We all have those days when we feel a little bit “less than,” when yesterday’s confidence and capabilities seem to have disappeared overnight. Whatever goals the day holds—to perform well at work, complete a workout or just to speak kindly to others—suddenly seem insurmountable.
But wait! Don’t wave the white flag and chalk up the day as a failure just yet. Instead, take a break, take a deep breath and take a moment to practice one (or perhaps several) of these quick confidence-boosters, wherever you happen to be.
At Work
- Get power through posture. If you’re standing up talking with someone, make an effort to stand up straight and push your shoulders down and back. If you’re seated at your desk or in a meeting, sit up straight and resist the urge to slouch. This simple shift can instantly make you feel more poised and powerful.
- Revisit your past successes. Go ahead, bask in the glow of that presentation you slayed, the great hire you brought on board or the time and money your new process has saved. Sometimes your past self is the best reminder of all you're capable of achieving.
- Learn something new. Nothing is as empowering as knowledge. When you're feeling uninspired or defeated at the office, seek out an informative industry blog post, ask an expert for input or enroll in that educational course or seminar you’ve been eyeing.
- Come prepared. Whether it’s a one-on-one chat with your boss or a presentation to hundreds of people, your confidence will skyrocket if you’re speaking about a topic that you’ve spent time researching and rehearsing.
At the Gym
- Put on your “power playlist.” We all have one. Crank up those high-energy, kick-butt tunes that will give you the strength and swagger you need to conquer your workout.
- Buy an outfit that makes you feel good. Invest in activewear that is comfortable, moves easily with you and flatters your body in its current, wonderful state.
- Ditch the unhealthy comparisons. Instead of comparing yourself to those around you, compare yourself to the version of you from yesterday, last week or even last year.
- Bring a buddy. Nothing eases a potentially intimidating situation quite like facing it with a trusted, non-judgmental friend at your side.
At Home
- Get dressed. Yes, even if you’re not leaving the house. The simple act of changing out of pajamas and sweats and into something a little more polished can give you that extra “oomph” you need to tackle your to-do list.
- Clear out some clutter. The simple act of purging and organizing one drawer provides a rush of gratification that comes with accomplishing a task.
- Talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend. Instead of saying or thinking, “Ugh, you’ll never fit into these jeans,” reframe as “You’ve come a long way since last year!”
- Start a “compliments scrapbook.” It might contain greeting cards you’ve received from loved ones, great report cards, stellar performance reviews or printed emails. Page through it anytime you need a quick confidence boost.
