Does this young woman exude confidence to you?
How would you know, she's not smiling...right? Yet she's stunning. Why? Because she looks confident. She looks like she knows who she is and dares anyone to tell her different. Her confidence is more beautiful than any smile she could give because her beauty is dictated by how she carries herself. So why does society expect women to walk around smiling??
While out shopping, I noticed a table full of motivational trinkets. You know the products that are so close that you could just grab it on your way up to the register without giving it a second thought like, "do I really need this?!".
It was full of key chains, jewelry-holding plates, miniature plaques, and other small items. A journal with bright cheery colors caught my eye...bringing light into a not-so-fun situation (did I mention I was shopping with a teen:-). The problem (at least for me) is that on the cover were the words...
"A Woman is Most Beautiful when she Smiles."
Don't get me wrong, generally speaking, I smile when I make eye contact or when striking up a conversation with a stranger or just when the moment presents itself but what I don't do is keep a smile plastered on my face 24/7. Who does that?! 🤷🏽♂️
A confident woman looks and acts differently because she believes in herself. A confident mindset leads to a confident stance, leading to a confident walk, leading to confident decisions, leading to confident actions. No one knows what's behind a smile but when a woman is confident in herself it shows in everything that she does.
So, how do you build internal confidence enough for it to shine on the outside? I'm glad you asked:-)
Here are 5 Ways to Exude Confidence
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Embrace who you are as a woman.
Knowing who you are is the first step to building confidence. Take the time to get to know yourself; your strengths, weaknesses; and spiritual gifts. Acknowledge experiences and situations that have brought you to this moment. Take all that you are and embrace it. It sounds cliche' but you have to hold who you are with affection to truly love yourself.
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Create empowering self-beliefs.
Once you've embraced who you are, the good and the bad, you need to create empowering thoughts to help you move forward in your building confidence. Even if you have to write them down and put them in a place where only you can see them, don't skip this step. You can use a notetaking or affirmation app. What's important is that you spend time on this step so you can use them as tools. Use them when your confidence needs a boost or a reminder. It's o.k. to empower yourself.
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Expect judgment. Avoid giving it any power.
So, this a big one. If you've done any living, then you know that nay-sayers, party-poopers, and dream-stompers will come. They will undoubtedly have something to say ("you can't do this"), they will have something to give (negative energy) and they will be more than happy to contribute (to your downfall) so look for them. Once you identify them, you take away their power by permitting yourself to move on. Remember, you've got this!
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Stay in the moment.
Confidence is a moment-by-moment thing. It is something that you have at the moment that it is needed. If you are working on building confidence inviting past moments, thoughts or experiences can really get in the way of what is happening in the present. Acknowledge defeating thoughts then let them go. Tell them that they are not invited to the party.
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Let your confidence shine through.
Every day, suit up and prepare for your confidence to be challenged (whether it's by you or others). Wear it as an armor on the days that seem tough. Even on the days when you've "got it on lock" wear it on your sleeve so it's always close by. In all that you do, let it shine through.
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