Confidence is defined as a feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something.

When we have confidence in ourselves we can rely on ourselves to be who we want to be and be our best and true self in any situation. This takes consistent effort and is a way of living life that involves being present and willing to move in and out of your comfort zones as life requires.

The process of building confidence in ourselves or in others – in our work team, family, sports club or any group we are involved in is two-fold. It involves getting rid of negative thoughts or limiting beliefs that make you think less of yourself, your abilities and others or creates or reinforces blocks and simultaneously taking positive actions to overcome fear and be who you want to be in all situations.

Confident people inspire confidence in others: their friends, family, colleagues, clients and bosses. And through being confident in themselves, they gain the confidence of others and achieve success.

Confidence is something that can be learned and built. Everyone wins when people develop confidence.

Building self-confidence
To build self-confidence, look at, and address self-doubt. Accept and look at your limitations.   Maintaining confidence requires consistent effort. When we do a little of what we fear, live in the moment and rise to the occasion as required, confidence naturally arises. It is never arrogant. A truly confident person will always be humble as they are always engaged in the learning process moving in and out of comfort zones as situations and life requires. Confidence is built on accomplishment and confident people deal with life as it is and get things done. Through achievement of small goals and daily steps we make bigger goals possible. Confident people generally have strong values they live by.  They do things that are not just in their personal interest but because it the best or right thing to do in a given situation even if it costs them personally.

Exercise and self-care help with confidence as they prepare us to be healthy and ready for the demanding situations life sometimes brings. It is important to be ready to fail. The biggest failure is to not try. Ultimately, there is either success or learning. Self-belief is key when trying new things. Think for the long-term.  The price of long-term fulfillment is short-term discomfort, hard work and rising to challenges you face.

Building confidence in others and teams
When we want to build and inspire confidence in others, it is important to be open to give praise when it is due. Connect, make eye contact, develop rapport and show you care. We do this through showing respect and listening. Always be encouraging, understanding and quick to forgive. Gossip undermines relationships and teams. Don’t do it and don’t encourage or listen to it.  Share information. Define responsibilities and take responsibility. Address conflict, allow disagreement and commit to solutions and working together. Always encourage effort and courage and never judge. Always follow through and be impeccable with your word as action gives people confidence in you and what you are doing strengthening your relationships and the overall team confidence.

Confidence is an easy word to write and say but requires constant effort and work. People who are truly confident are keenly aware of the effort it takes to push yourself out of your comfort zones day to day and moment to moment. Achieving big goals requires big sacrifices which are built on smaller sacrifices and create long-term happiness, confidence and success.

Take time today to take a look at yourself and your life.  If anything is holding you back or slowing you down, get motivated to do a little of what challenges you and pushes you out of your comfort zone daily. And feel your confidence grow.