We've all run into people who exude confidence. They've got "it". "It" makes us perceive them as friendly and approachable and we are attracted to them regardless of their physical appearance.But here's the catch. Our culture encourages insecurity. Our economy is based on it. We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us we don't quite measure up and if we would only buy this or that product we will improve our looks, our smell, our sex appeal and all our dreams will come true.
It's time to stop listening to the messages 'out there' and find what is true and authentic for you. Confidence on the inside reflects on the outside when we become a complete package - body, mind and spirit. The three areas are so interconnected that you can't even look at them separately.
Someone famous once said, 'Perception is reality.' In this case, it's true but it's not about how others perceive you but rather, how you perceive yourself. Change that and you also change the way the world sees you. This is powerful stuff and within the reach of each one of us.
Ask yourself, "What message do I want to present? How do I want to feel?"
Starting from the outside in, don't try to hide something you're not happy with. Emphasize your strengths, your good points. Trying to camouflage what you don't want others to notice only makes you more self-conscious about it until it becomes a bigger problem than what it is. Look at what you love about yourself and focus on that.
Changing your focus frees you to claim a more positive outlook. When you feel your best, others respond to that.
You send the subliminal message that you're worth the time and effort. You'll try things you've never tried, approach people you would never approach otherwise. The more positive success you have the more confidence it gives you. You'll take more risks and see yourself as capable. At this point, you're operating from the inside out. Self-confidence is also born of a belief in our ability to do something that would normally be prevented by fear. Ask yourself, "When was the last time I pushed myself out of my comfort zone? Do I know what I'm really capable of?"
New experiences and skills build confidence. Try these confidence boosters.
• Go to a movie by yourself.
• Visit somewhere new in your own city.
• Take a class in something that interests you.
Don't overwhelm yourself, however. Start small and then move up to bigger challenges. Remember, you're after success. You may be exercising a muscle that hasn't been stretched in years so give it time.
Finally, forget about yourself. If you are constantly focused on yourself then you become self-absorbed. Of course we all star in our own movies but most people aren't really noticing you as much as you think they are. They're watching their own movie.
When you get how wonderful you really are you'll be ready to take on the world!
