In a world that idolizes celebrities and a perfected way of life, the idea of having a strong sense of self-confidence can seem like a myth. Especially when the world is trying to tell you to be someone you are not. But here's some good news: there is still a way to walk tall and radiate confidence in the world around you.
Here are 10 powerful confidence boosters that will light up your life:
1. Smile
With all the negativity in the world, a smile can make all the difference-whether you are going about the daily grind or running errands. In fact, a study shows that throwing smiles, even if they are fake, can produce brain activity that enhances your mood. So don't be afraid to show off your pearly whites. Not only will it make someone else's day, but it will make yours as well.
2. Get moving
Everyone has heard that exercise can improve confidence and well-being, but do you really know the facts? According to Livestrong, making and sticking to a fitness plan gives the brain a sense of achievement and will enhance your mood. Exercise also releases endorphins, which essentially allows you to feel elated and happy for periods of time. Find an exercise that works for you and stick with it. You will love how you feel now and down the road.
3. Accessorize
Believe it or not, the right accessory can brighten up your outfit and your day. Accessories come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the one that is best suited for you is easy as pie. Whether you want to sport red lipstick, a fancy pair of sunglasses, or you find great deals on jewelry, accessorizing can completely flatter your whole ensemble. And, a great pair of boots can really "kick" your self-esteem into gear.
4. Think positive
This might seem like a generic answer to finding confidence, but it rings true. Thinking and acting more upbeat and positive than you actually feel can give your attitude and mood a positive beat to follow. Indulging in meditation, yoga, or simply replacing "can't" with "can" will completely alter your confidence. We naturally tend to put ourselves down in our minds every day, but one small positive thought can have a domino effect on the rest of your day.
5. Be kind
What better way to put a spring in your step than forgetting your insecurities and helping others overcome theirs? Serving others and showing true generosity and kindness can give you a sense of purpose and bring you genuine happiness. Kindness is the most attractive trait a person can possess, and the world could use a lot more people who are willing to share it.
6. Get organized
Have you ever had one of those mornings where everything seems to go wrong? Maybe you lost your car keys and by the time you found them, your mascara was melting down your cheeks and you had to drive at the speed of light to get to work on time. Taking time to organize and tidy your life can cause your morning and essentially your entire day to run smoother. In fact, in Japanese author Marie Kondo's book "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," she explains countless benefits of taking time to organize your possessions and add more hours to your day.
7. Set small goals
Everyone should have at least one goal in life, but often times, those goals are so large and so time-consuming that the quest to fulfill them can be long and seemingly impossible. Not meeting these goals can often lower your sense of self-worth. One trick to avoiding these ruts is to set continuous small goals throughout every stage of your life. These small goals can include learning a new skill or improving in your hobbies. Do what you love and take time to celebrate the small victories.
8. Hit the books
Knowledge is power. If you want to feel confident, hit the books. Whether it's a novel or studying material, reading brings knowledge, and that grants you confidence in yourself and in your abilities.
9. Get to know yourself
Do you hate spending time alone? Now is the time to fully embrace who you are. Get to know yourself like you would get to know a significant other. Discover your likes and your dislikes, and determine what you truly want to achieve in life. Become your own best friend. Push yourself, believe in yourself and follow your dreams. You are the only person in this world who controls your happiness and which path to take to find it.
10. Update your wardrobe
Reward yourself with a new outfit, preferably one that makes you feel strong and beautiful. If your budget doesn't always allow for much retail therapy, there are discount boutique sites such as Jane.com offering hundreds of daily deals on apparel, accessories and footwear every day. Whatever you choose to wear, be true to yourself, put your shoulders back and stand tall. Be proud of who you are and let your confidence shine through because you are worth so much more than you realize.
