{"id":47274,"date":"2020-08-20T14:07:03","date_gmt":"2020-08-20T19:07:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/?p=47274"},"modified":"2024-03-11T17:34:35","modified_gmt":"2024-03-11T22:34:35","slug":"confidence-building-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"Confidence-Building Activities (To Believe In Yourself)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Today we\u2019re covering 5 confidence-building activities that will boost your self-confidence levels and help you achieve success on your terms.<\/p>\n<p>Because success won\u2019t come unless you\u2019re willing to work hard, get uncomfortable and keep going (no matter what). And if you want to be happy with your successes (and make life more fun), then you\u2019ll want to achieve success on your terms.<\/p>\n<p>All of that means being confident in both your abilities and decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s get started.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ba9657;color:#ba9657\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ba9657;color:#ba9657\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#What_Is_Self-Confidence_and_Why_Does_It_Matter\" title=\"What Is Self-Confidence (and Why Does It Matter)?\">What Is Self-Confidence (and Why Does It Matter)?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#What_Self-Confidence_Really_Is\" title=\"What Self-Confidence Really Is\">What Self-Confidence Really Is<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Common_Confidence_Characteristics\" title=\"Common Confidence Characteristics\">Common Confidence Characteristics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Self-Confidence_vs_Self-Esteem\" title=\"Self-Confidence vs. Self-Esteem\">Self-Confidence vs. Self-Esteem<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Where_Does_Confidence_Come_From\" title=\"Where Does Confidence Come From?\">Where Does Confidence Come From?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#5_Simple_Confidence-Building_Activities\" title=\"5 Simple Confidence-Building Activities\">5 Simple Confidence-Building Activities<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Activity_1_Act_With_Intention\" title=\"Activity #1: Act With Intention\">Activity #1: Act With Intention<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Self-Assess_To_Act_With_Intention\" title=\"Self-Assess To Act With Intention\">Self-Assess To Act With Intention<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Activity_2_Create_Self-Care_Routines_and_Rituals\" title=\"Activity #2: Create Self-Care Routines and Rituals\">Activity #2: Create Self-Care Routines and Rituals<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#How_to_Build_Your_Confidence-Boosting_Self-Care_Routine\" title=\"How to Build Your Confidence-Boosting Self-Care Routine\">How to Build Your Confidence-Boosting Self-Care Routine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Activity_3_Focus_on_Your_Body_Language\" title=\"Activity #3 Focus on Your Body Language\">Activity #3 Focus on Your Body Language<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Activity_4_Affirm_Yourself\" title=\"Activity #4: Affirm Yourself\">Activity #4: Affirm Yourself<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#When_and_Why_Positive_Affirmations_Dont_Work\" title=\"When (and Why) Positive Affirmations Don\u2019t Work\">When (and Why) Positive Affirmations Don\u2019t Work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#How_to_Make_Positive_Affirmations_Work\" title=\"How to Make Positive Affirmations Work\">How to Make Positive Affirmations Work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Example_of_Self-Affirmations_Done_Right\" title=\"Example of Self-Affirmations Done Right\">Example of Self-Affirmations Done Right<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Activity_5_Playfully_Challenge_Yourself\" title=\"Activity #5 Playfully Challenge Yourself\">Activity #5 Playfully Challenge Yourself<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#In_Summary_5_Easy_Confidence-Building_Activities_To_Start_Using_Immediately\" title=\"In Summary: 5 Easy Confidence-Building Activities (To Start Using Immediately)\">In Summary: 5 Easy Confidence-Building Activities (To Start Using Immediately)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Self-confidence_and_self-esteem_arent_the_same_thing_but_are_related\" title=\"Self-confidence and self-esteem aren\u2019t the same thing (but are related).\">Self-confidence and self-esteem aren\u2019t the same thing (but are related).<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Building_self-confidence_isnt_hard_but_takes_consistent_practice_of_various_exercises_and_activities_along_with_some_action\" title=\"Building self-confidence isn\u2019t hard, but takes consistent practice of various exercises and activities (along with some action).\">Building self-confidence isn\u2019t hard, but takes consistent practice of various exercises and activities (along with some action).<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Use_confidence-building_activities_so_that_you_can_truly_believe_in_yourself_and_achieve_more\" title=\"Use confidence-building activities so that you can truly believe in yourself and achieve more.\">Use confidence-building activities so that you can truly believe in yourself and achieve more.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/confidence-building-activities\/#Recommended_Next_Steps\" title=\"Recommended Next Steps\">Recommended Next Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Self-Confidence_and_Why_Does_It_Matter\"><\/span>What Is Self-Confidence (and Why Does It Matter)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Self-Confidence_Really_Is\"><\/span>What Self-Confidence <em>Really<\/em> Is<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Self-confidence isn\u2019t simply about how you appear or act. Nor is it about positive thinking. Instead, it\u2019s about how you feel about yourself and your abilities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Confident people believe that they can be successful based on their abilities, skills and strengths. And you can be confident about some things and lack confidence in other areas of your life.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For example, I\u2019m confident in my ability to coach people to break through their fears and doubts so that they can create the career\/business they want without burning out. And I\u2019m also confident in my ability to speak in front of a mid-sized crowd.<\/p>\n<p>But I\u2019m not confident about my ability to deal with plumbing issues in my house (that would be my husband\u2019s job) or even fully confident about speaking on a large stage (because I\u2019ve yet to speak in front of that large of a crowd).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Confidence_Characteristics\"><\/span>Common Confidence Characteristics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Self-confident people are usually:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>flexible,<\/li>\n<li>unafraid to be wrong,<\/li>\n<li>have faith that they can deliver on their promises, and<\/li>\n<li>ask for help when needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>They\u2019re not easily thrown off by setbacks but instead see them as challenges to learn from.<\/p>\n<p>Having a healthy dose of self-confidence helps build self-esteem (the two are often confused with one another, even though they are different).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Self-Confidence_vs_Self-Esteem\"><\/span>Self-Confidence vs. Self-Esteem<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Self-esteem is how you assess your own worth &#8211; it\u2019s your filter for whether you believe that you\u2019re worthy of love and respect.<\/strong> And it\u2019s the foundation for how you view yourself and interact with people. Lack of self-worth often results in a lack of self-respect.<\/p>\n<p>The good news is that, although different, there\u2019s an interrelationship between self-confidence and self-esteem. And most confidence-building activities don\u2019t just boost your self-confidence, but also work to build your self-esteem.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Please note that self-confident people (with high self-esteem) still have doubts and fears. They\u2019re not completely fearless. The difference is that they don\u2019t allow fears or doubts to stop them from setting big goals and going after their big dreams.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Their confidence is what enables them to act courageously.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Does_Confidence_Come_From\"><\/span>Where Does Confidence Come From?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Self-confidence is an inside job. What that means is that you create it yourself &#8211; by taking courageous action (even if just a small first step) and utilizing proven confidence-building activities and exercises.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Learning new things, figuring things out and gaining competence is what builds self-confidence. But that doesn&#8217;t mean that you shouldn&#8217;t ignore your mindset as you build further confidence (through doing).<\/p>\n<p>Having the right mentality is what ultimately helps you to take action &#8211; even (especially) when things seem uncertain and you have doubts. And the mindset you\u2019ll want is one of resilience and growth.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about what a growth mindset is and the interrelationship between your mindset, success and self-confidence, read my article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/why-mindset-is-everything\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Why Mindset Is Everything: The Key to Success and Happiness<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-42923 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Happy, Stress-Free Career Woman\" width=\"750\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/1-1.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/1-1-480x250.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 750px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Simple_Confidence-Building_Activities\"><\/span>5 Simple Confidence-Building Activities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here are 5 confidence-building activities that won\u2019t just boost your self-confidence, but will also help to improve your self-esteem (making them wonderful self development and self-empowerment tools).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-45373 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/5-2.jpg\" alt=\"Woman being herself looking away\" width=\"750\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/5-2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/5-2-480x250.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 750px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Activity_1_Act_With_Intention\"><\/span>Activity #1: Act With Intention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most people don\u2019t live as intentionally as they believe (or would like). Instead, they\u2019re reactive to the people and world around them.<\/p>\n<p>This is you if you often feel like you\u2019re:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Juggling a million balls in the air (worrying about which one\u2019s going to drop),<\/li>\n<li>Jumping from one emergency to another (and not getting to the things you wanted), and\/or<\/li>\n<li>Struggling to \u2018do it all\u2019 (and feeling like your priorities are always the last things that you get to).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Acting with intention means setting boundaries to enforce your priorities and then staying focused on those priorities so that you can get the things that are most important to you done (instead of always pushing them to the bottom of a long list of unimportant to-do\u2019s).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>How does this relate to self-confidence? <strong>When you\u2019re struggling like this, you end up stressed out and overwhelmed. And it\u2019s easy to start questioning why, thinking that there\u2019s got to be more to life &#8211; which eats at your confidence.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But acting with intention is purposeful &#8211; and creates self-efficacy, self-confidence and self-respect (and hence also increases your self-esteem).<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Self-Assess_To_Act_With_Intention\"><\/span>Self-Assess To Act With Intention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If you want to act with more intention, start by asking yourself some questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What are your core personal values?<\/li>\n<li>What do you want and why (and how does this relate to your values)?<\/li>\n<li>What are your strengths &#8211; and how might you leverage them to help you?<\/li>\n<li>What weaknesses do you have (that you\u2019ll want to enlist help for or plan around)?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Use this information to your benefit to create an overarching, values-based vision and plan of action. And then follow your plan of action by building boundaries, saying no and blocking off time for your priorities.<\/p>\n<p>Living this way creates alignment with who you are &#8211; which increases your sense of self-worth and your confidence levels. Learn more about how to align your life around your values in this article about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/how-to-redefine-yourself-for-happiness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to Redefine Yourself Into Happiness.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-223465 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Work-Life-Balance-Is-Important-Because-It-Means-Self-Care-And-Less-Stress-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"More self-care and less stress\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Work-Life-Balance-Is-Important-Because-It-Means-Self-Care-And-Less-Stress-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Work-Life-Balance-Is-Important-Because-It-Means-Self-Care-And-Less-Stress-980x513.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Work-Life-Balance-Is-Important-Because-It-Means-Self-Care-And-Less-Stress-480x251.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Activity_2_Create_Self-Care_Routines_and_Rituals\"><\/span>Activity #2: Create Self-Care Routines and Rituals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Uncertainty breeds self-doubt. The problem is that life is uncertain (if the global pandemic of 2020 has taught us anything, it\u2019s that).<\/p>\n<p><strong>That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to have regular self-care routines and rituals. Not only do they make you feel better, but they also help to create certainty in life (even when life gets disrupted).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Note: don\u2019t fool yourself about what self-care is (it\u2019s not really about going to the spa or taking a bubble bath). <strong>Self-care involves taking care of your mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. It\u2019s about respecting yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>How can you expect to feel good about who you are &#8211; worthy of love and respect from others &#8211; if you\u2019re not respecting yourself enough to take good care of your body, mind, and soul? [Answer: you can\u2019t].<\/p>\n<p>Taking good care of yourself increases your sense of self-worth and self-respect. And it also increases your confidence because you\u2019re more capable of performing well (it\u2019s amazing how much sharper your mind is when you\u2019re emotionally balanced and physically fit).<\/p>\n<p>Have trouble making time for self-care because you feel like you shouldn&#8217;t? Take a look at this article about\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/guilty-taking-care-of-yourself\/\">How To Stop Feeling Guilty About Taking Care of Yourself<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Build_Your_Confidence-Boosting_Self-Care_Routine\"><\/span>How to Build Your Confidence-Boosting Self-Care Routine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>When building a self-care routine, be sure to include activities and exercises that also help to naturally make you feel more confident and worthy of self-respect.<\/p>\n<p>Things such as:<\/p>\n<h5>Physical Activity<\/h5>\n<p>Ever notice how confident you feel after you\u2019ve finished a tough workout? Not only does working out make you physically healthier, but it also makes you feel better about yourself (thereby increasing self-confidence and self-esteem).<\/p>\n<h5>Sleep<\/h5>\n<p>Sleep is necessary for optimal cognitive function, and is also directly linked to your mood, optimism levels, and sociability. And that has obvious connections to your self-confidence levels.<\/p>\n<h5>Healthy Eating Habits<\/h5>\n<p>If you don\u2019t eat healthy, you\u2019re less likely to feel good about yourself. By eating well, I mean eating nutritious foods on a regular basis. Don\u2019t skip meals.<\/p>\n<h5>Mindfulness<\/h5>\n<p>Mindfulness is about being more present in the moment and attuned to your internal thoughts\/feelings as well as the thoughts and feelings of those around you. Simple mindfulness self-care practices include: meditation, mindful breathing, journaling, and even gratitude.<\/p>\n<p>Learn how to implement mindfulness activities seamlessly into your life in this podcast episode that covers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifeandlawpodcast.com\/podcast\/mindfulness-for-stress-prevention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mindfulness for Stress Prevention<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-224258 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/body-language.jpg\" alt=\"people with different body language\" width=\"750\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/body-language.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/body-language-480x250.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 750px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Activity_3_Focus_on_Your_Body_Language\"><\/span>Activity #3 Focus on Your Body Language<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Your body language matters. You likely already know that it has an impact on how others perceive you, but did you realize that it has an effect on how you perceive yourself too?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Change your body language for more positivity by:<\/p>\n<h5>Smiling often<\/h5>\n<p>Your brain responds chemically when you smile, which helps to reduce stress and has a relaxing effect.<\/p>\n<h5>Taking an expansive posture (also known as a power pose).<\/h5>\n<p>Striking what\u2019s known as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/kimelsesser\/2018\/04\/03\/power-posing-is-back-amy-cuddy-successfully-refutes-criticism\/#63a19bc03b8e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">power pose<\/a> is one way to improve your short-term confidence around something. You\u2019d use this right before going into an important meeting or giving a big speech.<\/p>\n<p>How do you power pose? Straighten your shoulders and stand tall with your head held high. Put your hands on your hips. Or put your feet up on your desk while clasping your hands behind your head.<\/p>\n<p>This sounds incredibly simple (because it is!). But don\u2019t think for a second that you\u2019re \u201cfaking\u201d it. You\u2019re simply using psychology to your benefit.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-42945 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of calm woman who isn't stressed\" width=\"750\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2-480x250.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 750px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Activity_4_Affirm_Yourself\"><\/span>Activity #4: Affirm Yourself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Your brain has loads of thoughts running through it every day \u2013 many of which are within your subconscious. Every time you have the same thought, your belief in it gets stronger.<\/p>\n<p>And that\u2019s where self-affirmations come into play. <strong>The point of adopting positive affirmations is to build new neural pathways within your brain to crowd out the negative thoughts and replace them (over time) with self-empowering thoughts.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But do they really work? The answer is yes. . . if done correctly.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_and_Why_Positive_Affirmations_Dont_Work\"><\/span>When (and Why) Positive Affirmations Don\u2019t Work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Many self development gurus love to talk about their affirmations. There\u2019s only one problem. . . they\u2019re not going to work (at least for most people).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s the thing: if you don\u2019t believe that you\u2019re a confident speaker, saying that you are over and over isn\u2019t going to convince your brain that you are. It\u2019s actually going to have the opposite effect.<\/strong> Your brain will know that it\u2019s a lie and will revolt (making you feel even worse about yourself).<\/p>\n<p>I learned this the hard way the first time I tried using affirmations. I had recently made partner in my law firm, and was facing new challenges that made me question myself and my abilities.<\/p>\n<p>So, I tried some affirmations that basically said what I wanted to believe in myself. But they felt fake \u2013 and my brain knew it. That\u2019s when the lawyer in me took over. I did my research and discovered the science-backed ways for making positive affirmations work.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Make_Positive_Affirmations_Work\"><\/span>How to Make Positive Affirmations Work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Positive affirmations are one of my favorite confidence-building activities (because if done right, they work incredibly well).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s how to make this confidence-building activity work for you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<h5>Narrate your affirmation.<\/h5>\n<p>Your affirmation shouldn\u2019t be just one sentence (or even two). Instead, describe how you feel now, what you\u2019re doing to move the needle and where you believe you\u2019ll get to next.<\/p>\n<h5>Be realistic.<\/h5>\n<p>You can change your affirmation as you go, so start with where you are and where you believe you can get to. Once you get there, you can change your affirmation to get you even further.<\/p>\n<p>Keep your language neutral instead of overly positive. Be specific and credible in your narration (not too general). This will help you to buy in and not like it\u2019s too good to be true.<\/p>\n<p>Be honest about the highs and lows of the process of getting to where you want to be.<\/p>\n<h5>Try turning your statements into questions.<\/h5>\n<p>Instead of phrasing as \u201cI am\u201d or \u201cI will\u201d say \u201cWill I?\u201d There\u2019s evidence that rephrasing as a question is a more powerful positive motivator than phrasing it as a command or fact.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_of_Self-Affirmations_Done_Right\"><\/span>Example of Self-Affirmations Done Right<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Let\u2019s say I want to build my speaking abilities but don\u2019t feel confident about my speaking yet.\u00a0 A good affirmation to start with would be:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u201cI\u2019m not a confident speaker but know that I can build my speaking confidence over time. I\u2019ve joined toastmaster and am working toward speaking more often at work (even if just in small groups). This is helping me to feel more comfortable with speaking in front of people and even strangers.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Once you feel better about speaking (yet still not fully confident), you could change the affirmation to something like:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u201cI\u2019m working to become a more confident speaker. I\u2019ve gained more confidence through my toastmasters membership and speaking up at work. And I\u2019m starting to put myself out there to speak in front of mid-sized groups. As I continue to speak, my confidence will grow and one day I\u2019ll be a more confident speaker.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Note that there\u2019s often work involved in building your self-confidence. Any work that you incorporate into your affirmation must be done if it\u2019s going to work for you (so don\u2019t forget that part!).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-42950 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/4.jpg\" alt=\"Woman running on beach with balloons\" width=\"750\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/4.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/4-480x250.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 750px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Activity_5_Playfully_Challenge_Yourself\"><\/span>Activity #5 Playfully Challenge Yourself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This confidence-building activity is simple and fun. I want you to utilize your skills and strengths to help you do something challenging. Get creative with this and be sure that you\u2019re using your gifts in a way that\u2019s fun for you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The best way to grow your self-confidence is by overcoming adversity and\/or rising to a new challenge. So, by challenging yourself you\u2019ll naturally grow your self-confidence. And what makes this more fun (and less scary) is the fact that you\u2019ll be doing something that\u2019s interesting to you.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a way to force you to step outside of your comfort zone yet be willing to do so because you\u2019ll be using your own skills and strengths (which gives you some measure of self-confidence to begin with).<\/p>\n<p>And because you\u2019ll be using those skills in an enjoyable way, you\u2019ll be more motivated to complete the challenge.<\/p>\n<p>Note that you don\u2019t have to start too big with this. Begin with a new hobby.\u00a0\u00a0If you enjoy running, train to compete in a marathon. If you like to cook, invite friends over for a dinner party. But don\u2019t limit yourself.<\/p>\n<p>After starting small, do this in the workplace by offering to help on bigger projects (and speaking up to be heard).<\/p>\n<p>But NOTE: It&#8217;s also important that you have some fun (and not always take things too seriously). \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/why-taking-time-to-play-without-guilt-is-important-to-success-happiness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Discover how to play more (and work less) without guilt here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_Summary_5_Easy_Confidence-Building_Activities_To_Start_Using_Immediately\"><\/span>In Summary: 5 Easy Confidence-Building Activities (To Start Using Immediately)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s sum up what\u2019s been covered.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Self-confidence_and_self-esteem_arent_the_same_thing_but_are_related\"><\/span>Self-confidence and self-esteem aren\u2019t the same thing (but are related).<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The former relates to your abilities and the latter relates to how you value yourself. But both are interrelated and building one can build the other.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Building_self-confidence_isnt_hard_but_takes_consistent_practice_of_various_exercises_and_activities_along_with_some_action\"><\/span>Building self-confidence isn\u2019t hard, but takes consistent practice of various exercises and activities (along with some action).<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Build the proper mindset (one of growth and resilience) and you\u2019ll increase your self-confidence levels.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_confidence-building_activities_so_that_you_can_truly_believe_in_yourself_and_achieve_more\"><\/span>Use confidence-building activities so that you can truly believe in yourself and achieve more.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>And the best confidence-building activities to start with are to: be intentional, create rituals and routines, improve your body language, self-affirm, and challenge yourself (using your talents).<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recommended_Next_Steps\"><\/span>Recommended Next Steps<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When you&#8217;re ready to go even deeper, check out the following additional resources:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/banish-lawyer-burnout-toolkit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Legal Mindset Mastery Toolkit<\/a>, which contains 10 evidence-based mindset + stress management tools that will rewire your mind to think, feel and be your best.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifeandlawpodcast.com\/podcast\/deal-with-uncomfortable-feelings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Life &amp; Law Podcast episode on How To Deal With Uncomfortable Feelings<\/a> (such as fear, worry and doubt).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today we\u2019re covering 5 confidence-building activities that will boost your self-confidence levels and help you achieve success on your terms. Because success won\u2019t come unless you\u2019re willing to work hard, get uncomfortable and keep going (no matter what). And if you want to be happy with your successes (and make life more fun), then you\u2019ll [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47275,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[57,55,67],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47274"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47274"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47274\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":224259,"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47274\/revisions\/224259"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47274"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47274"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47274"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}