Self-confidence.  It’s something we all know to be a key ingredient to success in just about anything.  But the problem is how to develop that self-confidence.  We all have periods when that self-confidence seems to elude us.  We go through times when we are unsure we have what it takes to get the job done.  Everyone at one time or another has doubts.

So, what can you do to help instill that feeling of self-confidence?  There are actually several things that may help.

The first thing is to follow the old Boy Scout motto – Be Prepared.  Experts say the best way to develop your confidence in something is to invest time in it and work hard at it.  Some people see practice as a waste of time – if they are not good at something, they just assume more effort would prove futile.  But experts believe that a person who practices diligently at something will usually get the better of someone who has natural aptitude.

Practice not only improves confidence, it improves quality as well.  So, for example, if you are not a confident public speaker, practice at it.  Practice delivering your presentation often before you actually give it.

The second thing that will help instill confidence is to know when you will need help.  There will be times when you have to just acknowledge that you need some support or some guidance.  Confident people are willing to accept help.  Confident people are also willing to give help as well.  So, don’t be so modest or concerned about what other people might think if you have something valuable to bring to the table.

Another thing to do to build confidence is to get others opinions about how you are doing.  You can’t depend totally on someone else’s opinion to build your confidence, but having someone else validate your efforts can also go a long way toward building confidence.  But make sure you choose a person you know will be truthful with you, and not just tell you what you want to hear.

Another way to boost confidence is to take risks.  You don’t know what you can do until you try.  Moreover, you should try things that you’rr not even sure you can do.  Experts say that, paradoxically, failure can be helpful in building confidence as well.  Failure hurts, yes, but don’t expect life to be pleasant all of the time and taking on the things that stress you is the only way to grow.

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