7 ways to gain more confidence within yourself in less than an hour, says this psychologist

Ever feel like you need a confidence boost before a big presentation, meeting, or decision? We’ve all been there.

But what if I told you that, according to a renowned psychologist, you can actually elevate your confidence levels in less than an hour?

Now, I’m not talking about some magic trick or quick fix. I’m referring to simple strategies, backed by research, that can help you tap into your inner strength and self-assurance.

In this article, I’ll share seven practical methods to quickly fuel your confidence. These aren’t just random tips; they’re scientifically-proven techniques that can make you feel more potent and capable in no time.

If you’re ready to step into your power and take on the world with renewed vigor, then read on. Let’s dive into these seven quick confidence-boosters.

1) Positive self-talk

You’ve heard it before, but the age-old advice of think positive is scientifically proven to boost confidence.

It’s all about how we talk to ourselves. You see, our brains are programmed to believe whatever we tell them, so if we’re constantly feeding it negative chatter, it’s no wonder we struggle with confidence.

But flipping the script to positive self-talk can work wonders.

According to renowned psychologist Dr. Albert Ellis:

“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”

That’s where positive self-talk comes in. By telling yourself that you’re capable, competent and confident, you’re essentially training your brain to believe it.

Next time you’re feeling nervous or unsure, take a moment to reflect on your strengths and achievements. Remind yourself that you’ve faced challenges before and come out on top.

Remember: your mind believes what you tell it. So make sure you’re telling it good things.

2) Power posing

Have you ever tried power posing? I have, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer.

One day, I had an important meeting. I was feeling a bit nervous, a bit unsure. Then I recalled something I’d read about power posing.

Power posing involves standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel so confident – hands on hips, chest out, head held high. It’s about physically embodying strength to trick your mind into feeling more confident.

I found a quiet corner and struck a power pose for a couple of minutes. And you know what? I walked into that meeting with a newfound sense of self-assuredness.

As social psychologist Amy Cuddy stated in her famous TED Talk, “Our bodies change our minds… and our minds can change our behavior, and our behavior can change our outcomes.”

Power posing is a clear testament to that.

So next time you need an instant confidence boost, try striking a power pose. It might feel a little strange at first, but trust me – it works.

3) Embrace your imperfections

Is there something about yourself you’ve been trying to hide? Something you believe makes you less than perfect? We all have those, don’t we?

Here’s the thing, though. Those imperfections, those quirks that we try to hide – they’re what make us human. And embracing them can actually boost our confidence.

I’ve learned that the hard way. I spent years trying to hide my quirks, thinking they made me less deserving of success or happiness. But once I started embracing them, I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders.

Famed psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

By accepting ourselves, flaws and all, we free up emotional energy that can be better used elsewhere – like boosting our confidence.

Start embracing your imperfections. They’re what make you unique. And being unique is something to be confident about.

4) Practice gratitude

Turns out, being thankful isn’t just for Thanksgiving. Practicing gratitude regularly can significantly boost your self-confidence.

A study found that people who regularly expressed gratitude experienced increased self-esteem and reduced depression and stress.

Why? Because gratitude helps us appreciate our value and recognize our achievements.

I’ve started incorporating this into my daily routine. Every night, I jot down three things I’m grateful for. It could be as simple as a good cup of coffee or a compliment from a colleague.

This simple act of acknowledging the good in our lives shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, hence fostering a more positive self-view.

Grab a notebook and start your own gratitude journal. You’ll be surprised at how this simple practice can boost your confidence.

5) Set achievable goals

Goal setting is a powerful way to boost confidence. It gives us a sense of purpose, a roadmap to success. But, here’s the trick – the goals have to be achievable.

I learned this the hard way when I set myself an unrealistic fitness goal. The failure to meet it only dented my confidence.

But when I scaled back, setting smaller, achievable goals, I found myself not only meeting but often exceeding them. This did wonders for my confidence.

As the renowned psychologist, Sigmund Freud once said, “One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.”

Setting achievable goals allows you to experience success and build upon it, gradually increasing your confidence. So start small and watch your confidence grow with each goal you meet.

6) Accept compliments gracefully

Here’s a counterintuitive confidence booster – accepting compliments. Yes, you read that right. Accepting compliments, not just giving them, can increase your confidence.

Many of us brush off compliments with a casual “Oh, it’s nothing” or “I just got lucky.” But by doing so, we’re undermining our achievements and abilities.

Learning to accept compliments graciously can reinforce positive self-perceptions and boost our confidence. So the next time someone compliments you, resist the urge to downplay it.

Instead, say “thank you” and let it sink in. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your self-confidence.

7) Practice self-compassion

Last but not least, be kind to yourself.

Too often, we’re our own harshest critics. But replacing self-criticism with self-compassion can significantly boost our confidence.

As the famous psychologist Kristin Neff said, “With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend.”

Next time you stumble, instead of beating yourself up about it, treat yourself with kindness and understanding. You’ll be surprised how much this simple shift can boost your confidence.

Final thoughts

Building confidence isn’t an overnight process, but these seven strategies offer a starting point. They’re simple, practical, and grounded in psychology.

Whether it’s positive self-talk, power posing, embracing imperfections, practicing gratitude, setting achievable goals, accepting compliments gracefully, or practicing self-compassion – each one can play a role in boosting your self-confidence.

Just remember, this isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself.

Take a moment to reflect on these strategies. Which ones resonate with you? Which ones might you try? Reflect on how they could fit into your life and help you unlock new levels of confidence.

Because at the end of the day, confidence isn’t about what you have or what you’ve done. It’s about who you are and how you see yourself. And that’s something within your control.