Success in today's competitive world is largely measured by
the opinion we carry of ourselves as well as the image we
project. Both are equally important and are linked to one
another to a certain extent but are completely different.
Given our lifestyle and career demands, anxiety, stress and
insecurity are a commonality, especially with more and more
people increasing falling prey to low self esteem and low
self confidence. Prior to understanding the steps that need
to be taken in order to build or improve your self
confidence and esteem, it is essential to understand the
differences between the two.
Difference between Self Confidence and Self Esteem
Self esteem is the way we look at ourselves while self
confidence is what we project to the outer world. Our past
experiences, relationships, peer pressure and other
criticisms are the major causes of low self esteem and low
self confidence, which if corrected can actually let us lead
a happy and more fulfilling life.
Life coaches often give useful tips which can boost your
self confidence:
1. Recognise the cause
Most life coaches believe that recognising and accepting the
cause of low self confidence is the first step towards
strengthening it. This may be of a great help as all your
future steps largely depend on identifying and removing the
cause of low self confidence. Secondly, it is desirable to
be aware of your strengths and weaknesses, especially if you
want to change yourself and be happy.
2. Confront the cause
Identifying the reason for your lack of self confidence will
help you find ways to overcome it. Thinking rationally about
your problem can help you find many ways to actually resolve
it. Understanding the cause and its extent will also help in
actually understanding your fear and once you understand
your fear, then half the battle is won.
3. Appreciate your strengths
The next step in boosting confidence is all about
appreciating your strengths and using them to overcome your
fears. All of us have different strengths, some known and
others unknown to our own conscious mind. We can tap the
strengths that are hidden deep inside us and overcome our
fears.
4. Modify behaviour, where necessary
We may change our behaviour to project confidence. Small
changes like smiling more often, taking adequate rest and
instilling confidence in others go a long way in ensuring
happiness and confidence.
5. Impartial assessment
It may be a good idea to view and rate yourself impartially
and externally. Viewing yourself from another's point of
view will actually help you appreciate your achievements and
strengths, which in turn will help you grow better and more
self confident.
Small changes in behaviour and in the way you view yourself
can increase confidence and bring you more happiness than
you can imagine. Being self confident is possible provided
we view both our strengths as well as our weaknesses,
instead of getting bogged down by our weaknesses.
All the best,
Natalie Dee
London Life Coach & Business Coach
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