6 Behaviors to Increase Your Confidence — Erin Tran
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6 behaviors to increase your confidence

Confidence isn't a personality trait — it's a set of behaviors. Here are six you can start practicing today. No theory. Just things that work.

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1

Shoulders Up

Whether you are sitting, standing, or walking — no hunching over.
Move like you are proud of your body (even if you aren't at the moment).

It's that simple.

2

I See You

Look people in the eye as often as you can.
Walking to lunch? Look people in the eye as you pass by them.
Taking public transit? Look people in the eye as you enter and exit.
Give your eyes and lips a friendly look — almost as though you are about to genuinely smile.
If the moment feels right, give a smile.
Bonus

Say hi and/or dip your head in acknowledgement.

3

Make Yourself Proud

This is a big one — so let's eat the elephant one bite at a time.

Regardless of how fit you are right now, there is some part of you that you wish were just a bit more "yummy."
Let's commit to giving that area our focus every morning for just 30 seconds right after we wake up.
1
Pick your body part.
2
30 seconds of an exercise that targets it.
Examples

Abs: 30 seconds of sit-ups

Arms: 30 seconds of arm circles

Calves: 30 seconds of calf raises

Thighs: 30 seconds of squats

4

Own Your Difference

From Erin
I'm a lefty and I spent most of my first year of school being told to use my right hand every time I picked up the scissors. It wasn't my fault I was born left-handed. But I was. And so I started to hide it. Then, at 9, I started playing soccer — my left foot made me a really strong asset on the left side of the field. It gave the team a competitive advantage.

What makes you different?

How can you turn that into a competitive advantage?

Stuck on this? Ask friends, family, or coworkers. I promise you the mindset shift from hiding to competitive advantage will do all kinds of good things for your confidence.

5

Three Little Words

Repeat "I am enough" during those 30 seconds of making your body part "yummy."
When you finish the 30 seconds, say it one last time with CONVICTION.
Don't ever stop telling yourself this.
Remember

This doesn't mean you don't need to have goals or never to work on self-improvement or learning — it simply sits alongside these things, reminding yourself that you are indeed, enough.

6

Selfie Comfort

1
Take a quick (not posed) selfie of your face. It's okay if part of your body is in the shot too.
2
Look at this same selfie every day and notice something you like about your face (or body).
From Erin
I have always hidden behind the camera, not liking the way I looked in photos, and I realized that I was quietly judging that I didn't look good enough to be in them — and not until I did this exercise did I start to embrace me, just the way I am.

Confidence is built, not born.

Start with one behavior. Practice it until it feels natural. Then add the next. You don't have to do all six at once — just start.

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