Some people believe confidence is an innate trait you’re born with and cannot learn. I used to feel the same way. While I’m not completely fearless (public speaking still terrifies me), I’ve grown into a fairly confident person, and that confidence has helped me in many areas of life. Odd to say, perhaps, but I’m confident enough to say it!
Over the years I’ve worked on building my self-confidence, and it’s a wonderful feeling. If you had told my younger self that I’d be doing the things I do now and feel confident doing them, I would have thought you were joking.
Learning to be confident can benefit others, too. Growing your confidence can help you land the job you want, increase your earnings, pursue your dreams, speak in public, meet new people, network effectively, lead a team, travel with ease, and more. Confidence opens doors in many different areas of life.
On the other hand, lacking confidence can:
- Prevent someone from believing in themselves;
- Make a person too shy to pursue what they want or need;
- Push someone into doing things they dislike;
- Cause missed opportunities in meetings or job interviews;
- Contribute to unhappiness.
Below are practical tips on how to become more confident. Apply these strategies and you’ll begin to feel more self-assured and ready to pursue your goals.
1. Think positively.
Positive thinking supports confidence. Negative thoughts undermine your belief in yourself and can erode any confidence you’ve built. When you focus on positive reasons you deserve a chance—your skills, experience, and fit—you naturally project greater confidence.
Before an important moment, remind yourself why you’re qualified, what strengths you bring, and why you’re a good match. That inner affirmation changes how you present yourself and how others perceive you.
2. Learn from those who excel.
Is there someone already doing what you want to do—public speaking, a career you admire, or simply someone who radiates confidence? Find a mentor or observe their approach. Learn their techniques, adopt what works for you, and use those lessons to feel more confident.
3. Look the part.
Appearance and demeanor influence how confident you feel and how others perceive you. Dressing appropriately, grooming well, and maintaining good posture can help you appear more self-assured—even when you’re still building inner confidence.
Simple practices that support a confident presence include:
- Choosing suitable attire for the occasion;
- Offering a firm handshake;
- Keeping good personal hygiene and a pleasant scent;
- Sitting and standing upright;
- Smiling—covered below.
4. Smile.
Smiling is powerful. Whether you’re speaking on the phone or face to face, a smile affects your tone of voice and the impressions you create. Smiling naturally makes you seem more confident and approachable. Practice smiling when you speak—try it and you’ll notice the difference.
5. Take risks.
Stepping outside your comfort zone forces growth. Taking calculated risks helps you handle new situations more easily, so over time unfamiliar experiences feel less intimidating and your confidence grows.
6. Practice.
Preparation builds confidence. Rehearse what you plan to say and do before interviews, presentations, or networking events. Practice common interview questions, refine your elevator pitch, rehearse a handshake, and work on your posture. Familiarity reduces awkwardness and hesitation, helping you present yourself with assurance.
7. Relax.
Learning to relax under pressure is essential. When you’re anxious, you may sweat, stumble over words, or make poor decisions. Simple techniques—slow, deep breaths, counting to five, or a brief pause—help calm your nerves and let your confidence shine through.
Gaining confidence takes time and effort, but small, consistent steps produce meaningful change. Do you think building confidence could help you? What strategies have worked for you or others you know who wanted to become more confident?