Are you still stuck on the stupid mistake you made yesterday or worried about something that could happen tomorrow? Every moment matters when it comes to feeling good, thinking positively, building your confidence, and believing in yourself. When you let the negative thoughts control you, it shows! Other people pick up on your insecurity and your vibe. In an instant you can turn that mean thought into a major confidence-boosting thought.

Quick Building Tips for Your Confidence

1. Dress to Impress. I recently read an article by a woman who suffered from severe depression. She mentioned one way that she got out of bed was to take pride in her appearance. Grooming, picking out a nice outfit (we are not talking about a prom dress, rather a clean shirt and cute pants) and putting effort into her appearance helped her perk up. Did this “fix” her depression or make her self-confidence shoot through the roof? No, but it did help her feel more confident for the day. Making sure your outfit is ironed, your fly-a-ways are fixed and taking a moment to admire yourself in the mirror puts you in a place to feel good during the day.

2. Say Something Nice to Yourself. Think you’ve got nothing going on in your life to be proud of? What about small things that you have done today or this week? Reflect on what you’ve accomplished. “I am freaking awesome! I finished my assignment early.” or “This morning I had a healthy breakfast, when I could have caved and had a doughnut.” Think about unique gifts you have brought to a situation “I am a great friend and helped out my bestie when she was feeling down,” or “I totally nailed the convo with _____ (someone who normally pushes your buttons) and didn’t get upset.”

3. Tackle the Lingering To-Do List. Pick a task that you have been dreading. Calling your accountant, checking in on your credit card rate, or making a payment – something that has been lingering on the totem pole of your to do list and you have just been putting off. Taking control over a situation that can affect your livelihood is an immediate relief, an act of self-respect, and builds your confidence.

4. Do Something Kind For Your Body. If you have five extra minutes, make yourself a healthy breakfast this morning rather than hitting up the coffee shop or fast food joint. Got more time this afternoon? Go for a walk or a quick workout. Feel like you already ruined your day? Nope, that’s just your mind messing with you. It’s never too late to spend a little healthy time on yourself. Instead of grabbing that sugary snack later in the day, grab a good-for-you green juice and a bag of nuts to get the vitamins to fuel you. Want to veg out to an episode of your favorite show? Do quick workouts during the commercials. You will feel better, believe me. When we are kind to our bodies, we feel better about them.

5. Research. Get a bit savvier on a topic that you are interested in. This is not only a distraction tool to help you from heading down the insecurity path, it can push you into knowing more about something of value. Whether you are looking up new movies that come out this weekend or are interested in learning more about organic eating, a travel destination, or whatever topic tickles you, get online and start searching. The more you know, the more your confidence makes you feel better.

6. Rock out. Music has a way to bust through the blocks of self-doubt. Make a confidence playlist, songs that make you walk taller, smile, and feel like a rock star. Beyonce, T-Swift, Jay-Z, MGMT, the list goes on for me. 7. Smile. Yep, just even a fake smile can push your brain into thinking more positively. Which means you will be a little lighter on yourself. Standing tall, shoulders back, and sitting up (not hunched over) can help you instantly feel a bit more on your game.

Add your confidence building tips below and share them with others. Many clients have told me things, such as affirmations, looking at their resumes (when worried about their confidence at work) or calling a close pal for reassurance, are great confidence builders. What confidence boosters work for you?

xo Em

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Emily Roberts MA, LPC is The Guidance Girl. Her goal is to help YOU become the most confident person you know! Emily is an award-winning author Express Yourself: A Teen Girls Guide to Speaking Up and Becoming Who You Are, Psychotherapist, TV & Media Contributor, Educational Speaker, and parenting consultant. She travels around the country educating girls, women, and parents. Express Yourself is available at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon. To learn more about Emily click here.

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