How can I build confidence in myself?

Answered by Melanie Granger, Health and Nutrition Specialist "Try some of the techniques listed below: Don't just read them and put them on the back burner. Really begin to practice them daily, starting today. You might have to fake it at first and merely appear to be self-confident, but eventually you will begin to feel the foundation of self-confidence grow within you. With some time and practice(this is not an overnight phenomenon). You too can be a self-confident person, both inside and out, whom others admire and say "yes!" to. 1. Stay away from negativity and bring on the positivity. Be positive, even if you're not feeling it quite yet. Put some positive enthusiasm into your interactions with others and hit the ground running, excited to begin your next project. Stop focusing on the problems in your life and instead begin to focus on situations and making positive change. 2. Change your body language and image. This includes posture, smiling and eye contact. Just the simple act of pulling your shoulders back gives others the impression that you are a confident person. Smiling will not only make you feel better, but will make others feel more comfortable around you. Look at the person you are speaking to, not at your shoes-keeping eye contact show confidence. Lastly, speak slowly. Research has proved that those who take the time to speak slowly and clearly feel more self-confidence and appear more self-confident to others and dress nicely. *A great tip: When you purchase a new outfit, practice wearing it at home first to get past any wardrobe malfunctions before heading out. 3. Don't accept failure and get rid of the negative voices in your head. Never give up. Never accept failure. There is always a solution to everything. 4. Be prepared. Learn everything, know about your field, job, presentation or whatever's next on your "to do" list. If you are prepared and have the knowledge to back it up, your self-confidence will soar. 5. For touch times, when all else fails, create a great list. Life is full of challenges and there are times when it's really difficult to keep our self-confidence up. Sit down and make a list of all the things in your life that you are really thankful for, and then make another list of all the things that you are proud of accomplishing. Once your lists are complete, post them on your refrigerator door, on the wall, on your desk, on your bathroom mirror or somewhere, where you can easily be reminded of what an amazing life you have and what an amazing person you really are. If you feel your self-confidence dwindling, take a look at those lists and let yourself feel and be inspired all over again by you. For more information, techniques and advice on how to build confidence, feel free to visit my website: Social Anxiety System."