Author: Pavel Mitrokhin, Head of OSE — Oriflame
Self-confidence is belief in oneself, one's personal judgment, abilities, and strength.
It is a quality where a person takes responsibility for their decisions and actions and does not shift that responsibility to others.
In this article, I will share ways to increase confidence that I have personally tested.
- Set new challenges for yourself, both at work and in everyday life: start a complex project, go on a week-long hike, climb Mount Elbrus, participate in the annual HSE DAYS rating, or speak at a professional conference.
- Healthy habits and minimizing bad ones: morning exercises, regular jogging/walking, contrast showers, quitting smoking, and a healthy diet.
- Communicating with interesting, positive people. Your environment should fill you with energy and a good mood; interaction with toxic individuals should be kept to a minimum.
How to identify a negative conversationalist? If we feel a surge of energy after a meeting, everything is great; if our mood has soured, this person should be avoided in the future.
- Become an expert in various fields.
- Live an interesting, fulfilling life. Many complain about a lack of time and finances, which turns their weeks into a constant "Groundhog Day."
In reality, most people can easily set aside a few hours a week to walk in a new park, go to an exhibition, or visit the theater — essentially, to spend time with pleasure.
- Leadership and personal growth courses.
It is recommended to take a critical approach: study reviews, pricing policies, the instructors' credentials, and the achievements of previous students to avoid falling into a cult or "info-scams" aimed at extorting money.
Remember, there is no quick way to improve!
Self-improvement is a smooth, gradual process.
Of course, many instructors promise quick results, but your mental health could suffer, and a setback may follow.
- Regular sports activities. A competent trainer will create a program and regularly increase the load.
- Praise yourself for achievements. Express gratitude for every victory: morning exercises, a completed task at work, or a newly mastered skill.
- Broaden your horizons, communicate with new people, gain vivid impressions, and read books, including success stories of famous people. Believe me, there is much to learn from them.
- Overcome your fears. Every new beginning causes anxiety. This is an absolutely normal feeling. It is necessary to understand that these are natural emotions and not to punish yourself for them. Then, go and do what you planned.
Believe me, as soon as you start acting, the panic will recede, and it will be easier in the future.
- Do important things first. Otherwise, you will still remember what lies ahead, and the anticipation will drain your strength.
- Rest regularly and pay attention to your health. When you feel unwell, you can't talk about a great mood; a vigorous worker always achieves more.
- Improve relationships with loved ones. Our home is a resource from which we draw strength.
- Respect personal boundaries. Politely stop intrusive advice, unsolicited criticism, derogatory remarks, and devaluation. Similarly, you must not allow such statements toward others.
- And, of course, do not complain about life to those around you. What we say affects our thoughts. Problems happen to everyone. It is better to focus on positive statements.
- If necessary, consult a psychologist. A competent specialist will certainly help you make the right decision.
- Setting and achieving goals. When we achieve results, self-respect grows exponentially.
- Accept your mistakes. There will definitely be mistakes. We gain experience that is worth accepting, applying, and moving forward.
- Watch your appearance. Stylish clothes and straight posture will always support you and make you stand out from the crowd.
- Compare yourself with yourself, not with others.
Regularly becoming the best version of yourself is the key to success.
- Charity. When we do good selflessly, we make the world around us better.
Friends, self-confidence is a skill that can and should be developed.
Success to you and wonderful achievements!