Self-Confidence Made Easy

Last week, my client Laurel (not her real name) asked, “Karen, how do I increase my self-confidence so I can feel great on a daily basis and push my inner limits to create the life I want?”

My answer? “Simple.”

Increasing self-confidence is much easier than you think. Really, it is. It’s about creating a deep belief in yourself and owning all of who you are – NOW. Self-confidence is about believing in YOU no matter what. It’s SO much harder to live a life not believing in yourself. Actually, it’s freaking painful and a true esteem destroyer.

If you decide to reject yourself rather than believing in YOU, you will always struggle with confidence issues.

Self-confidence is created from within simply by completely believing in you no matter what. (I know I said this twice, but I really want to imprint it in your mind.) It is so essential to build a strong foundation of self-confidence. This way, no matter what happens on the outside – what someone says, what someone does or doesn’t do, what your bank account reflects – it won’t knock you down.

When you have healthy self-esteem, you feel good, are more attractive, make decisions quickly, take actions that align with your goals, have more fun, enjoy greater success and have opportunities show up in ways you never imagined possible.

You deserve to feel great from within – always! Here are some simple suggestions for you to begin to use today to increase your confidence now.

1. Decide today to believe in YOU – no matter what.

   Your confidence will not increase if you are cracking the whip on yourself saying you have to do more or be better. You can’t take meaningful action if you focus on your flaws, past mistakes or worry about the future, and surely you will be so distracted to pay attention to the wonderful things about you that will enhance your self-esteem. Self-confidence will not increase if you are looking for evidence and ways to validate your thoughts of, “I am not good enough,” “I can never get it right,” or “I have no clue what I want.”

   If your friend, daughter, or niece were trash talking herself this way, you would tell her to STOP. And, you’d be a mirror back to her to reflect the truth of how great she really is. Do this for yourself starting today (no excuses). Reflect the truth back to you. I promise you will instantly feel better.

2. Embrace all of your greatness.

   When you receive a compliment, smile, say “thank you” and fully receive it. Pay attention to the part of you that wants to reject the compliment and dismiss it. When your artwork or writing is published in a magazine, or you receive amazing feedback through email, open it, look at it, breathe it in deeply and receive all of your greatness.

   When you walk by the mirror, look at yourself and acknowledge YOU – FREE of criticism and FREE of judgment. Start to acknowledge the cool, smart and attractive woman staring back at you!

3. DECIDE & TAKE ACTION!

   Many women who doubt themselves have a tough time making decisions and taking action. As a result they become stuck, overwhelmed, highly frustrated and have lower self-esteem. I had a client who came to be because her confidence was low and she was SO STUCK and unsure of what to do, she actually dreaded getting out of bed in the morning. We worked together and eventually she made the decision to believe in herself. I recently got a letter from her and I’d like to share it with you.

Karen,
Let me start by saying that 2010 has been amazing! Move forward? I’ve done it! I have been more consistently happy this year than in, well … years! No more waking up dreading the day or breaking down crying. I have more positive energy and forward momentum. One of the best things I did was take responsibility and control, and learn to decide and act. Thank you again for helping change my life and giving me the tools to do so.

I am so HAPPY for her – another amazing woman FREE from suffering. Woo-hoo!

One of the best ways to increase your self-confidence is by deciding and taking action. Make a decision and don’t worry whether it’s right or wrong. You can always decide again. One of best things in life is that your choices are unlimited.

If you have bigger decisions to make in your life and want someone to champion you, seek a mentor or coach. Having a trusted person to reflect back to you what you sometimes do not see for yourself is one of the quickest ways to improve your confidence and feel better NOW.

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Empowerment Expert , and Master Certified Coach Karen Fagan publishes her “Live in Your Brilliance” weekly ezine. If you want special tips to live bold, brilliant and rich in your life and business, you can sign up for a FREE subscription to Live in Your Brilliance at www.karenfagan.com. Want to see more secret tips? see Karen’s blog at Karen http://www.karenfagan.com/blog/