8 ways on how to be confident
8 ways on how to be confident
Maggi Green - Spring Styling - Image consultant. My passion lies in teaching people how to look good, feel confident, achieve success, and be happy. I feel strongly about helping others because I lacked confidence myself and was bullied as a child. I was a shy, slim, naïve girl with few friends who suffered from alopecia and did not have the confidence to speak up or say no.
My early adult life was challenging, as I struggled to communicate with others and didn’t know what to say. My lack of knowledge and confidence resulted in attracting the wrong individuals, which led to bullying and ultimately an abusive relationship.
When I finally found the courage to leave this relationship at forty, I truly came into my own. For the first time, I had a voice; my knowledge soared, and I discovered I could accomplish things I had never realised I was capable of. I devoted considerable time to learning about human psychology, gradually establishing a positive self-image. My newfound confidence transformed my career, my health, and my relationships. After years of education, experience, and practice, I am eager to share my eight top confidence tips.
1. Be your unique self
This is one of the most important aspects to get right. If you don’t understand who you are, you will feel lost. Create a list of your authentic strengths, qualities, and values.
What makes you unique?
Consider asking your close friends, colleagues, or family for assistance. Their feedback will enhance your confidence; you may be pleasantly surprised and feel uplifted. Another example is to be in a room full of people and then step out for ten minutes. What would you like them to say about you? Once you have this figured out, everything around you will thrive.
2. Realise you are not alone
I have assisted hundreds of individuals with their image. When I speak to them for the first time, they often say…
When I was younger, I never knew how to look good, how to do my hair, or how to wear makeup.
I fumble along, not knowing what to wear or how to look, so I play it safe and stick to my jeans and a top.
I feel trapped in a rut and don’t know how to escape it.
I’m unsure what to choose in the shops or what suits me, leaving me frustrated and going home empty-handed.
I feel plain and uninteresting - I want to change.
I want to discover who I am but don’t know how to begin.
I desire to know what suits my body and colouring.
I dislike my body and don’t see myself as attractive.
Most individuals lack confidence due to a deficiency in knowledge and skills.
What I say to people is… ‘I hear this all the time’.
When we were younger, we were not taught how to apply makeup, wash our hair, look our best, determine what suits our colouring, and make the most of our bodies. Don’t feel upset or lose confidence over this. We lacked the knowledge and education to know what to do. We all feel the same. We all dislike something about ourselves; it is normal.
3. Show off your assets
We all have appealing areas on our bodies. Take a good look at yourself and create a list of them. To begin with, this may not be easy, but as your confidence develops, the list will grow. For example –
If you have nice teeth, smile, apply some colour to your lips, and show them off.
If you have fantastic legs, show them off in lighter colours. Wear shoes that match the colour of your trousers to lengthen them.
If you have beautiful hair, consider it your asset.
If you have a lovely figure, choose fitted clothing to accentuate it.
If you have striking eyes, let others see them.
Whatever your assets, don’t hesitate to showcase them. When people notice, it will positively influence your confidence.
4. Don’t hide
When we lack confidence, the first thing we want to do is hide. Our confidence will not grow until we step outside our comfort zone and present ourselves to the world. This could include wearing loose clothing, concealing ourselves behind our hair, and opting for dark attire. In doing so, we miss the opportunity to showcase our wonderful personalities, faces, and bodies.
Let’s consider the basics: Wear clothing that fits you well. Make sure the clothes are clean, pressed and in good condition. Look after your skin with a good cleanser, toner, serum and moisturiser. Ladies, wear simple makeup. Hair should be clean, well-cut, in excellent condition, and coloured by a professional.
5. Understand your body
We all have unique bodies of different shapes, sizes, and lengths. You need to understand your body to make the best of yourself and feel confident.
This would be -
Know if you are short or long and how to balance your body to look your best when choosing an outfit.
To know your body shape and understand what cuts, fabrics, and finishes to go for to make the best of your body.
To know where you are going right and wrong with your clothing choices and how to move forward correctly.
Know what garments work for your personality to show off, boosting your confidence.
Having this information has made a significant difference to my confidence. Decisions become much more manageable and clearer when you have received the appropriate education and adhered to your own rules of style and colour.
6. Wear colours that make you look young, fresh and radiant
Colour greatly influences our appearance and confidence. Wearing the wrong colour may make you appear sad, dull, grumpy, and uncertain about yourself. People might keep their distance if you seem aggressive or untrustworthy.
Understanding your dominant colour characteristics dramatically affects your confidence, appearance, and perception. For example -
If you have light hair eyes and skin, wear light colours
If you have dark hair, eyes and skin, wear darker colours
If you have some brightness to your hair and skin – wear bright colours
If you look muted and soft within your skin – wear softer colours
Here I am giving you the basics of colour analysis. I suggest booking a colour analysis to find out what colours suit you. This will provide answers to the right hair colour, makeup, clothing and accessories.
7. Body language
When you lack confidence, you tend to keep your head down and find it challenging to make eye contact with others. Step outside your comfort zone and try the following things:
Smile - people appreciate being smiled at; it also boosts your mood.
Eye contact – aim to look people in the eye. Maintaining eye contact demonstrates confidence.
Posture – stand tall with your head held high.
Handshake – we don’t want a limp fish! A firm, simple, and strong handshake is essential.
Walk with confidence.
This discussion revolves around non-verbal communication. Your selection of colour, clothing, and hairstyle also influences your body language. Specific colours can impact your mood. All these subtle cues contribute to a first impression.
8. Don’t stop
When you possess all the skills, you will feel much better about yourself and won’t be as frightened to try new things. These small changes will make a significant difference to your life, as many of my clients have experienced. You will have a ‘light bulb’ moment when you realise that…
I am okay! I am a talented, unique, gorgeous human being with many skills and ready to conquer the world.
