Today is my son's 7th birthday. I can scarcely believe how fast time has gone, it seems as if it was just yesterday when he was born. I am so grateful that I am now in recovery and I can be truly present and cherish every second that I am given with him.
As well as writing about my son, I wanted to post about showing confidence. This has always been something that I have struggled with but as time goes on (and especially as my career progresses) I need to fake it until I make it. I found some great tips on Verywellmind.com:
10 Ways to Have More Confident Body Language
How to Improve Your Self Esteem
By Arlin Cuncic
Confidence can be conveyed through body language.
People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) often have trouble feeling confident in interactions with others. However, you can boost your confidence by making sure that your body language conveys a positive message about yourself.
How to Boost Your Self-Esteem With Your Body Language
Even if you don't feel confident, practicing confident body language can increase your self-esteem and make you feel better about yourself. Below are ten tips to increase your confidence through body language.
1. Eye Contact. Appear confident by maintaining eye contact in social interactions. Good eye contact shows others that you are interested and comfortable. Look the other person in the eye about 60% of the time. If direct eye contact feels too intimidating, start by looking at a spot close to the person's eyes.
2. Lean Forward. When you are in a conversation, leaning forward indicates interest and attention. While it can be tempting to maintain distance if you are socially anxious, doing so conveys the message that you are disinterested or aloof.
3. Stand Straight. Don't slouch! Those with social anxiety tend to try and take up as little space as possible, which can mean sitting slumped over in a protective pose. Straighten your back, pull your shoulders away from your ears, and uncross your arms and legs.
4. Chin Up. Do you look at the ground when you are walking? Is your head always down? Instead, walk with your head up and your eyes looking forward. It might feel unnatural at first, but eventually you will become used to this more confident pose.
5. Don't Fidget. Fidgeting is an obvious sign of anxiety and nervousness. Appear more confident by keeping fidgeting to a minimum. Nervous movements draw attention away from what you are saying and make it hard for others to focus on your message.
6. Avoid Your Pockets. Though it can be tempting to shove your hands in your pockets, particularly if you are worried about them shaking, doing so makes you look more anxious and less confident. Keep your hands out of your pockets to look more self-assured.
7. Slow Movements. Fast movements make you appear more anxious. Everything from hand gestures to your walking stride can make a difference; slow down and notice how you feel more confident.
8. Large Steps. As you slow down, try to take longer strides when you walk. Confident people take larger steps and walk with authority. Doing so will make you feel less anxious.
9. Watch Your Hands. Be careful about touching your face or your neck; both are indications that you feel anxious, nervous, or afraid. Confident people don't make these types of movements.
10. Firm Handshake. How is your handshake? A weak or limp handshake is an obvious sign of a lack of confidence, so work on making sure that you offer a firm hand when meeting others. After practice, it will come naturally.
Still not sure you can muster up the confidence to change your body language? Remember that you don't have to feel confident to change your behavior. Although it might feel strange at first, acting in a confident way will eventually feel more natural and might even boost your self-esteem.
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