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Small actions built up over time become large results.
Every one of us wants to boost our confidence, but few of us know where to start. The key is to start small. So here are 15 small actions you can take to boost your confidence today.
1. List 3 things you’re grateful for
Most of our unhappiness sprouts from anger, fear, and disappointment. If we can shift our focus for a moment to the things we’re grateful for in our lives, these feelings start to fade away.
How to get started: Think of 3 things you’re grateful for in your life today and if you want to continue this practice, purchase a gratitude journal like the Five-minute journal.
“The antidote to fear is gratitude. The antidote to anger is gratitude. You can’t feel fear or anger while feeling gratitude at the same time.” -Tony Robbins
2. Public speaking
When Warren Buffett was asked what skillset is the most important one to focus on for graduates, he confidently said public speaking.
How to get started: Check out your local Toastmasters, where you’ll find a supportive group of people offering constructive feedback to help you learn faster.
3. Speak a foreign language: Learning a new language has shown to enhance your mental focus, advance your career, and even improve your native language.
How to get started: The key to learning how to speak a new language is the way we learned our first language: speaking with native speakers. Check out websites like Rype, which connects you with handpicked professional language teachers for up to unlimited 1-on-1 lessons.
4. Build your network
Your network is your net worth. Not to say that your network is the end all for boosting your confidence, but having people around you that will be there to support your goals is reassuring.
How to get started: Visit websites like Eventbrite and Meetup, and find local events in your industry.
5. Learn how to cook a new dish: Want to improve your friends or date this weekend? Try picking up your cooking skills.
How to get started: Go to Youtube or niche websites like Epicurious to get inspiration for new dishes you can cook.
6. Travel somewhere new
Discovering new cultures and visiting countries you’ve never been to may seem scary at first, but will do wonders for your confidence after traveling.
How to get started: Not everyone may have the freedom to travel when they want, due to time constraints, financial reasons, etc. But there are creative ways to travel cheaply by following travel hacks laid out by others.
7. Meditation
Regular meditation has proven to increase your happiness, reduce your anxiety, and improve your relationships.
How to get started: Leverage free applications like Headspace or Calm, which provide guided meditation on-demand.
8. Speed reading
Knowledge is power. One of the best ways to improve your knowledge is by reading. Unfortunately, we all have 24 hours in a day. By learning how to speed read, we can go through more articles, books, and papers to enhance our knowledge.
How to get started: You can either learn the techniques of speed reading, or you can use technological tools like Spritz.
9. Volunteer
One of the best ways to boost your confidence is by doing good for others, specifically for those that truly need it. Whether it’s serving food for the homeless, or teaching children how to read, it’ll be one of the best times you’ve spent this week.
How to get started: Wherever you live, you can find non-profit organizations that are constantly seeking volunteers to bring into staff. A simple google search can answer your question.
10. Say “No” more often
Saying “Yes” to external demands like coffee meetings or favors from friends can drain you after a certain limit. By saying “no” more often, you can carve more time out for yourself, and do more to improve yourself, like learning new things, etc.
How to get started: There’s no easy way to do this or a tool that can help you. It just comes down to being bold and saying “no” more often without trying to offend those that want your help or time.
11. Make your bed
It sounds simple, but some studies show that making your bed can boost your happiness. According to Psychology Today, 71 percent of bedmakers consider themselves happy; while 62 percent of non-bed-makers admit to being unhappy.
12. Pick 1 small goal for today, and achieve it
The biggest mistake most of us make is to try to tackle a large goal without breaking it down into tiny steps. If your goal is to learn a new language, pick a small goal like deciding how you’re going to learn or even what language you should learn.
