How do you know if confidence building exercises work?

Confidence is built through experiences, one step at a time. It's like building blocks. The key to confidence is getting clear on what you want and assessing your abilities & passions. When we pursue what we truly want (and not what others told us we should do) we are inspired to improve our skills. We are determined and don't give up.

In addition to your objectives it would be very valuable if you can also : - define your fears, your worst case scenario fears, and check how realistic are these scenarios… and look for past events where you overcame in a way or in another these fears , or search for inner resources or feelings that can help you manage your fear(s) - determine your risk threshold perception and compare it with peer’s. Your risk perception can play a huge role against your self confidence building exercises efficiency. Find ways to make an objective assessment of the risks. - you might find yourself looking for traumas or painful memories magnifying your risk perception it’s a good opportunity to heal some traumas on your way

My favorite confidence booster that I share with my clients and do myself regularly is: "I've Come so Far." As you look back on a trip or vacation, look back to see how far you've come. I draw a road and then go backward and add all my efforts, milestones and experiences. Do it by hand to get into the feeling! Take time to reflect and appreciate your efforts regardless of the outcome.

- Building your muscle mass is an evidence based exercise to improve your testosterone level which will by default improve your self confidence. - Posture , breathing exercises and self hypnosis are also powerful tools for self confidence and combining the 3 together can make miracles

With increased abilities and experiences our confidence soars. When we look back to see how far we've come, we feel accomplished. Most people look forward and focus on the gap to their goal instead of appreciating how far they've come. Focussing on the gap stifles confidence and inspiration to pursue your goal. Take time to reflect and appreciate your efforts regardless of the outcome. Confidence is built from the inside out step by step. Nurture your confidence. Appreciate your efforts.

Your cognitive distortions can play a lot against you while improving your self confidence: - pessimism ( which a protective mechanism due to past trauma ) can make your journey to self confidence very complicated - black and white thinking, perfectionism, eliminating the positive and many more cognitive distortions can make it much harder to improve your self confidence. Don’t hesitate to dive into the knowledge of cognitive distortions, identify yours, and learn ways to change them.

In my experience having a mentor or coach who can support you and offer feedback on your progress is valuable. Very often these are the people who can see qualities in you that you may not notice yourself. Having someone who believes in you, expects and encourages you to become more confident neurologically improves confidence

- External feedback is extremely essential, your cannot always trust your judgment when it comes to self assessment. - try to hold your Self accountable and followed up by optimally 2-3 friends that will push you to do the things your said to yourself that you will do

Have a greater goal to your exercises: - why you want more self confidence? To do what ? To serve which higher purpose? - if you can connect these goals to your values system, it will add more stamina to your self confidence building journey. If you have hard time passing to the action phase use virtual rehearsal. While doing the virtual rehearsal make sure you are connected physically to the exercise too. Try to feel the virtual events in your body , posture, Breathing… It will improve the efficiency or the real time exercises and the odd of you actually doing what needs to be done.