SELF CONFIDENCE Selfconfidence is the belief in oneself

SELF CONFIDENCE

�Self-confidence is the belief in oneself and abilities, it describes an internal state made up of what we think and feel about ourselves. �changeable according to the situation we are currently in and our responses to events going on around us. �We feel quite confident in some circumstances and less confident in others. � It is also influenced by past events and how we remember them; �recalling a former success has a very different outcome in terms of our confidence levels than thinking about an occasion when we failed.

� Confidence and self-esteem are terms which are often used interchangeably, but although there is over-lap perhaps there also subtle differences. � Self-confidence can refer to how we feel about ourselves and our abilities � whereas self-esteem refers directly to whether or not we appreciate and value ourselves. � a healthy amount of self-liking and self-approval is necessary if we are to have the confidence to meet life's challenges and participate as fully as we wish to in whatever makes life enjoyable and rewarding for us. In a sense, we could say that having healthy self-esteem leads to being selfconfident.

Why self confidence Low self-confidence can result in: �shyness �communication difficulties �social anxiety �lack of assertiveness

What improves self confidence �Learn to be more assertive and not feel guilty about saying no �Give yourself at least equal priority as those you love �Examine why you feel bad about yourself and what you can do to change this �Monitor your self talk and question your negative statements about yourself �Stop focusing on yourself too much and try to help others �Make time for yourself and treat yourself often �Don't be afraid to ask others for what you want

Strategies to improve self confidence �Practicing self-acceptance �Focus on your achievements �Making personal changes �Seeking out positive experiences and people �Positive affirmations �Rewards and support