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.

[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.

[Blueletter18]

Originally Posted by WildHearted

Have no fear, only love.

Perfect.

[Blueletter18]

I try to focus outside of myself and how I can help others around me, whether that includes being a good listener, setting aside time to tutor underclassmen at my college, lend support to my friends, and just set a good example and try to follow the lead of people who are my role models. I agree that not looking in the mirror more than, like, once a day helps too

[LB Freakazoid]

I've always had the philosophy - since I was 8 years old - though my mom says 4 - that it is my mind and my body - I will feed it, think it, *and dress it how I see fit...
Growing older, I went on to believe that the life that I live is for me to create... If I want to the sky in my world to be orange - it was - however it may be.... and by fabulous sunsets....

The fine line between self confidence and arrogance is blurry...
And many lessons are learned along the way...

But I personally find self confidence is found when you know who and where you are and always willing to learn from anyone and from circumstances around you... Being open to what is around you and not dismissing even the trivial... and accepting the lessons being presented to you - realizing them in their true form gives a true sense of self... The mistakes along the way are presented to help you see who you are... It's always your choice which way to go.... The choices that are made - and if excuses are made - well then, maybe even you don't beleive you have made the right choices - but the ego is defending itself.... When you do make choices that you feel are right for you.... Things shift and feel right.... This is where self confidence grows.....

Ok... Done with the wine... Good night!

[iamnotafraid]

Originally Posted by Silver Springs

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.

What do you think of cat juggling?
It's rampant down here in the South.
Videos of it will make you cry.