What do you do to build self confidence?

[PolishStevieFan]

Lately I've been reading a lot of psychological books concerned with the topic of self-confidence and must say that most of them are rubbish I wonder what you do Dear Ledgies to keep up your self assurance. I think most of us have problems from time to time with maintaining satisfying level of this state of mind. Have you got your own tips on how to achieve success in this realm? Share some own psychological knowledge!

[beccamorrisfift]

"Fake it till you make it."
The way I stay confident is by acting confident. I walk around school like I own it, some people probably think I'm an arrogant bitch and I guess I am, but it works for me.
Also, not looking in the mirror a lot and not walking towards reflective surfaces helps.

[wild-heart]

LOL Becca I was going to say that...I don't look in the mirror.

I just don't care, i used to really, really care what people thought of me and i spent a lot of time worrying about how other people percieved me. But you know what, life is way too short. If you are happy with yourself then noone elses opinion should matter. At times my confidence and faith in myself do falter but I put on a Courtney Love album and remember everything that makes me happy. Life is great

[Fireflies]

life your life in a way that makes you happy, surrounded by people who truly love you and who you'd do anything for--and you'll be fine. your confidence should be based solely on this!

however, i find strangling stray cats to be effective.

[PolishStevieFan]

Well, I'm not afraid of looking into the mirror... To keep up my self confidence I usually try to remind myself all these powerful and thought provoking song lyrics that inspire me to act confidently. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I think it all depends on situation. The important thing is also not to try to compare myself to other people. It's hard to bypass this thing in everyday life but it might bring a lot of joy when you realize that no one is better than you, he/she is just different...not better, not worse just different. So another question is: "What can you do to stop comparing yourself to other people?"

[WildHearted]

Have no fear, only love.

[beccamorrisfift]

Originally Posted by Fireflies

however, i find strangling stray cats to be effective.

Don't hurt cats.

[Silver Springs]

Originally Posted by beccamorrisfift

Don't hurt cats.

As somebody who volunteers a lot of her time to her local Cat Sanctuary (To the point of having names for all of the Cats and knowing them as her "babies"), I agree with this sentiment.

I know it seems almost twee to say it, but maintaining a sunny err often radiates inwards. As already stated, fake it until you make it. Aside from that, take steps to calm the worries and insecurities you have by trying to gain a deeper understanding of your inner self. Don't be afraid to spend time alone immersing yourself in what you love and getting to know yourself. Once you have a better understanding of your positive points, the perceived negative won't affect you as much. It took me a long time to realize it myself.

[ButterCookie]

Personally: wear a hell of a lot of make up.

Advice to others: Be proud of yourself, wake up telling yourself that today is a new day and you're going to own it.

[Silver Springs]

Originally Posted by ButterCookie

Personally: wear a hell of a lot of make up.

Oh pish! I've seen pictures of you without makeup (On Facebook, not on a hardcore stalker level, I hasten to add) and you look perfectly lovely.

[ButterCookie]

Originally Posted by Silver Springs

Oh pish! I've seen pictures of you without makeup (On Facebook, not on a hardcore stalker level, I hasten to add) and you look perfectly lovely.

No you haven't It might look like I'm not wearing any but I will have at least some on.

[Sleepless-Child]

Originally Posted by beccamorrisfift

"Fake it till you make it."
The way I stay confident is by acting confident. I walk around school like I own it, some people probably think I'm an arrogant bitch and I guess I am, but it works for me.
Also, not looking in the mirror a lot and not walking towards reflective surfaces helps.

This!

Originally Posted by WildHearted

Have no fear, only love.

Nice!

Originally Posted by Silver Springs

I know it seems almost twee to say it, but maintaining a sunny err often radiates inwards. As already stated, fake it until you make it. Aside from that, take steps to calm the worries and insecurities you have by trying to gain a deeper understanding of your inner self. Don't be afraid to spend time alone immersing yourself in what you love and getting to know yourself. Once you have a better understanding of your positive points, the perceived negative won't affect you as much. It took me a long time to realize it myself.

See, i'd love to be more like this. That's funny but focusing on myself kind of tends to make me depressed and not confident at all. I like being alone but it has a strange impact on me.

Originally Posted by ButterCookie

Personally: wear a hell of a lot of make up.

Advice to others: Be proud of yourself, wake up telling yourself that today is a new day and you're going to own it.

This also!

[David]

Originally Posted by PolishStevieFan

I wonder what you do Dear Ledgies to keep up your self assurance.

I pump iron and jog 2 miles every evening. That endorphin rush gives me a powerful self-confidence and a euphoria comparable to listening to a pre-War Bruno Walter recording of a Beethoven symphony.