Improve your self confidence

This post came out from The Straits Times (29 January 2016)
Title - Improve your self confidence - Try these six tips to feel better about yourself

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Work on your appearance
2. Spend time with positive people
3. Renew your mind
4. Let go of the past
5. Give yourself rewards
6. Avoid negative self-talk

On Work on your appearance

• When we look good on the outside, we naturally feel good inside. To boost your self-confidence, pamper yourself with a long-overdue haircut, or get that personal grooming package you have always wanted.

On Spend time with positive people

• Our external environment has a profound impact on our personal well-being and development. Being with people who are positive and optimistic, and share your values and beliefs helps you to shake off any temporary negative state you may find yourself dwelling in from time to time. 

On Renew your mind

• If left alone without new stimuli, our minds will become complacent and risk averse. New challenges that come up will be seen as obstacles instead of learning opportunities.
• When we stagnate and do not learn anything new, it becomes difficult to build up our self-confidence. Many companies these days are spending time and money to send employees to learning initiatives to brush up their knowledge and upgrade their skills.

On Let go of the past

• If we do not move on from mistakes made, we may end up having panic attacks, and have less self confidence and courage when we need to attempt the same project once more. 
• It is important to recognise that we can "redo the past" only by moving forward. One must not allow mistakes made to take over one's perspective, as this makes the mistakes seem permanent and pervasive.
• Ring fence that area and keep the mistake where it belongs. Do not allow its shadow to hang over new projects and assignments. 

On Give yourself rewards

• When you do something well, reward yourself with something small. Try a new coffee flavour or watch a movie. Such treats are inexpensive, yet recharge you and make you feel good. They will help you stay on course and keep you motivated as you move closer to your goal.

On Avoid negative self-talk

• This is something everyone must avoid. In fact, we may have family members, friends and coaches who believe in us more than we believe in ourselves. 
• Whenever you catch yourself saying things like "No, I am not that good" or "I am horrible in presentations", replace them with a positive statement like "I am getting better at my presentations". 
• Words are powerful They shape our actions, behaviour and character over time, and are first formed in our mind from the thoughts we have. Thus, negative self talk can have a lasting impact if we do not intervene and replace it with positive thoughts. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big