More Confidence in 5 Minutes or Less (8 valuable tips)
- Post Written by Jai Kai on February 2, 2010
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photo courtesy of Desiree Delgado
The following post is designed to give you a quick confidence boost – something we can all use now and then (709 words- approx. reading time 2.5 mins).
Having confidence is a necessity when it comes to pursuing your passion and fulfilling your desires. Confidence empowers you to take action with authority. Confidence inspires others. Confidence builds trust in your actions and decisions. Confidence gives you permission to succeed.
Here are 8 ways to gain more confidence – each of them taking 5 minutes or less.
1. Read an inspirational quote. This sets the tone for the day and will give you positive insight and meaning that you can reflect upon and act on. Success quotes, proverbs and words of wisdom can help you stay focused. They can give you motivation and confidence. For example if I read first thing in the morning “A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step” I may come to realize not to be rushed to finish a job and to enjoy each necessary step as part of the process.
2. Listen to a song that pumps you up. We all know the powerful affect music has on us. Music releases endorphins in the brain and gives you that feel good sensation which can boost your energy and confidence. Try playing those songs right before a really big event when you can really use that extra confidence. When I have a teaching or public speaking engagement I know exactly which songs to play beforehand.
3. Do a 5 minute stretch routine. Stretching allows blood and oxygen to flow freely to different areas of your body including your brain. Try simple stretches such as reaching your arms up in the air and bending forward to touch your toes. This gets energy flowing and allows you to become more alert and awake. This alertness allows you to think on your feet and gives you a greater capacity to feel and be confident.
4. Show off your threads. Throw on some nice clothes that you feel good about. It’s amazing what a nice suit, blouse or dress shirt can do for you. When you look smart, handsome, beautiful or sexy, you feel and act that way too. Of course this will give you a tremendous amount of confidence.
5. Pick three positive and powerful words to use throughout the day. This is a fun exercise, because you learn to speak with intention and confidence. For example your words may be Fantastic, Excellent and Absolutely. When using these words, articulate them slowly and emphatically – really feel the power and meaning behind the words. Not only will you appear confident to others but you will also feel more confident.
6. Befriend a stranger. Strike a conversation with a stranger and practice using your three positive and powerful words. Building confidence requires you to step out of your comfort zone. Notice how it makes you feel to meet someone new, someone you are unfamiliar with. Just give it a try. The more you do it, the more confidence you will gain.
7. Stand tall. Your posture can make a world of difference of how you look and feel. When you stand with a nice posture you become more open and feel less resistance. You feel proud and strong, ready to pursue your next task, take on a new challenge. This inner strength, lack of resistance and openness is the secret to having more confidence. Don’t forget to breathe deeply.
8. Make compliments. Complimenting others makes you and others feel good. It’s easy to tell a friend or co-worker that they look good and that will certainly boost their confidence. So, why not tell yourself that you look good – that you are amazingly handsome, sexy or beautiful. Sure looking in the bathroom mirror and saying this to yourself may seem cheesy (and you don’t want your friends or co-workers to hear you) but you are boosting your self confidence both consciously and subconsciously through the power of affirmations.
These 8 confidence boosting tips require you to take some action. I encourage you to try a few of them and take note how you feel after using them. I have used many of these to help me overcome past fears such as public speaking and teaching. I would love to here what you do to give yourself more confidence.
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Great list. I think in addition to building confidence, they also grow your self worth and have a snowball effect on your happiness. I have a collection of quotes and I can’t imagine not looking at them regularly. Striking up a conversation with a stranger and complimenting people when you might instead blow it off is really a wonderful feeling. Like Napoleon Dynamite says, “Listen to your heart Pedro, that’s what I do”
Hey Jai,
Thats great list, I would add one thing to your list and that is to watch something funny, or listen to something funny. Genuine laughter is a confidence booster.