Ysolt Usigan Schmidt
Confidence can come naturally or it can require some hard work. Regardless of where you fall in the confidence spectrum, it’s important to embrace the habits that give you a healthy dose of self-esteem.
Not only will your confidence engage and inspire others, it’ll give you a sense of happiness and peace even during times of turmoil.
Want to embody the traits of naturally confident people? Here’s a dose of their magic:
1) Embrace self-acceptance
Confident people accept and embrace themselves as they are.
They recognize their worth and unique qualities. They understand that confidence starts from within and work on developing a positive self-image.
Pro tip: If you aren’t naturally confident, start by focusing on your strengths and celebrate your achievements.
Practice self-compassion and remind yourself of your worthiness. It all starts with embracing self-acceptance and cultivating a positive mindset.
2) Maintain positive body language
Confident people exhibit open and relaxed body language.
They stand tall, make eye contact, and have a friendly and approachable demeanor.
Pro tip: Not sure you exhibit this trait? Pay attention to your posture and body language.
Practice standing tall, maintaining eye contact, and offering genuine smiles.
Be mindful of your non-verbal cues and the message they convey.
3) Take risks
Confident individuals are willing to step outside their comfort zones and take calculated risks.
They understand that growth and success often come from embracing challenges and pushing their boundaries.
Pro tip: Want to be more confident? Start by taking small steps outside of your comfort zone.
Don’t go crazy! Set achievable goals that require you to stretch and grow.
Embrace the mindset that mistakes and failures are learning opportunities rather than indicators of personal inadequacy.
4) Speak assertively
Confident individuals express their thoughts and opinions clearly and assertively.
They communicate with conviction while still being respectful of others’ perspectives. They tend to not use phrases like, “I think,” “I believe,” and “what do you think” when conveying their points.
Pro tip: Practice expressing your opinions in a clear and direct manner. Use “I” statements to communicate your thoughts and feelings effectively while not making them sound like questions.
Take the time to listen actively to others and validate their perspectives though. Being confident also means taking in other people’s viewpoints.
5) Practice self-care
Confident people prioritize self-care and well-being.
They understand that taking care of themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential for maintaining confidence and resilience.
Pro tip: As hard as it can be to find time, it’s important to make self-care a priority in your daily routine.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, like exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
Prioritize your rest, eat health, and take part in activities that nourish your mind and body.
6) Set boundaries
Naturally confident people set and maintain healthy boundaries in their relationships.
They know their limits and are assertive in communicating and upholding them.
Pro tip: Not sure if you do this? Identify your personal boundaries and communicate them clearly and respectfully to others.
Practice saying “no” when necessary as you prioritize your needs and well-being. Remember that setting boundaries is an act of self-care and self-respect, so don’t feel guilty about it.
7) Seek continuous learning and growth
If you are a naturally confident person, you embrace a growth mindset.
People with a healthy self-esteem are open to new experiences, seek opportunities for learning, and are willing to adapt and evolve.
Pro tip: Need more of this energy? Seek out new experiences, explore new interests, and challenge yourself intellectually.
Take courses, read books, and engage in activities that expand your knowledge and skills. By doing this, you’ll be nourishing your soul, which will improve your perception of self.
8) Celebrate others’ successes
Confident individuals genuinely celebrate the achievements of others. They don’t just cheer themselves on and themselves alone.
They understand that someone else’s success does not diminish their own, and they can appreciate the accomplishments of those around them.
Pro tip: Practice cultivating a positive mindset towards others’ successes.
Avoid comparing yourself to others and instead focus on celebrating the achievements of others.
Offer genuine praise and support, knowing that success is not a finite resource.
9) Practice resilience
When faced with adversity, the confident person will bounce back from setbacks and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
They maintain a positive outlook and persevere in the face of obstacles.
Pro tip: Want to develop resilience? Reframe your challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.
Practice positive self-talk and focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
You can also seek support from trusted friends or mentors during difficult times.
10) Take care of appearance
Confident people take pride in their appearance. They dress in a way that makes them feel good and reflects their personal style.
Pro tip: While it’s wrong for other people to treat you a certain way based on appearance, the way you feel in your clothes can impact how you feel about yourself.
The way you present yourself can influence how you feel. So, dress in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
11) Practice active listening
Confident people actively listen when others speak, showing genuine interest and respect.
They engage in conversations attentively and respond thoughtfully.
Pro tip: If you practice active listening, you’ll hone how to give your full attention to the person speaking.
During this experience, try to avoid interrupting. Instead, truly listen to understand, rather than formulate a response.
Show empathy and validate the speaker’s feelings and experiences every step of the way to show care, not to mention confidence.
12) Cultivate a positive mindset
Naturally confident people maintain a positive outlook and focus on their strengths rather than dwelling on their weaknesses.
They approach challenges with optimism and a belief in their abilities.
Pro tip: While no one is perfect and you have your own share of flaws, lean on your good qualities.
Plus, practice gratitude and positive affirmations throughout the day. Challenge your negative self-talk and replace it with affirming statements.
You can also surround yourself with positive influences, like uplifting books, supportive friends, or motivational content on your Instagram.
13) Embrace failure as a learning opportunity
Confident people will typically see failure as a stepping stone to success.
They understand that setbacks and mistakes are natural parts of the learning process.
Pro tip: If shifting your perspective on failures is not easy for you, remind yourself that you’re a work in progress.
Your failure is a stepping stone on your journey to success. View it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Analyze what went wrong, identify lessons learned, and apply them to future endeavors.
14) Engage in self-reflection
Confident people regularly engage in self-reflection and introspection.
They seek to understand themselves on a deeper level and gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Pro tip: Is self-reflection something you want to incorporate into your day to day? Start by journaling, meditating, or taking quiet walks to help you connect with your inner self.
During these moments of self-reflection, think about your values, goals, and areas where you’d like to grow.
And, always practice self-compassion and embrace self-discovery as a lifelong journey, not a one-time activity to check off your list.
15) Practice empathy and kindness
Confident people are compassionate and kind towards others. They don’t feel the need to put other people down or to make them feel less than.
They understand the power of empathy and seek to uplift and support those around them. They know their own value, so they’re not threatened by others.
Pro tip: For some, being competitive can sometimes stand in the way of giving compassion. If you want to work on this yourself, start with reminding yourself to see others’ perspectives and experiences.
Practice acts of kindness—whether it’s offering a listening ear, providing support, or performing random acts of kindness.
16) Take ownership of mistakes
If you are naturally confident, you’re not ashamed to admit when you were wrong. Confident people take responsibility for their actions and are willing to admit when they make a mistake.
They approach failures with humility and a commitment to learn and grow. Their egos are not fragile like that of an insecure person.
Pro tip: When you do make a mistake, own up to it and take responsibility swiftly and sincerely.
Apologize to those you affected if applicable, and focus on finding solutions.
17) Surround themselves with positive influences
Confident individuals choose to surround themselves with people who uplift and support them.
They seek out relationships that contribute to their personal growth and well-being.
Pro tip: Evaluate the people in your life and assess whether they bring positivity and support. Keep your circle to people who inspire and encourage you.
Then, distance yourself from negative influences that drain your confidence or self-esteem.
18) Practice assertiveness
Confident individuals assertively communicate their needs, boundaries, and opinions. Important to note, they do so respectfully while not feeling the need to apologize for their thoughts and feelings.
Pro tip: If this has never been an easy exercise for you, practice by clearly communicating your thoughts and feelings with “I” statements.
In doing so, don’t throw shade or attack others.
Remember that while your opinions and needs are valid and deserving of respect, so do others in your orbit.
19) Celebrate personal achievements
Confident people acknowledge and celebrate their own accomplishments, no matter how small. They are their biggest cheerleaders.
They recognize their progress and take pride in their successes.
Pro tip: There’s an art to bragging. These are ways to celebrate your achievements without being unpleasant or too “cocky.”
- Give yourself kudos without comparing yourself to others.
- Honor those who helped you achieve this goal.
- Express your gratitude about your accomplishment.
