Six Mind Hacks to Boost your Confidence
Six Mind Hacks to Boost Your Confidence
Here are six mind-hacks you can use to boost your confidence:
- Stop comparing yourself to others.
- Accept yourself.
- Knowledge is power.
- Practice makes perfect.
- Mind your language.
- Upgrade your self-image.
Let us look at how to use these confidence-building-hacks.
1. Stop comparing yourself to others.
One reason you lack confidence is because you are comparing yourself to others and thinking that you don't measure up.
You are forgetting that everyone is superior to you in some respects, but equal to you in others, and in other respects, they are inferior to you.
What you are doing is focusing on how each person is superior; but forgetting about the many ways they are NOT superior; and IGNORING the fact you are superior to the other, in some ways.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him."
The opposite is also true, "In your walks, everyone you meet is your inferior in some ways; superior to you in others, and equal to you in most".
2. Accept yourself.
You need to accept yourself for who you are and begin to appreciate what characteristics you have.
At conception, nature gave you a set of potentials in the form of your DNA code. You have a unique identity; one that has never been here before and will never be here again. You are the only YOU there is.
Your task is to take your DNA encoded gifts from nature and actualise your full potential.
You cannot be someone else; and it is a mistake to try.
Instead you should strive to be the best version of YOU, that there can be.
How? By gaining knowledge.
3. Knowledge is power.
If you lack confidence, it is because you know that you don't know enough.
Don't worry about that, because; nobody knows enough. Everyone is ignorant about most subjects.
To gain confidence, you need to know that you know something of value. Your task is to gain specialist knowledge.
So today, make two decisions:
- Decide what subject or skill you could become good at.
- Decide to start gaining knowledge in that subject.
When you gain knowledge, you gain confidence.
Confidence is based on competence.
4. Practice makes perfect.
Because confidence is based on competence, it is important to practice your skills. The more you practice the better you get.
The better you get, the more confident you feel.
If you want to become more confident, then practice, practice and practice.
5. Mind your language.
Confidence is not only an emotion; it is also a form of communication.
Did you know that many "confident people" feel the same way as you, but they communicate "as if" they were confident.
Remember that people cannot mind-read you.
They know you, only by what you communicate to them.
You can change your words to sound "as if" you were more confident. And weirdly if you talk confidently for twenty minutes or more, you will begin to feel more confident, for real.
The mind always wants to be consistent with itself.
If you say, " I'm worried" enough times you will worry yourself.
If you say, " I feel strong today" enough times, then you will begin to feel stronger.
Don't wait for your mind to change.
You can change the way you feel by changing the things you habitually say.
This is a life changing piece of information. What are you going to do with it?
6. Install a Self-Image Update.
Your confidence is ultimately based upon your self-image. Your self-image is the sum of all the thoughts, feelings and beliefs you hold about who you "really" are.
But who are you really?
You are your habitual thoughts.
You can change your habitual thoughts by refusing to denigrate yourself to yourself.
Hold a new upgraded opinion of yourself.
Memorise the following and keep repeating it until it feels true:
"I am a unique and unrepeatable personality.
I am endowed with still untapped potential for achievement.
My mission is to actualise my full genetic potential and to live life to its fullest".
Definition: self-confidence
Context: Personal Development; Genus: mental state; Differentia 1: built on belief in personal ability to succeed; Differentia 2: grounded in learned knowledge and repeated practice; Differentia 3: expressed through clear words, posture and action; Differentia 4: stays steady when facing normal doubt or setback.
Show CG4D Definition
- built on belief in personal ability to succeed
- grounded in learned knowledge and repeated practice
- expressed through clear words, posture and action
- stays steady when facing normal doubt or setback
Article Summary
To boost confidence, stop comparing, accept your unique self, gain focused knowledge, practise until skilled, speak with confident words and refresh the picture you hold of you; each step turns doubt into drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
How can I stop comparing myself to others and boost confidence?
Why does accepting myself help build self-confidence?
What kind of knowledge best boosts confidence quickly?
How much practice is needed to feel competent and confident?
Can changing my everyday language really boost confidence?
What is a self-image update and how do I do it?
Is confidence more about feelings or about actions I take?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Office for National Statistics data collected in May 2023 show that 22% of UK adults rated their self-confidence as "low", up from 14% in 2019. The LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2024 finds that 75% of employees who spend at least one hour a week learning a new skill say it boosts their confidence at work.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Personal Effectiveness
-
Habit Pattern v Thought Process
Learn how to break bad habits by spotting auto-pilot routines, swapping them for disciplined action and positive self-talk, boost personal effectiveness daily.
Read Article > -
What is Your Purpose?
Discover how a clear life purpose, centred on adding value to others and actualising your potential, boosts personal growth, work success and true fulfilment.
Read Article > -
Operate according to your plan, not your mood
Stick to your plan and act with purpose, not mood. Learn self-discipline tips and rational decision making to achieve goals consistently and boost productivity.
Read Article > -
How to Use the Pleasure/Pain Principle
Use the pleasure pain principle to guide behaviour change. Swap short-term pleasure for long-term gain, avoid painful consequences, and thrive in work and life.
Read Article > -
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Learn why asking for help at work boosts teamwork, cuts errors and lifts results, plus simple tips to give and receive support for shared success every day.
Read Article >
Looking for Personal Development Training?
If you're looking to develop your Personal Effectiveness Skills, you may find this Personal Development Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 10 days, London - Central, places available