Boosting Confidence
October 27th, 2015
Have you ever felt guilty for obsessing about your skin or letting a bad hair day get you down? Do you sometimes think that worrying about your skin means you’re vain or shallow? I want you to know that’s definitely not true!
First of all, the health of your skin is a reflection of your internal health and can give you some very important clues about what’s going on inside your body. The skin on your face is also your walking billboard and the first thing people see when they meet you!
When your skin doesn’t look the way you want, it can have a significant impact on your confidence and how you present yourself to the world. Feeling embarrassed or ashamed about your skin can affect your performance at a job interview or how you act on a date. I struggled with acne throughout my teens and most of my twenties so I know firsthand how spotty skin can sabotage your confidence.
This week, I want to share with you 6 tips for boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
1) Silence Your Inner Critic
You know that pesky, critical voice inside your head? Sometimes it needs to be put in its place! While it may be worth examining the root of these thoughts you can make a conscious decision, starting now, not to give them any more power. Next time you notice a negative thought, turn it into a positive one and compliment yourself instead. For example: instead of “my thighs are so big” turn it into “I have strong, powerful legs that allow me to explore the world”.
If you have an extra unruly inner critic, check out the book “Taming Your Gremlin” by Rick Carson for more tools on taming that monster in your mind.
2) Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are a great tool to help master your confidence mindset. Any time your inner critic acts up; replace the thought with a positive affirmation instead. It helps to develop a few affirmations that make you feel good and have them written out on a cue card in your wallet or purse to look at whenever you feel the need.
Here are a few you can try. Feel free to modify them so that they really resonate with you:
My self-worth does not depend on what I see in the mirror
I love myself unconditionally and accept myself as I am
I treat myself with respect and choose to think positive thoughts
I am so much more than my appearance
3) Compliment Other People
Receiving a compliment feels great, but giving them can also boost your self-esteem. Make it a habit to compliment at least 2 people every day and it doesn’t have to be on their appearance. In fact, it’s better if you praise someone for a job well done or a thoughtful gesture. This trains you to see the goodness in other people and appreciate the fact that their true value extends far beyond their appearance.
4) Shift your Focus
Your appearance does not determine your worth. Stop obsessing over your skin and make a list of things you’re proud of or appreciate most about yourself. Maybe it’s the way you stay calm in difficult situations or that you’re a master chef in the kitchen. Whatever it is, write it down and keep it handy. Spend more time doing activities that make you feel good and boost your sense of worth.
5) Stand Tall
Believe it or not, good posture makes a difference in the way you look and feel. When you walk around with slouched shoulders, it sends a message to the world that you don’t feel good about yourself. Good posture can help boost your mood and make you appear more confident. Try practicing in the mirror and notice the difference in your appearance when you stand up straight vs. slouched.
6) Smile!
There’s no doubt we all look better when we smile. Even if you don’t feel happy, try smiling at yourself in the mirror. It may seem weird at first, but the act of smiling can trigger a release of feel-good endorphins in your body. Smiling will make you appear more confident and also boost your confidence. When in doubt, just smile!