Thinking positively is crucial for overall well-being and self-assurance. Positive thought can be a very powerful way of improving confidence. Positive thinking promotes longevity, cuts rates of depression, boosts immunity, and minimizes the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. We are, unfortunately, oftentimes taught to be pessimistic, to measure ourselves against others, and to get into worrying cycles that are self-deprecating. It's everywhere—in the news, on your Facebook news page, and even at home.
So how do you change your mindset to feel more upbeat and confident? Start modestly and daily consciously choose good activities. The more you think and act positively, the more assured and self-assured you will feel. Positive thought can be a very powerful way of improving confidence. Here are 10 methods to feel more upbeat and confident each day.
10 Habits That Make You Feel Positive and Confident
1. Decide what to do
Don't phone your spouse while grocery shopping or ask a buddy what to order at supper. Decide depending on what your instincts are telling you. You'll feel more resilient and be able to practice believing in your intuition.
2. Attempt something new
It takes work to be confident; perfection does not bring it.
3. Exercise
The most significant non-drug treatment for anxiety, sadness, and sleeplessness is exercise. Simply exercising your body will disperse unfavorable thoughts and increase serotonin. Simply be aware of your energy level and avoid going overboard when you move your body. Yoga in your living room or a seven-minute workout both work.
4. Make your news feed cleaner
Social media might make you feel down if it is filled with photos, updates, and triggers. Start following "happy" or inspirational accounts. You will feel better as you encounter more upbeat photos.
5. Compile a list of any flattering remarks you've received
Consider the previous week, and make a list of all the kinds of things people have said to you. When you're feeling insecure, go over the compliments or remarks.
6. Learn to say ‘NO’
When you truly want to say no, don't say yes. If you agree to perform favors you don't want to, you're disappointing yourself. Remind yourself they are asking, not ordering, the next time someone asks you to do something that will make you feel weird and you have the impulse to answer "yes." Later, you'll hold yourself in higher regard.
7. Work on your posture
According to Ohio State University research, hunching over your work can increase your feelings of insecurity. When standing or sitting, bring your shoulders back and your belly button toward your spine.
8. Praise yourself
Even if you are not finished, give yourself credit for the little things you do every day. Do you still have stacks of items to fold after organizing your closet? Great, stop for a moment to appreciate your accomplishments rather than wait till a project is complete.
9. Show gratitude
Write a thank-you card or give someone a call to express your appreciation for having lunch with you last week. People who are conscious of their blessings produce more positive energy. Write a comment on a post you enjoy, send a buddy an email, or even just list three things you are grateful for right now (try and think of 5 new ones each time).
10. Create a joyful playlist
Your body and mind can alter physiologically as a result of music. It can make you breathe more quickly, feel tense, or smile. It has been discovered that songs with upbeat lyrics and a rapid tempo are more potent at evoking joyful feelings. How many joyful songs are on your playlist?
Improving confidence with positive thoughts and actions
Goal-setting, problem-solving, forceful interpersonal interactions, taking calculated chances for success, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are all examples of positive actions that result from high self-esteem and optimistic thinking. Positive thought can be a very powerful way of improving confidence. Positive action keeps us inspired to accomplish the objectives we set for ourselves, which has a variety of positive effects on our mood, sense of control, and connections with others. It also helps us handle problems more effectively and learn from our failures. Self-esteem is therefore crucial.
Self-esteem is frequently defined as the "feeling" or "value" we assign to ourselves as individuals (and the things we do). For instance, "I feel good about myself," "I'm fine even though I'm not perfect at sports," etc. The sense of self-worth we experience—whether it's high or low, positive or negative—comes from the way we think about ourselves and is frequently masked by some form of judgment we pass on ourselves or accept from others. There are many standards, expectations, and judgments in the world, but our self-worth and our perception of life are determined by the ones we accept and hold about ourselves.
The following definitions of self-esteem that suit this criterion are likely ones you've heard of. Having self-esteem means: Seeing yourself as you are and not as others see you; accepting yourself for who you are, despite your limitations; liking and treating yourself as special and unique; believing that you are "capable" of overcoming the difficulties that come with everyday life; and feeling positive about yourself.
Learning to control our thoughts is crucial since it is closely tied to our self-esteem (our views, values, judgments, standards, expectations, and criticisms). Positive thinking refers to a way of thinking that is realistic/rational, balanced, solution-focused, and beneficial. As a result, positive thinking increases self-esteem and is useful in enhancing our moods, health, and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, negative thinking can cause anxiety and a lower desire for positive action, such as "I can't do it," "it won't work anyhow," and "what if others don't like what I do."
It prevents us from giving ourselves and "the issue" an opportunity to see if our negative thoughts are true (which, in most cases, they aren't).
Our self-esteem is derived from a variety of factors, including our prior experiences, our beliefs, our standards, our social connections, our triumphs and failures, and the opinions and judgments of others. But more crucially, how we "think" about these things affects how we feel about ourselves. A nice remark from a special someone, forgiveness for mistakes, acceptance of one another "warts and all," hugs, and quality time spent together are all examples of good behavior that teach us to be kind to ourselves and others and provide the message "you are a worthwhile and valuable person."
Our self-esteem is frequently "conditioned" on upholding particular norms, according to our judgments. For instance, "I'm fine if I do it precisely every time," and "I should be able to maintain at 100% or I'm lazy," are examples. We may be endangering our self-esteem when we accept without question the unreasonable or harsh standards or critiques of others (or ourselves). Similar to how we frequently compare ourselves unfairly to others, we frequently overlook the fact that every one of us has a different set of circumstances and possibilities in our lives. A good example might be, "That individual (who won the lottery) has a sports automobile, hence they are better than me."
Conclusion
Keep in mind that even tiny changes can have a big impact. Your self-confidence and self-esteem will certainly rise as a result of your efforts to accumulate more good experiences and thoughts.
Shellye is committed to helping people from diverse backgrounds to achieve their aspirations in careers and life. The content published above was made in collaboration with our members.
Shellye Archambeau is determined to help you with all possible strategies to climb the ladder of success. She values your feedback. Do mention them in the comment section below.