If you are continually being hard on yourself, procrastinating, and not being able to achieve what you truly desire, it can often be due to a lack of self-confidence. Here, then, are some insights toward creating and building greater confidence.
When you increase your awareness you increase your confidence. Underlying true self-confidence is an awareness of your connectedness to life. Many years ago, a speaker encouraged his audience to begin to "look with the eyes of love." The next day, walking home after work, I began to look around with new eyes and I became aware of things I hadn't noticed before: a rabbit running across a lawn, squirrels chasing each other up a tree, flowers in bloom, people waving and smiling at me. That may not seem like much, but it was the start of a new growing awareness and a new self-confidence.
Accept yourself as a unique being, an original. When I finally became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1985 after coming to this country from England in 1967, I had a sudden insight that had a profound effect upon me. There at the top of my naturalization certificate in bold letters was the word "Original." I realized there was no one else exactly like me, no one with the same talents and abilities, interests or strengths. So, I encourage you to take stock of your own strengths and positive qualities, for you too are an original.
Become aware of the presence of God within you. This is the source of all your good and the foundation for your self-confidence. For you are a spiritual being, going through a human experience. You have God-given gifts to help you fulfill your purpose on earth which only you can fulfill. As you become more aware of the presence and power of God within you and flowing through you, your confidence grows exponentially and your positive influence is felt and appreciated.
The following are some simple positive steps you can take on a daily basis to enhance your self-confidence. You don't have to feel self-confident to take these actions, but by taking them you will find your confidence increases.
1. Posture. Become more conscious of your posture. Sit and stand with your body more upright. Imagine a string at the top of your head, gently pulling you upright, and feel a little more space between your vertebrae.
2. Notice your breathing. Let it bring you fully into the present moment, and move into an easy rhythm of deep conscious breathing as you relax and let go.
3. Smile. Right now, let the corners of your mouth turn upward in a smile. Feel that smile spread to your eyes and your forehead, then throughout your body. Practice an inner smile during your day and feel that subtle inner glow.
4. Smile at others. Smiles convey loving attention, encouragement, and friendliness. When you smile, you lighten stressful situations, ease burdens, and express God's love from within. Your smiles are gifts of love that return blessings to you in untold ways.
5. Initiate conversation. Take the initiative, introduce yourself, ask a question, and/or respond in a positive way to something that is said or is happening in the moment.
6. Be a good listener. If you were to ask a question that you genuinely wanted to know the answer to, you would naturally listen and give your full attention to that answer. And if you really give your full attention to what someone else is saying, your response will arise naturally without you being concerned about what to say next.
7. Learn people's names and use them in conversation. Everyone likes to be acknowledged by name, whether it is someone you know well or in casual conversation or the server in a restaurant. Whoever it is, it will make them feel good to be called by name. And it will make you feel good in return.
8. Show up on time. If you are meeting someone for dinner, going to work, or whatever the occasion, be on time. It shows respect and consideration of others, and helps you be relaxed and ready to be your best self.
8. Show up on time. If you are meeting someone for dinner, going to work, or whatever the occasion, be on time. It shows respect and consideration of others, and helps you be relaxed and ready to be your best self.
9. Dress appropriately. It takes just a little more care to be well-groomed and dressed appropriately for whatever the occasion may be, but it makes a big difference in the way you feel and helps the ones you are with to feel comfortable too.
10. Follow up. Earlier this week, I received a card from a friend saying how happy she had been to see me again. It meant a great deal to me to receive the note and made me feel good. Then I had a call from someone I hadn't seen for a while suggesting we meet for a cup of coffee; I was really glad to hear from him. In other words, little things mean a lot. So be sure to respond and follow up with people; they will welcome your caring action, and it will give your own confidence a boost as well.
These are just a few simple suggestions which, if you will follow them, will boost your self-confidence. For more information on building confidence, click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_A_Rowbotham
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