So, let’s be real for a second. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build, like a killer playlist or that perfect skincare routine. And let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of “who even am I?” moments. But over time, I’ve figured out a few things that actually work. No fluff, no toxic positivity—just real, actionable strategies that have helped me step into my power. Ready? Let’s dive in.
First off, let’s talk about self-talk. I used to be my own worst critic. Like, if I made a tiny mistake, my inner monologue would go full-on drama queen: “You’re such a failure. Why can’t you get it together?” Sound familiar? Turns out, this kind of negative self-talk is a total confidence killer. But here’s the thing: you can rewire your brain. I started by catching myself in those moments and flipping the script. Instead of “I’m so bad at this,” I’d say, “I’m learning, and that’s okay.” It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer. Science backs this up too—positive self-talk can literally rewire your brain to think more optimistically.
Next up: body language. I used to slouch like I was trying to disappear into the background. But then I learned about “power poses”—you know, standing tall, shoulders back, like you own the room. And guess what? It works. Studies show that adopting confident body language can actually boost your confidence levels. So now, before a big meeting or even a tough conversation, I take a minute to strike a pose. It feels a little silly at first, but it’s like a secret weapon.
Another thing that’s helped me is embracing my imperfections. I used to think I had to be perfect to be confident. Spoiler alert: that’s a lie. Nobody’s perfect, and trying to be is exhausting. Instead, I’ve learned to own my quirks and flaws. Like, I’m terrible at remembering names, but now I just laugh it off and say, “Sorry, I’m the worst with names—tell me again?” It’s liberating, honestly. And it turns out, people actually respect you more when you’re authentic.
One of the biggest confidence boosters for me has been setting boundaries. I used to say yes to everything, even when it left me drained and resentful. But over time, I’ve learned that saying no isn’t selfish—it’s self-care. And when you set boundaries, you’re sending a message to yourself and others that your time and energy are valuable. It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it.
Lastly, let’s talk about celebrating small wins. I used to wait for the big milestones—the promotions, the achievements—to feel proud of myself. But life is made up of tiny moments, and those deserve recognition too. Did you get out of bed when you really didn’t want to? Win. Did you speak up in a meeting? Win. Did you try something new, even if it didn’t go perfectly? Win. Celebrating these small victories has helped me build a sense of accomplishment and confidence over time.
Confidence isn’t about being fearless—it’s about knowing you can handle whatever comes your way. It’s about showing up as your authentic self, even when it’s scary. And it’s about giving yourself grace along the way. So, take these strategies and make them your own. You’ve got this, queen.