Self-Confidence 101

Here are some tips from Dr. Patricia Thompson to help build self-confidence, and get you well on your way to a more positive view of yourself:

1. Challenge your self-talk.
Being as objective as possible, question whether what you're saying to yourself is really true. And, if you hear yourself saying "always" or "never," that's a warning sign that you're probably not taking the whole picture into account.

2. Watch out for catastrophizing.
Think about all the possible outcomes — not just the most feared ones that hold you back from taking action. And, remind yourself that research shows we tend to overestimate how long negative feelings will last after we suffer a disappointment.

3. Talk to yourself like you would a close friend.
A lot of times, we say horrible things to ourselves that we would never say to anyone else. You don't deserve that! Be compassionate with yourself, have your own back, and speak to yourself kindly.

4. Try power posing.
People who have been power posing also have a higher risk tolerance and are rated by others to have more presence. People who put themselves in more diminutive poses have the opposite effect. So, channel your inner Wonder Woman and take on the world!
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5. Remember, people are people.
Low confidence can also be associated with a fear of rejection — we're afraid of being negatively judged by others. Realize that we are all just people, with various quirks and insecurities. Don't let your concerns about others dull your shine!