Boost Your Self-Confidence With These 14 Surprising Actions

Last updated on February 15th, 2024

Boost your self-confidence. A girl boosting her confidence with colors.


Isn’t it remarkable how much of a difference a little self-confidence can make in our lives?

The way we view ourselves directly affects the way we interact with the world around us. 

We can be exceptionally talented, highly skilled, or academically brilliant, but without self-confidence, these attributes can feel lackluster, dimmed by our doubts.

But if confidence is lacking, the beauty of it is that we hold the power to kindle that spark again.

Remember, with self-confidence, you become capable of accomplishing wonders; it’s the catalyst for the magic within you.

Embracing self-confidence is like discovering an incredible superpower that has been inside you all along. And once you understand how to harness it, you become a formidable force.

The remarkable part?

This power is available to everyone. It’s not exclusive, it’s not elitist; it’s yours for the taking.

Why self-confidence is important

Self-confidence is more than just feeling good about oneself; it is a fundamental attribute that can impact every area of life.

 Here are some key reasons why self-confidence is important:

1. Achievement: Self-confident individuals believe in their abilities and are more likely to set and achieve their goals.

2. Resilience: When faced with setbacks or failures, self-confident individuals are better equipped to bounce back and persevere.

3. Relationships: Self-confidence can positively impact relationships by promoting effective communication, assertiveness, and healthy boundaries.

4. Positive Self-image: Having confidence in oneself fosters a positive self-image, leading to increased self-acceptance and self-love.

5.  Opportunities: Self-confidence opens doors to new opportunities and experiences, as others are more likely to trust and support confident individuals.

An adventurous self-confident lady

Ways to Build Self-Confidence and Healthy Self-Esteem

1. Practice Self-Care

When it comes to boosting self-confidence, practicing self-care is essential. Taking care of your physical appearance can have a significant impact on how you feel about yourself.

Here are some surprising actions you can take to boost your self-confidence through self-care:

Taking care of your physical appearance

1. Dressing well: Dressing in clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable can have a positive effect on your self-esteem.

2. Maintaining good personal hygiene: Taking good care of your body by showering regularly, brushing your teeth, and grooming can make you feel more confident in social situations.

3. Practicing good skincare: Establishing a skincare routine that suits your skin type and using products that make your skin look and feel healthy can improve your self-confidence.

4. Exercising regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity not only benefits your physical health but also releases endorphins that boost mood and self-esteem.

2. Set and Achieve Goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals

Setting and achieving goals is a powerful way to boost self-confidence and improve overall well-being.

When you set goals for yourself, you give yourself something to strive for and a sense of purpose.

Here are some tips for setting and achieving goals in a way that will boost your self-confidence:

1. Set realistic and achievable goals: It’s important to set goals that are within your reach. Setting overly ambitious or unrealistic goals can lead to feelings of failure and disappointment.

Start with small, attainable goals and gradually work towards larger ones.

2. Break down your goals into smaller tasks: Breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks can make them less overwhelming and more achievable.

Create a step-by-step plan and focus on completing each task one at a time.

3. Track your progress: Keep track of your progress towards your goals. This can help you stay motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment as you see yourself getting closer to your goals.

4. Celebrate your achievements: When you achieve a goal, no matter how small, take the time to celebrate and acknowledge your accomplishment.

This will boost your self-confidence and reinforce your belief in your abilities.

5. Learn from setbacks: Setbacks are a natural part of any journey towards achieving goals. Instead of letting setbacks discourage you, use them as learning opportunities.

Reflect on what went wrong, make adjustments, and get back on track.

3. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

Seeing failure as a chance to grow

One surprising action that can boost self-confidence is embracing failure as a learning opportunity.

Many people view failure as a negative experience that diminishes their self-esteem. However, shifting your perspective can have a profound impact on your self-confidence.

Here are some reasons why embracing failure can help you build confidence:

1. Growth mindset: Viewing failure as a learning opportunity reflects a growth mindset, which is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

This mindset allows you to see failure as a stepping stone towards growth and improvement.

2. Overcoming fear of failure: Embracing failure can help you overcome the fear of failure itself.

By recognizing that failure is a natural part of life and an opportunity to learn, you can approach new challenges with more confidence and resilience.

3. Building resilience: Failure can be disheartening, but it also provides an opportunity to build resilience.

When you face setbacks and bounce back from them, you develop the confidence to handle future challenges.

Remember, failure is not the end, but a chance for growth and improvement.

A confident man

4. Surround Yourself with Positive People

Building self-confidence can be greatly influenced by the people we surround ourselves with.

Here are a few actions to consider when it comes to surrounding yourself with positive influences:

Building a support system of encouraging individuals

1. Seek out individuals who inspire and motivate you.

2. Spend time with people who believe in your abilities and support your goals.

3. Surround yourself with friends and family who uplift you and provide positive reinforcement.

4. Engage in activities and communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals who share similar interests and aspirations.

Avoiding negative influences

1. Identify toxic relationships or friendships that consistently bring you down and limit your self-confidence.

2. Distance yourself from individuals who constantly criticize or undermine your achievements.

3. Minimize exposure to negative media, social media, or conversations that focus on negativity or comparison.

4. Choose to spend time with individuals who value and appreciate you for who you are, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere.

By surrounding yourself with positive people who genuinely believe in you and your abilities, you can cultivate a supportive network that fuels your self-confidence and empowers you to reach your full potential.

5. Challenge Negative Self-Talk

Identifying and replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations

Negative self-talk can have a significant impact on our self-confidence. It’s essential to recognize and challenge these negative thoughts to build a more positive mindset.

Here are some steps to help challenge negative self-talk:

1. Identify negative thoughts: Pay attention to your inner dialogue and recognize when you’re being self-critical or discouraging.

2. Question the negative thoughts: Challenge the validity of these thoughts. Are they based on evidence or are they simply assumptions or beliefs?

3. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations: Once you’ve identified negative thoughts, replace them with positive and empowering statements. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.

4. Practice gratitude: Focus on the things you’re grateful for and acknowledge your achievements. This can help shift your mindset towards positivity.

By challenging negative self-talk, you can build a more positive and confident mindset, ultimately boosting your self-confidence.

6. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone to Build Confidence and and Self-Esteem

Taking risks and trying new things

One of the most effective ways to boost self-confidence is to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

When you push yourself to take risks and try new things, you’ll not only expand your horizons but also build resilience and confidence in your abilities. 

Here are some surprising actions you can take to step out of your comfort zone and boost your self-confidence:

1. Try a new hobby or activity: Sign up for a dance class, learn a musical instrument, or try rock climbing. Exploring new interests can help you discover hidden talents and boost your self-esteem.

2. Travel solo: Embarking on a solo trip allows you to challenge yourself, navigate unfamiliar surroundings, and meet new people. It’s a great way to gain independence and confidence in your abilities to handle new situations.

3. Speak in public: Join a public speaking club or volunteer for presentations at work or in your community. Overcoming the fear of public speaking can boost your self-confidence and improve your communication skills.

4. Set goals outside your comfort zone: Challenge yourself to achieve goals that push your limits. Whether it’s running a marathon, starting a business, or learning a new language, setting ambitious goals and working towards them will build your confidence as you achieve milestones.

5. Face your fears: Confronting your fears head-on is a powerful way to boost self-confidence. Whether it’s jumping out of a plane, swimming with sharks, or giving a presentation, facing your fears can help you overcome self-doubt and realize your inner strength.

Stepping out of your comfort zone may feel uncomfortable at first, but the rewards in terms of personal growth and increased self-confidence are well worth it.

So go ahead and embrace those surprising actions that challenge you and watch your self-confidence soar.

Man practicing mindfulness

7. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

To boost self-confidence, one surprising action you can take is to practice mindfulness and meditation. These practices can have a profound impact on your self-esteem and overall well-being.

Here’s how mindfulness and meditation can help:

Being present in the moment

Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.

By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of your negative self-talk and replace it with positive and empowering thoughts. This can greatly enhance your self-confidence and belief in your abilities.

Quieting the mind and reducing self-critical thoughts

Meditation is a technique that helps quiet the mind and reduce self-critical thoughts. Through regular meditation practice, you can cultivate a sense of inner calm and self-acceptance.

This can boost your self-confidence by allowing you to see your worth beyond your perceived flaws and limitations.

8. Ditch Comparison, Eliminate Low Self-Esteem and Focus on Your Own Journey

Avoiding comparison to others

Comparison is a dangerous habit that can significantly damage self-confidence. Instead of constantly comparing yourself to others, focus on your own journey.

Here’s how you can avoid falling into the comparison trap:

1. Limit social media consumption: Social media often presents a distorted reality, and it can be easy to compare your life to the highlight reels of others. Limit your time on social media platforms to avoid comparing yourself unnecessarily.

2. Appreciate your own uniqueness: Remember that everyone has their own strengths, talents, and successes. Embrace your own uniqueness and be proud of what you have accomplished.

Recognizing and appreciating your own achievements

It’s important to take the time to recognize and appreciate your own achievements, no matter how big or small. Here are some ways to do so:

1. Keep a gratitude journal: Write down three things you are grateful for each day, including your own accomplishments. This will help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.

2. Celebrate milestones: When you achieve a goal or milestone, take the time to celebrate and reward yourself. Whether it’s treating yourself to a nice dinner or indulging in a spa day, acknowledging your accomplishments can boost your self-confidence.

Remember, your journey is unique to you, and comparing yourself to others only hinders your own progress. Focus on your own achievements and celebrate the milestones along the way.

9. Celebrate Your Strengths and Accomplishments

Acknowledging and celebrating your own strengths and successes

Boosting self-confidence involves recognizing your own strengths and accomplishments and giving yourself credit for them.

Here are some surprising actions you can take to celebrate your progress:

1. Keep a journal of your achievements and reflect on them regularly.

2. Treat yourself to something special for reaching a goal or milestone.

3. Share your accomplishments with others and allow yourself to bask in their praise.

4. Practice positive self-talk and remind yourself of your abilities.

5. Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting people who appreciate your talents.

6. Take time to celebrate even small victories and give yourself a pat on the back.

By celebrating your strengths and accomplishments, you can boost your self-confidence and cultivate a positive mindset that propels you towards even greater achievements.

A girl in a colorful room

10.  Contributing to the community and making a positive impact

One surprising way to boost self-confidence is by volunteering and helping others.

When we give back to our community and make a positive impact on the lives of others, it can significantly improve our self-esteem and overall sense of self-worth.

Here are a few reasons why volunteering can boost self-confidence:

1. Sense of purpose: Volunteering gives us a sense of purpose as we are able to contribute to something meaningful and make a difference in the lives of others.

2. Building skills: Volunteering provides opportunities to learn new skills and gain valuable experience, which can boost our confidence in our abilities.

3. Positive feedback: When we volunteer, we often receive positive feedback and gratitude from those we help, which can enhance our self-esteem.

4. Expanding social connections: Volunteering allows us to meet new people and expand our social networks, which can increase our sense of belonging and confidence in social settings.

By volunteering and helping others, we not only make a positive impact on the community but also boost our own self-confidence.

It’s a win-win situation that can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. So why not start exploring volunteer opportunities in your area and reap the benefits of giving back?

11. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Exercising regularly and eating nutritious foods

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not only beneficial for your physical well-being, but it can also have a significant impact on your self-confidence.

When you take care of your body and prioritize your health, you will feel more energized, strong, and confident in your own skin.

Here are some surprising actions you can take to boost your self-confidence:

1. Exercise regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. It can also improve your posture, increase your strength, and help you feel more confident about your abilities.

2. Eat nutritious foods: A well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide you with the nutrients your body needs to function optimally. Eating nutritious foods can help improve your energy levels, support mental clarity, and enhance your overall well-being.

3. Practice good hygiene: Taking care of your personal hygiene, such as showering regularly, brushing your teeth, and grooming yourself, can make you feel more confident and presentable.

4. Get enough sleep: Getting adequate sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. When you are well-rested, you will have more energy, improved focus, and a better mood, which can all contribute to higher self-confidence.

By consistently practicing these actions, you can boost your self-confidence and improve your overall quality of life.

Students in school learning

12. Learn and Acquire New Skills

Continuously learning and expanding your knowledge

One of the most effective ways to boost self-confidence is by continuously learning and acquiring new skills.

When you actively engage in learning, you not only gain valuable knowledge, but you also develop a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

Here are a few surprising actions you can take to boost your self-confidence through learning:

1. Take up a new hobby: Learning a new hobby can not only be fun and enjoyable, but it can also give you a sense of mastery and achievement.

2. Enroll in an online course: There are numerous online platforms that offer a wide range of courses in various subjects. Taking an online course allows you to learn at your own pace and acquire new skills from the comfort of your own home.

3. Attend workshops and seminars: Workshops and seminars provide an opportunity to gain new knowledge and insights from experts in your field of interest. It also allows you to network and connect with like-minded individuals.

4. Read books on personal development: There are countless books available on personal development and self-improvement. Reading these books can provide you with valuable insights and strategies to boost your self-confidence.

5. Join a club or organization: By joining a club or organization related to your interests, you can engage in activities and discussions that allow you to learn from others and develop your skills.

By actively pursuing new skills and knowledge, you not only enhance your abilities, but you also strengthen your self-confidence and belief in your own capabilities.

So, embrace the opportunity to learn and grow, and watch your self-confidence soar to new heights.

13. Practice Visualization and Positive Imagery

Sometimes, when we lack self-confidence, it can be helpful to engage in exercises that focus on visualization and positive imagery.

Visualization is a powerful technique that involves creating a mental picture of yourself succeeding and achieving your goals.

 By regularly practicing this technique, you can boost your confidence and belief in your abilities.

Here are some tips for incorporating visualization and positive imagery into your daily routine:

1. Take a few moments each day to visualize yourself confidently accomplishing a specific task or goal.

2. Imagine the positive emotions you would feel and the sense of pride and fulfillment associated with achieving success.

3. Use all your senses to make the visualization more vivid and real.

4. Repeat positive affirmations and use positive imagery to reinforce your self-confidence.

By practicing visualization and positive imagery regularly, you can train your mind to focus on your strengths and develop a more confident mindset.

Waterfall, colorful flowers and slippery rocks

14. Seek Professional Help if Needed

Seeking therapy or counseling when necessary

Sometimes, boosting self-confidence requires more than just self-help techniques. If you find that your lack of self-confidence is significantly impacting your daily life and well-being, it may be helpful to seek professional help.

There is no shame in reaching out for support when you need it.

Here are a few reasons why seeking therapy or counseling can be beneficial:

1. Objective Perspective: A therapist or counselor can provide an objective and non-judgmental perspective on your self-confidence issues. They can help you explore the underlying causes and develop strategies to address them.

2. Skill Building: Professionals can teach you practical skills and techniques to increase self-confidence, such as assertiveness training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness exercises.

3. Emotional Support: Going through a therapy or counseling process can provide emotional support and validation, helping you feel understood and heard.

Remember, seeking professional help is a sign of strength, and it can be a valuable step towards gaining the self-confidence you deserve.

If you’re unsure about where to start, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or counselor in your area or using online therapy platforms that can connect you with professionals who specialize in self-confidence and personal development.

Final Thoughts – Boost Your Self-Confidence

Implementing these actions to boost self-confidence

Boosting self-confidence is a journey that requires effort and commitment. By implementing these surprising actions in your daily life, you can gradually build and strengthen your self-confidence:

By incorporating these actions into your daily routine, you can gradually boost your self-confidence and experience a positive shift in how you view yourself. Remember, self-confidence is a skill that can be developed and strengthened with practice and perseverance.

Start small, be patient with yourself, and embrace the journey of self-discovery.

Chinyelu Karibi-Whyte
About Chinyelu Karibi-Whyte

Chinyelu Karibi-Whyte, the founder of Pheel Pretty, is a dynamic cybersecurity specialist and a passionate advocate for personal growth and resilience. As an empowerment advocate, she combines her tech expertise with her deep commitment to building self-esteem, confidence and a positive mindset. Chinyelu's unique perspective, shaped by her professional background and personal journey, including being a mother, enriches her approach to empowering others. You can follow her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinyelu-philomena-karibi-whyte/

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