10 steps to improve your self confidence

Let’s admit it, self confidence is what we all look for in the people we meet. Someone who knows their worth is attractive, envyable and magnetic. Ever wondered how that girl in your class always had the courage to raise her hand, or how that man looked so respectable? Here are a few ways to improve your self confidence and finally become that person everyone looks up to.

• Know your worth. This is the first thing you have to do in order to improve your self confidence. Figure out all the stuff you’re good at, and write your better characteristics: you’ll be surprised by how capable you are in different aspects of your life.
• Observe. Get comfortable with observing people around you. We all have qualities and flaws: being able to recognize and respect them on other people will help you accept yourself.
• Get comfortable with spending time alone. Go for a walk, meditate, read a book, be a tourist in your own city. Spend some time alone, and learn to appreciate yourself and your surroundings.
• Laugh at yourself. You’re a great individual, you’re strong and you’re brave, but let’s admit it: you’re a weirdo at times. Remember that time you fell off your bike and looked around to make sure nobody had noticed? The next time, don’t. Laugh at your mistakes, embrace your weirdness and your imperfections.
• Know your needs and set boundaries. You’re capable of a lot of things, but you’re human: it’s ok to take some rest at times or to take a day off for yourself. Knowing your needs and your limits will help you with giving your best in the right moments.
• Nourish your body and work out. A healthy body helps your mind work better. Working out is also a boost for your self esteem, and a body you’re proud of will make you more secure about yourself.
• Compliment and appreciate others. Self confidence starts from the relationships you have with the people who surround you. The more positivity you’ll spread, the more positive you’ll be towards yourself.
• Don’t take things personally. If someone attacks you for the way you behave, or how you completed a task, analize their views and decide whether they can be useful to improve yourself. If so, express your gratitute towards them for helping you on your journey. Otherwise, remember that a lot of people judge because they’re insecure about themselves. It’s their problem, not yours: accept it and move on.
• Fake it till you make it. It’s hard, at times, to accept ourselves. Smile at your reflection in the mirror, compliment your choiches about food and the hard work you’ve done in the gym. Smile at strangers in the streets, take big decisions and big risks and pretend to be sure about the outcome. You’ll be surprised about how natural it will all become in the end.
• Be your biggest cheerleader. Believe in your work and be proud of your results. Appreciate the way you were able to handle things with your friends and how good of an athlete you’ve become. Be your own confident and cheerleader.