How to Be More Self-Confident

By: Lori Pedersen L.M.S.W.

Signs of Self-Confidence

Let’s explore the meaning of self-confidence by taking a quiz. Read the list of statements below and note which ones, in your opinion, are signs of self-confidence.

1.   Admitting when you are wrong.

2.   Being flexible when change is needed.

3.   Talking about your accomplishments.

4.   Describing negative events in positive terms. For example, “We didn’t make our target, but we sure learned a lot.”

5.   Dressing to please yourself without worrying what others will think.

6.   Using a strong handshake.

7.   Using casual language in an effort to avoid sounding too “corporate.” For example, “You guys did a cool thing.”

8.   Speaking very fast.

9.   Smiling often.

10.  Learning new skills.

11.  Putting yourself down in order to sound humble.

Compare your answers to those listed under the link at the bottom of the next page.

Low Self-Confidence

Part of defining self-confidence is thinking about what low self-confidence is, what it looks and sounds like. Test yourself now. Note the statements that convey a lack of self-confidence.

1. “I may be wrong, but I think the answer is ten.”

2. “Thank you for the compliment. We’re very proud of our work.”

3. “That was really stupid of me.”

4. “I forgot my business cards. I left them in the car.”

5. (Responding to a compliment) “Oh, I’ve had this dress for ten years.”

6. “I would have gotten into the program, but they don’t like to take people with my background.”

7. “That sounds like a challenge. I’m sure we can figure out how to solve it, though.”

8. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I wonder if I could have a minute of your time.”

Compare your answers to those listed under the link at the bottom of the next page.

Where Does Self-Confidence Come From?