Setting goals is one thing, but what about having the confidence to go after them? So many of us end up spending hours procrastinating on creating the “perfect” action plan but then shy away from actually getting started. All because that fear of failing is too great. If that’s you, you’re in the right place! Read on for my favourite confidence building tips to help you turn those goals into achievements.

The most successful people in life aren’t always the most talented. They don’t always have the best education, the best qualifications or the best experience. They just have the confidence to make things happen. They have the courage to put themselves out there and make their dreams come true.

As you work to build your own confidence, I want you to remember that. Remember that every dream starts with just putting yourself out there to make things happen.

Tip #1 – Create a confidence folder

Imagine having a folder that, every time you opened it, filled you up with that warm reassuring belief that you are capable of achieving those goals you so carefully set for your year. A folder that’s specifically designed to build your confidence.

Sometimes referred to as a “sunshine folder”, a confidence folder can be digital or physical. It could be a special folder of saved emails, or a beautifully bound booklet that you keep on your desk for when you need that extra boost of motivation.

So, how do you create one? It’s easy enough. Each time you receive some positive feedback, a kind testimonial or a good review, save it and add it to your confidence folder. If that feedback is verbal, write it down so that you can remember it for later. And the next time you’re experiencing that nagging feeling of self-doubt, open up your confidence folder and read through all the evidence that’s proving that voice of self-doubt wrong.

Tip #2 – Make your goals visual

Chasing new goals requires you to push your limits. Which means that you’re going to have to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable.

While this isn’t an easy feeling, there is one thing that makes it a little more manageable. And that’s reminding yourself of why you’re doing all this in the first place. Why is achieving these goals so important to you?

Write out your reasons or create a moodboard on Pinterest, and put it somewhere you’ll see it every day. Print it out and pin it behind your desk. Save it as your background on your laptop. Turn it into a screensaver for your phone.

Wherever you choose to put your reasons, take a few moments to remind yourself of your motivation each and every day. Each time you do, you’ll remember why you’ll never let a lack of confidence get between you and your goals. And you’ll be more inclined to step out of your comfort zone to make those dreams come true.

Tip #3 – Identify your low-confidence triggers

Every morning, I take my cup of coffee out onto my balcony and I spend a few minutes reflecting and writing in my journal. I play around with new ideas, remind myself of my goals and get any worries or anxieties out of my head and onto the page.

By journaling my thoughts and fears, I create a very simple log for myself. I can detect patterns and can identify low-confidence triggers that I need to work on. I’ll then make a note of them later to work on in my own time, or with a coach for extra support.

Tip #4 – Choose a confidence building affirmation

The word “affirmation” sounds very complex but really, the best affirmations are the most simple. An affirmation is simply a reminder that you tell yourself every day. The idea is that, by telling yourself this same message over and over, it starts to become a part of you. It imprints, as we NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) practitioners like to say! You start to believe it and, in turn, believe in yourself.

Looking for a confidence building affirmation? It’s always good to start with the statement “I am…”, as though you’ve already achieved what you’re affirming to yourself. Try out one of these:

• “I am capable”
• “I am worthy”
• “I am enough”
• “I am intelligent/smart”
• “I am loved”

Each of those affirmations might appear to be overly simple but just imagine if you actually believed those, if you believed each of those messages with every ounce of your being. Imagine what you could do!

Tip #5 – Remove anyone who lowers your confidence

As you embark on this new confidence building chapter of your life, take the time to look through your external influences. Is there anyone who’s lowering your confidence?

It could be a friend who always seems to showcase their own achievements whilst diminishing your own. Or a family member who always questions why you’re taking an alternative path. Or even someone you follow online, whose posts always seem to trigger ugly feelings of comparison and inadequacy.

Whoever they are, don’t be afraid to hit that unfollow button (literally or figuratively). You are in charge of your own life, which means you get to choose who’s in it and who you spend your precious time with. If someone is bringing your confidence down or damaging your self-esteem, that’s a clear sign that they don’t deserve to be a part of your life.

Tip #6 – Start with small changes

I’m not expecting you to read this list of confidence building tips and suddenly take a big leap to follow your dreams the very next day. Change takes time and is most effective when done in small steps.

Start by looking beyond that “big scary thing” that you’re trying to achieve and consider how you can build your confidence in other areas of your life. Is there a new hobby you’ve been wanting to try, or a skill that you’d love to learn? What can you do in the next 24 hours to start taking that first small step?

There’s a reason why we see high-achievers running marathons or undertaking other physical pursuits. When we uncover what our bodies can do, we start to realise that our minds can do the same. Test the waters and rediscover what you’re capable of. Then, watch as that confidence flows over to your other goals.

Tip #7 – Celebrate every achievement

Each time one of my coaching clients takes a step towards their goals, we have a mini-celebration. For many of my clients, this feels totally unnatural. We’re not used to celebrating ourselves so brazenly, and it can feel a little strange at first. 

But, each time you celebrate an accomplishment, you’re creating a new memory for your brain. You’re teaching your brain to associate pushing its limits with feeling good. So, the next time you go to do something scary, it won’t seem so scary after all. Because you’ll have built the confidence you need to follow those dreams.

Whatever your focus is this year, whatever goals you’re chasing, I’m rooting for you! I hope these confidence building tips will help you start the new year feeling empowered and ready to go.

Feeling so stuck you don’t know where to begin?

It’s time to Get Up & Go, with my free ebook to give you the tools and confidence you need to follow your dreams:

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