. But it isn't likely to help boost your self-confidence. It may even have the opposite effect.
A 2018 study published in *Personality and Individual Differences* found a direct link between envy and the way we feel about ourselves. Specifically, researchers noted that when people compare themselves to others, they experience envy. And the more envy they have, the [worse they feel about themselves](https://www.verywellmind.com/the-stress-of-social-comparison-4154076).
How do you build self-confidence when you notice that you are drawing comparisons?
- First, remind yourself that doing so isn't helpful. Everyone is running their own race, and life isn't a competition.
- If you’re feeling envious of someone else's life, it's also helpful to remember your own strengths and successes.
- Keep a [gratitude journal](https://www.verywellmind.com/writing-in-a-gratitude-journal-for-stress-relief-3144887) to recall the areas in life where you are blessed. This can help you focus on your own life rather than the lives of others.
"Social media is especially nefarious in this way," says Owens. "It is a system practically designed to foster comparison. But remembering that people generally only post the very best and the very worst of their experiences can help you celebrate your daily victories, which can boost your confidence."
## 2\. Surround Yourself With Positive People
Take a moment and think about how your friends make you feel. Do they lift you up, or do they bring you down? Are they constantly judging you, or do they accept you for who you are?
The people you spend time with can influence your thoughts and attitudes about yourself, perhaps more than you realize. So, pay attention to how others make you feel. If you feel bad about yourself after hanging out with a particular person, it may be [time to say goodbye](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-end-friendship-4174037).
Instead, surround yourself with people who love you and want the best for you. Seek out others who are positive and can help build your confidence. Self-confidence and a positive attitude go hand-in-hand.
## 3\. Take Care of Your Body
This tip for how to be more confident is based on the idea that it’s hard to feel good about yourself if you’re abusing your body. When you [practice self-care](https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729), you know you're doing something positive for your mind, body, and spirit—and you'll naturally feel more confident as a result.
Here are a few self-care practices linked to higher levels of self-confidence:
- **Diet**: [Healthy eating](https://www.verywellmind.com/meal-planning-for-eating-disorder-recovery-3956593) comes with many benefits, including higher levels of confidence and self-esteem. When you fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods, you feel healthier, stronger, and more energized, which can result in feeling better about yourself.
- **Exercise**: Studies consistently show that [physical exercise](https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-benefits-of-exercise-2584094) boosts self-confidence. For instance, a 2016 study found that regular physical activity improved participants' body image. And when their body image improved, they felt more confident.
- **Meditation**:More than just a relaxation practice, [meditation](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-meditation-2795927) can help boost self-confidence in several ways. For one, it helps you to recognize and accept yourself. Meditation also teaches you to stop negative self-talk and disconnect from unhelpful mental chatter, interfering with your confidence.
- **Sleep**: Skimping on sleep can affect your emotions. [Good-quality sleep](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-get-better-sleep-5094084) has been linked with better mental health.
Caring for yourself is important to self-confidence. Make sure you are getting what you need to feel good about yourself and your abilities.
"Taking care of your body doesn't just mean looking good," explains Owens. "When you make yourself and your self-care a priority, you are projecting to the world that you matter—which convinces others to feel the same way about you."
## 4\. Be Kind to Yourself
[Self-compassion](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-develop-self-compassion-4158290) involves treating yourself with kindness when you make a mistake, fail, or experience a setback. It allows you to become more emotionally flexible and helps you better navigate challenging emotions, enhancing your connection to yourself and others.
A 2015 study found that self-compassion and self-confidence were connected. So the next time you're in a challenging situation, recognize that being imperfect or falling short at times is a part of being human. Do your best to navigate these experiences with compassion toward yourself.
## 5\. Practice Positive Self-Talk
[Negative self-talk](https://www.verywellmind.com/negative-self-talk-and-how-it-affects-us-4161304) can limit your abilities and lessen your self-confidence by convincing your subconscious that you "can't handle" something or that it is "too hard" and you "shouldn't even try." Self-talk that is optimistic, on the other hand, can foster self-compassion and help you overcome self-doubt and take on new challenges.
The next time you begin to think that you have no business speaking up in a meeting or that you are too out of shape to work out, remind yourself that your thoughts aren’t always accurate. Then find a way to turn those thoughts around into more [positive self-talk](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-use-positive-self-talk-for-stress-relief-3144816).
Here are a few examples of ways to challenge pessimistic self-talk and reframe your thoughts into a more positive way of thinking, increasing your self-confidence along the way:
- "I can't handle this" or "This is impossible" becomes "I can do this" or "All I have to do is try."
- "I can't do anything right" becomes "I can do better next time" or "At least I learned something."
- "I hate public speaking" becomes "I don't like public speaking" and "Everyone has strengths and weaknesses."
## 6\. Face Your Fears
Stop putting things off until you feel more self-confident—like asking someone on a date or applying for a promotion. One of the best ways to build your confidence in these situations is by [facing your fears head-on](https://www.verywellmind.com/healthy-ways-to-face-your-fears-4165487).
Practice facing some of your fears that stem from a lack of self-confidence. If you’re afraid you’ll embarrass yourself or think you’ll mess up, try anyway. A little self-doubt can even help improve performance. Tell yourself it’s just an experiment and see what happens.
You might learn that being a little anxious or making a few mistakes isn’t as bad as you thought. And each time you move forward, you gain more confidence in yourself. In the end, this can help prevent you from taking risks that will result in major negative consequences.
"This is, of course, easier said than done," says Owens, "but even small victories can help. Consider this a kind of exposure therapy. Even a little progress is still progress!"
## 7\. Do Things You're Good At
What happens when you do things that you are good at? Your self-confidence starts to soar. Your strengths become even stronger, which helps improve your belief in yourself. Taking this approach also has another benefit: It can increase how satisfied you are with your life.
Research suggests that building personal strengths is associated with higher [life satisfaction](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-be-happy-an-introduction-3144720) levels. This starts with identifying those strengths. Then, work to make them stronger by engaging with them regularly.
If you're good at a certain sport, for instance, make it a point to train or play at least once a week. If you're good at a particular task at work, try to do that task more often. Building on your strengths can also help you build your self-confidence.
## 8\. Know When to Say No
While doing things you're good at can boost your self-confidence, it's equally important to recognize situations that can cause it to plummet. Maybe you find that every time you participate in a certain activity, you feel worse about yourself instead of better.
Saying no to activities that tend to zap your self-confidence is okay. Certainly, you don't want to avoid doing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable because discomfort is often part of the personal growth process. At the same time, there's nothing wrong with [knowing your boundaries](https://www.verywellmind.com/setting-boundaries-for-stress-management-3144985) and sticking to them.
Setting social and emotional boundaries enables you to feel safer psychologically. It can also help you feel more in control. Self-confidence is, in part, feeling like you have control over your life. Boundaries help establish this feeling of control.
The next time someone suggests doing something that you know will lower your self-confidence, respectfully decline. You don't have to avoid that activity forever, either. Once you learn how to be more confident, you may feel strong enough to try it again—without hurting the confidence you have in yourself.
## 9\. Set Realistic Goals
[Pursuing your goals](https://www.verywellmind.com/simple-tips-for-achieving-goals-3145003) often involves failing several times until you figure out what works. This can make you wonder if you have what it takes to succeed. It can also leave you questioning how to be more confident while still achieving your dreams. The answer lies in setting realistic goals.
Setting high-reaching goals and failing to achieve them has been found to damage confidence levels. Conversely, realistic goals are achievable. And the more you achieve your goals, the greater your confidence in yourself and your abilities.
To [set realistic goals](https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-for-goal-setting-self-improvement-4688587):
- Write down what you want to achieve.
- Ask yourself what chance you have of attaining it. (Be honest!)
- If the answer is slim to none, the goal may be a bit too lofty.
- Dial it back so it is more realistic and more achievable.
This may require doing a bit of research on your part. For instance, if you have a goal to lose weight, experts recommend losing one to two pounds per week for healthy, long-term weight loss. Knowing this helps you set a goal in line with this guideline, boosting your self-confidence when you hit it.
### Press Play for Advice on Confidence
Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of [The Verywell Mind Podcast](https://www.verywellmind.com/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058) shares strategies that can help you learn to truly believe in yourself, featuring IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima. Click below to listen now.
**Follow Now**: [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-verywell-mind-podcast-with-amy-morin/id1529983509) / [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2WGnJfJon5RKU9bXBUSWHU) / [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMzA3NDQ5LnJzcw)
## Confidence vs. Insecurity
When learning how to be more confident, it can be helpful to understand how someone with self-confidence is different from someone who is more insecure. Here are just some of the differences between the two.
Confident People
- Celebrate other people's success
- Open-minded
- Optimistic
- Willing to take risks
- Laugh at themselves
- Decisive
- Always learning and growing
- Admit mistakes
- Accept responsibility
Insecure People
- Judge and are jealous of others
- Close-minded
- Pessimistic
- Afraid of change
- Hide flaws
- Indecisive
- Act like a know-it-all
- Make excuses
- Blame others
## Being More Confident Has a Lot of Benefits
Being confident in yourself just feels good. That said, having self-confidence can also bring many additional benefits at home, at work, and within your relationships. Here's a look at a few of the positive effects of learning how to be confident:
- **Better performance**: Rather than waste time and energy [worrying that you aren't good enough](https://www.verywellmind.com/i-m-not-good-at-anything-combatting-low-self-esteem-5216365), you can devote your energy to your efforts. Ultimately, you'll perform better when you have more self-confidence.
- **Healthier relationships**: Having self-confidence not only impacts how you feel about yourself, but it helps you better understand and love others. It also gives you the strength to walk away from a relationship if you're not getting what you want or deserve.
- **Openness to try new things**: When you believe in yourself, you're more willing to try new things. Whether you apply for a promotion or sign up for a cooking class, putting yourself out there is a lot easier when you have confidence in yourself and your abilities.
- **Resilience**: Believing in yourself can enhance your [resilience](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-resilience-2795059) or ability to bounce back from any challenges or adversities you face in life.
- **Greater success**: A healthy level of self-confidence can help you become more successful in your personal and professional life. Research has found, for example, that more confident people tend to achieve more academically. Your level of confidence even affects how you present yourself to others.
Everyone struggles with confidence issues at one time or another. Fortunately, in many cases, learning how to *act* confidently can actually help you *feel* more confident.
"This is similar to the adage that the physical act of smiling can trick your brain into feeling happier," says Owens. "If you exude confidence, even when you don't feel that way, others will treat you differently, which will boost your confidence—and thus the cycle continues."
Sometimes low self-confidence is a sign of a mental health condition such as [depression](https://www.verywellmind.com/depression-4157261) or [anxiety](https://www.verywellmind.com/anxiety-disorder-2510539). If your self-confidence interferes with your work, social life, or education, consider talking to a mental health professional. A [therapist](https://www.verywellmind.com/best-online-therapy-4691206) can help you better understand the issue, recommend treatment, and work with you to develop skills to build your self-confidence.
### Frequently Asked Questions
- If your confidence tends to lag in social situations, try to change your perspective. Instead of looking at group interactions as a stressor, view them as an opportunity to work on building your self-confidence. Taking someone with you who makes you feel confident can also give you the self-belief needed to feel more comfortable around groups of people.
Creating the social event yourself may help, as well, because you will know what to expect and have some level of control. If social situations cause you great anxiety along with reduced self-confidence, talking to a mental health professional can help.
- One way to develop self-confidence in a relationship is to recognize your worth. When you know the value you bring to others, it helps you feel more confident in yourself. It can also be helpful to stay in the present and not worry about the past or the future.
If your lack of confidence in relationships is due to a fear of being rejected, remember that not everyone is compatible. Just as you might not be for them, they might also not be for you—it's nothing personal.
- If your lack of confidence in the workplace is tied to concerns about your performance, check in regularly with a superior to see how you're doing. Ask for feedback about areas where you can improve, then work on them to feel more confident in your duties.
It can also be helpful to consider where you excel at work and perform these activities as often as possible. If you do make a mistake, admit it, learn from it, and move on. No one is perfect, so you shouldn't expect yourself to be either.
- If your self-confidence is tied to your physical appearance, developing a more positive body image can help. Instead of focusing on areas of your body that you dislike, spend more time appreciating the areas you feel good about.
Another tip for how to become more confident is to not compare your body to anyone else's. No two bodies are the same and each has its own strengths. Remember that there is room in this world for people of all shapes and sizes. |
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