One of my greatest strengths as a life coach and occupational therapist is my relentless support in helping people improve their self-confidence. One of the biggest joys for me is helping a client see all the great things about themselves and helping them learn to accept it without letting negative talk and a fixed mindset stop them from recognizing it. Of all the things that are important to consider when trying to reach any goal, the idea that, "You can do it!" (think Rob Schneider in Happy Gilmore) holds a high value in that pursuit.
Self-confidence doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built gradually through consistent actions. By making small changes to your daily habits, you can transform your mindset and strengthen your self-esteem. Here’s how you can boost your self-confidence step by step with practical daily habits.
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Setting and accomplishing small goals each day helps build momentum and confidence. Whether it’s completing a task at work, going for a walk, or sticking to a morning routine, each success reinforces your belief in your abilities. Something I often try to get my clients to understand is that setting small goals and being dedicated to achieving them, is one of the best forms of self love and increases self-confidence.
Think about someone you love or care to get to be closer with. If they had asked you to show up to help them out with something, you would do whatever you can to help them. Through your dedication to them and their health, you build a stronger bond and deeper comfort. Well, you should think of yourself as that person you would do anything for! When you show up for yourself in the same way you show up for those you care about, it helps build greater love and comfort within yourself..
2. Practice Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are a powerful tool to boost self-esteem. Start your day by saying affirmations like, “I am capable,” or “I believe in myself.” Over time, these statements reshape your thinking and reinforce your self-confidence. There is so much power in language, especially what we hear often. If you put yourself down often or make negative comments (even jokingly), you start to believe it!
3. Celebrate Small Wins
I cannot stress this enough! Every accomplishment, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Take a moment each day to recognize your progress. This will reinforce your sense of achievement and help you appreciate your growth. I often try to remind clients that when it is painful for them to admit to their small achievements, the big ones they are shooting for will not feel satisfying!
4. Get Moving with Physical Activity
Physical activity doesn’t just improve your health—it also boosts confidence. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick workout, or a yoga session, moving your body helps reduce stress and increases feelings of accomplishment. I will promote physical exercise till I am blue in the face!
From my own personal experience, I can tell you that staying committed to my physical health has dramatically changed my life and consistently improves my self-confidence. When I was going through (let me think of something cute to call it, ah yes....) a midlife crisis, it also happened to coincide with a time in my life where I stopped working out, playing basketball and doing physical activity for over a year. After feeling like I hit a personal rock bottom, I decided to take steps to get out of my funk. To my luck, I wound up joining a Crossfit gym and it continues to impact me in so many powerful ways. Not only am I in the best shape of my life in my 40's, I have new and meaningful friendships, connections and a network that supports me in many facets of my life.
5. Improve Your Posture
Believe it or not, improving your posture can have a big impact on your confidence. Stand tall, keep your head up, and maintain eye contact. These small changes can make you feel more powerful and self-assured. I often recommend holding a superman pose for 2 minutes a day, to help improve confidence. Often times, people with low self-confidence have a hard time spreading their wings. They slouch or make themselves small as to not be noticed. However, this signal to your mind that you are small or weak only further fights your self-confidence, so fight it with your chin up and chest high.
6. Engage in Self-Reflection
Taking a few minutes each day for self-reflection helps you identify what’s working and what needs improvement. Journaling or simply reflecting on your day can increase your self-awareness and help you set new goals for growth. Journaling or writing in a diary was always something I struggled with, but when I did do these things, it was so helpful reading it back at a later time, to be able to see how far I have come. In a digital era, you do not have to do the whole Mr. Belvedere at the desk, use your voice notes on your phone to quickly jot down and keep a record of how your day is going. If you are more old fashioned like me, and like use of the pen and paper, I created a daily journal to help with that..... If interested check it out here.
7. Face One Small Fear
Confidence grows when you step outside of your comfort zone. Each day, try to face one small fear or take on a challenge you might normally avoid. Over time, these small victories build your self-assurance.
If you are low on self-confidence, just know that it can change! Taking small steps and speaking positively to and about yourself, are some of the first steps in building confidence. Remember, it’s the consistent, small efforts that lead to lasting change. Always remember, the road to success is not linear, so do not beat yourself up for off days; Try each day to be a little better to yourself than the day before! You deserve it for yourself to start today. If you need help with that journey, book a session or free 20 minute consultation.
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