Whether you are going into an interview or trying to make a good first impression, the number one characteristic you ever can rock is your confidence. I think we can all agree that pure, “I’m the bomb.com” confidence is highly coveted but doesn’t always come easy.
In celebration of World Peace Day that just passed this Wednesday, and it being officially being Fall, get ready to fall in love with a new you and be at peace with yourself as I show you how to be (and feel) more confident in six easy steps (plus a three totally cute Desktop and iPhone wallpapers designed by me to boost your confidence every day)!
1. Smile
Simple right? Research has shown that smiling, even a forced smile, can boost and elevate your mood which will make you feel more confident in facing any tasks at hand.
Even more so, smiling makes you seem more approachable, competent and likable. You want people to approach you! Wanna make that hottie walk over? Throw him a smile and he won’t know how nervous you actually are.
Lastly, it’s contagious! Light up a room with your gorgeous smile and people won’t be able to resist smiling back.
2. Rock a power color
Colors play a powerful role in how we as consumers choose what products to buy. And as business owners, the colors used in your branding are crucial in regards to what exactly you’re trying to market. Research has shown that 90% of judgements are made about products based on color alone.
So let’s take the psychology of color and apply to our daily lives. I found that there are four psychological primary colors – red, blue, yellow and green that elicit different reactions as they relate to the body, mind and emotions. For example wearing red might make you feel bold and have others view you as fierce. I personally feel my best and in the zone when I rock the color pink (if you could not already tell).
Whether you are rocking your favorite lipstick color or choose to feng shui your office to be decked out in white and gold, find a color (or colors) that brings light into life for an ultimate confidence boost.
3. Give a compliment
Have you ever been in a situation where you were too afraid to initiate the conversation with another person so you end up not talking to them? What if I told you to take the leap and open up a conversation with a compliment instead?
By being able to genuinely compliment someone else, you help build your own confidence because, if you are able to clearly see the best in others, you will learn to clearly see the best in yourself.
Plus, to give is to receive. You shouldn’t be surprised if that person you complimented gives you one right back.
4. Be your own competition
I recently came across this quote on Pinterest that resonated with me:
“The woman who does not require any validation Is the most feared individual on the planet.”
When you give up the need to seek validation from others, you gain the freedom to be your best possible self by being your own competition.
Far too often we fall into the trap of believing that our accomplishments are only “small wins” in comparison to others. However, when you’re constantly raising the bar for yourself, you’ll naturally develop a level of unwavering confidence others will want to emulate.
5. Let failure fuel you
Now I know this one is tough to swallow considering no one likes to fail. But at the end of the day, if you are looking to feel confident and build your overall confidence, remember the wise words of Nelson Mandela:
“I never Lose, I either win or learn.”
To take failure and turn it into a learning opportunity is a sign of confidence in its own right because you are not allowing a few bumps along the road to steer you from your goals.
6. Practice positive affirmations
While every one might not agree on the “fake it until you make it” approach to being more confident, reciting positive affirmations or having a list of them handy can easily give you a confidence boost whenever you need it, and ultimately helping you be more confident as you start to embody those affirmations.
So go head and write some of your favorite positive affirmations on a Post-It and leave one on your bathroom mirror or keep a jar filled with them for those rough days. If that’s too cheesy, just download these confidence boosting wallpapers I made just for you!
Freebies Download Links
*For the mobile wallpapers, be sure to select “move and scale” and select “still” on iPhone for the best display.
When In Doubt, Wink – Desktop version, iPhone version
Stars Can’t Shine Without Darkness – Desktop version, iPhone version
Out Dream Yourself – Desktop version, iPhone version
I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! Should you use them, if you can kindly tag me on social media it would be much appreciated!
What are your best tips on feeling confident? Get at me in some comments below!
Ivonne
September 24, 2016 at 5:45 amExcellent advice and I just love your downloadable freebies!
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 9:48 amThank you Ivonne 🙂 so happy you love the freebies!
Laci
September 24, 2016 at 6:06 amLoving this !!! Espthose wallpapers being confident is huge in the work world !!! You rock
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 9:47 amThanks so much Laci! Your kind words mean a lot 🙂 have a great day beautiful!
Amanda
September 24, 2016 at 6:26 amLove the wallpapers, and some seriously great info!
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 9:49 amAww thanks so much Amanda 🙂 just here trying to make your day!
Shelby
September 24, 2016 at 6:59 amI love all of your tips! Very empowering post
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 9:50 amThank you so much Shelby! Means so much
Jessica Harlow
September 24, 2016 at 7:19 amYour post was a good reassurance for me! I’m definitely battling some inner lack of confidence lately with some personal drama over the last 6 months. These are good reminders and I especially love the quote: “The woman who does not require any validation Is the most feared individual on the planet.” Inner competition is how I usually work and I need to get back to that.
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 9:53 amHi Jessica! Oh I can definitely relate to feeling that lack of confidence due to shit in going down. We all will have our moments but the fact you are fueled by your own competition means you’ve got that strong confidence already. Hang in there girlie. Sounds like you already in your way to being back to where you want to be 🙂
Much love.
Katrina
Sheila Jo
September 24, 2016 at 8:10 amGreat post! #3 and #5 are my favorites on this list!
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 9:56 amThanks so much Sheila! Number 5 took me a while to really live by as failing was something hat really affected me. I try hard now to let it be my motivator to keep going.
Slay on girl!
Thanks for reading
Leslie
September 24, 2016 at 9:09 amGreat advice! You are correct!
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 9:49 amThanks girlie!
thesocialbeing721
September 24, 2016 at 10:32 amGreat tips! #2 and #6 are my favorite. I also practice a daily affirmation 🙂
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 10:36 amI recently started practicing daily affirmations and it’s been a huge game changer for me 🙂
Thanks for reading girlie!
Jasmin N
September 24, 2016 at 10:45 amI absolutely loved this post! So inspiring 🙂
~ Jasmin N
littlethingswithjassy.blogspot.fi
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 1:09 pmThanks girlie! <3
Lindsey
September 24, 2016 at 11:02 amSuch good tips! In a world of competition, it is so important to find strength in ourselves.
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 1:41 pmWell said Lindsey! 🙂 Thanks so much for reading <3
Lizzy
September 24, 2016 at 11:02 am#4 is my favorite. So often, women try to compete with each other which tears us apart!
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 1:39 pmExactly! There is nothing wrong with competition but I definitely admire others who can genuinely compliment the strengths of others. Thanks for reading! <3
marleen
September 24, 2016 at 11:39 amGreat post. I definitely reckoning smiling is an awesome thing to do, whether you want to feel confident or just to make someone elses day a little nicer. I love rocking a bold coloured lip, that is what makes me feel super confident, but I also love the idea of being my own competition. That is something that I will need to work on.
Thanks for sharing.
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 1:36 pmThanks so much for reading Marleen! Just by reading your comment I can clearly see how much confidence you exclude 🙂 <3
Mrs Fancy-Pants
September 24, 2016 at 11:41 amI guess we need to remember that we often only see the big wins of others, not all the little wins that preceded them, so to celebrate those little ones.
Katrina H.
October 23, 2016 at 9:43 amExactly! I feel there is no such thing as a “small win.” All wins are just as important!
Cricket Plunkett
September 24, 2016 at 12:12 pmI definitely believe confidence is key, so I love posts like this!
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 1:37 pmThank you so much for reading ^_^
Amber Myers
September 24, 2016 at 12:43 pmThis is great advice. I try to always smile, but sometimes people are like, “The eff? Why is she smiling?”
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 1:37 pmHi Amber,
Thanks for reading. OMG I know! Usually when hear that from people it’s always followed by how often they don’t see smiling or don’t smile their self which I feel is jut as strange!
Hey Sharonoox
September 24, 2016 at 1:51 pmLoving this. Great advise! True that confident is key! Bring positive vibes
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 7:39 pmThanks so much Sharon!
Nellwyn
September 24, 2016 at 4:01 pmThis is a great list! I find it’s so true that smiling can give me a more positive attitude and positivity translates into confidence.
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 7:36 pmThanks so much for reading Nellwyn! Smile on 🙂
Kari (Happy Coconuts Travel Blog)
September 24, 2016 at 5:23 pmTotally agree! Giving a compliment does increase your confidence and a smile makes anyone feel better about themselves 🙂
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 7:43 pmExactly! When you send someone else positive vibes you only get that in return 🙂
Reuven
September 24, 2016 at 8:06 pmThese are all fantastic tips and I especially like your suggestion to be your own competition and to let failure fuel you (and the great Mandela quote). I always try to be better (more effective, more caring, more helpful) than I was the day before; I certainly learn from those who are making strides in my areas of interest but I focus on improving myself and not worrying how I compare to them. And as far as failures are concerned, they’re simply a part of life and are fantastic opportunities to learn and grow. I make amends when needed, take note of how I can manage things differently in the future and go forward, grateful for the opportunity to do so.
Great post, Katrina; well written and very positive and helpful. Love the look of your site, too. All the best.
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 9:39 pmThank you so much for your kind words Reuven! Totally agree with what you are saying about failure – my tips on that took me a while to really internalize as I would always take my failure to heart. Wish you the best <3
Neha
September 24, 2016 at 9:16 pmHey you have a nice site set up, loved it.
Katrina H.
September 24, 2016 at 9:39 pmThanks so much Neha!
Sarah from Lavender Life
September 25, 2016 at 2:11 amLove all the tips! I’m saving this post somewhere 🙂
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 12:14 pmI am so glad you find them useful Sarah 🙂 Thanks for reading!
kittylimon
September 25, 2016 at 2:41 amgreat tips and cute downloadables 🙂
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 12:57 pmThanks so much Kitty! <3
Emilee W
September 25, 2016 at 3:00 amLove this! . I’m glad you mentioned failure too. Resilience is so important!
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 1:00 pmHi Emilee! Thanks so much for reading! Yes I feel in this hustle and bustle world resiliency is so important to have in order to pursue any goal
Alexandra Geletová
September 25, 2016 at 4:04 amThank you so much for sharing such an inspirational article. It was lovely to read it. About few points I have already heard, but some are new for me, so will try them in life, haha.
Ally,
http://www.inspo-book.blogspot.com
Katrina H.
October 23, 2016 at 9:45 amThanks so much for reading and your kind words Alexandra!
heidi
September 25, 2016 at 4:28 amAll really great advice. My husband is very confident and I asked him how and he told me you tell yourself every chance you get because if you don’t believe it nobody will.
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 1:01 pmHi Heidi,
Thanks so much for reading. Your husband is definitely sharing some wise words advice; so important for all of us to remember as long you believe in yourself, others will too ^_^
Cheryl@neuroticbaker
September 25, 2016 at 4:41 amIt’s like you know me. I do all of these things:) They’re great tips!
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 1:02 pmThanks for reading Cheryl 🙂
Ayesha Farhad
September 25, 2016 at 4:46 amLOVE this post! Downloaded one of the wallpapers and its currently sat as my desktop wallpaper! 😀
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 1:02 pmYAY so happy to hear that Ayesha! Thanks so much for reading <3
Idriss
September 25, 2016 at 6:17 amAwesome, Thank you for the freebies !
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 1:10 pmYou are most welcome! Thanks for reading <3
Ruxandra
September 25, 2016 at 6:29 amI am more confident when I wear great high heels and my make up is on point!
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 1:05 pmYes you are Ruxandra! I see your fierce out-fit of the day photos 😉 Slay on girlie!
Janine Good
September 25, 2016 at 7:12 amWhat a great piece! these suggestions can completely turn your day around for the better 🙂
Thanks for posting this! I am implementing these in my own life 😉
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 1:03 pmThanks for reading Janine! Happy to hear you are putting these steps into action <3
Andrea
September 25, 2016 at 10:26 amFirst, loving the downloads! They are beautiful. I am a firm believer in affirmations; I feel like they are so empowering, almost like a goal. The power color is an awesome idea! I love pink also 😀 Maybe I will buy more pink! Time for a shopping trip!
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 1:04 pmThanks so much Andrea! Oh you are like my soul sister – Pink makes everything so much better! <3 And I defintely trying to practice more daily affirmations
Rebecca
September 25, 2016 at 10:38 amThese are great tips! I especially like the idea of giving a compliment. If it’s sincere, it’s a great way to start a conversation. And it puts you in a good light with the other person who will be more open to you.
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 1:05 pmYou are so right Rebecca! I found giving a compliment has been great when I am networking as well
Heather
September 25, 2016 at 3:21 pmGive a compliment – what a great idea! I always feel better after encouraging others.
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 3:42 pmI feel the same way Heather! Thanks for reading 🙂
Adaleta Avdic
September 25, 2016 at 4:46 pmI absolutely love giving a compliment to someone else, because it makes me feel like I have a friend rather than an enemy. I always give genuine compliments too that are relevant to what I like and love! xx Adaleta Avdic
Katrina H.
September 25, 2016 at 5:14 pmExactly! It’s such a great feeling to do so without envy; just a great way to built a stronger community of women 🙂
Thanks for reading!
Taylor Mobley
September 25, 2016 at 7:35 pmTotally download the “when in doubt wink” wallpaper and set it as my computer background!!! I love it! This is such an awesome post
Katrina H.
September 26, 2016 at 5:32 amThanks for reading Taylor! Glad you love the wallpapers <3
Sondra Barker
September 25, 2016 at 10:32 pmThis was such a great post, you’ve honestly quickly become one of my favorite bloggers! Thank you the advice and the very cute wallpapers!
Katrina H.
September 26, 2016 at 5:30 amAw you are so sweet Sondra! 🙂 Thanks so much. Plus, you def gave me the motivation to put my butt into gear!
Karita
September 27, 2016 at 1:37 pmI’m in LOVE with your blog!!! It’s got blog goals written all over it!! & your downloadables…to die for!!!
Katrina H.
September 27, 2016 at 4:36 pmYou are so sweet Karita! So happy to be able to make a positive impact on you. Thanks for reading!
Judith Francois
September 27, 2016 at 3:27 pmthis is a beautiful post! very inspiratonal
Katrina H.
September 27, 2016 at 4:37 pmThanks so much Judith! Your kinds words keeps me writing:)
Lavenda Memory
September 27, 2016 at 4:52 pmLove all these positive tips! Thanks.
Katrina H.
October 1, 2016 at 12:15 pmThanks so much for reading Lavenda!
Katrina H.
October 9, 2016 at 8:30 pmThanks for reading Lavenda!
Abigail
November 3, 2016 at 6:04 amBeing my own competition and no one elses is something I really need to remember. Thanks for the advice!
Abigail Alice x
Jessiya
July 12, 2018 at 4:46 amHey, I came across your blog while looking up a “you got this” wallpaper for my phone. I just had to comment on how much I love your blog. This is definitely one of my favorite posts! Keep it up and thank you for your encouraging words. I am officially a “regular” and will be reading your blog regularly! You just gained another supporter AND fan!
Katrina H.
July 15, 2018 at 10:45 pmHi Jessiya!
Thank you for the kind words! 🙂
I have a lot of exciting content to release real soon!
<3