5 Steps to Boost Your Confidence 

1. Awareness

How do you speak to yourself? Awareness is the key! Become aware of what you say to yourself. Are you thinking and speaking in a positive light or are your thoughts & voice negative? In today's world, it is too easy to be our worst critic. Be careful how you speak to yourself!

When you are becoming more aware it is important not to judge or beat yourself up! Be kind and gentle. Act more like a detective and just be curious of your inner voice. 

2. Identify

Ok now let's take your curiosity to the next level. It's time to identify your gifts and talents. What is unique to you? What do you enjoy doing? We each have skills and abilities that make us shine. Don't hide. This is the time to be a bit boastful. Maybe journaling about this will help you in discovering or acknowledging some pretty cool parts of you. 

3. List

Get out a clean piece of paper and have fun with this. Make a list of five adjectives that describe your positive qualities. Don't hold back. This is not the time to be modest. If someone was to describe you, what would they say?

Are you struggling coming up with words to describe you? Don't worry, you're not alone. The first time I was asked to do this I could only come up with three things. Seriously, only three! Through tears I said, "I'm nice and I'm a good Mom."  Interestingly enough, I can't even remember what the third thing was. I've come a long way from that time.  My point, be gentle with yourself. You can do this, it's a process!

4. Create an Awesome List

That is great that you have identified 5 positive things about you!  Now it's time to really dig in and expand that list. You and I both know, there is more to who you are and what you offer to the world! Work to make a list of 50 words that depict how you are awesome and incredible.

Go ahead. Start! If you have trouble coming up with the list, think of someone who believes in you. Think of someone who loves you. Are they a family member, a co-worker, a colleague a friend? What words would they use to describe you? If you're struggling feel free to call them and get their input. You got this!  

5. Anchor It In!

Wow!!  What a list. Check that out! I'm sure it looks amazing! Great work!  Remember you can add to this list any time. 

Hang on, you are not done yet. I'm curious. Do you believe the things you wrote? It's okay if you don't believe them...YET. It's time to get more comfortable with your list. This last step will help you to embrace these positive ideas as who you ARE!

Ask yourself if these things you wrote are true about you. Even if you have a sliver of belief that they are true, this will work.

Now, it's time to anchor them in. You need to read your list, feel it and accept these words as a way of describing you.   

• Read the list daily to remind yourself how AWESOME you are!
• Put sticky notes around your personal space with the words you are struggling to embrace.
• Write some on the mirror in your bathroom. 
• Keep a list in the bathroom and read it each time you use it.
• Put a list beside your bed and read it before you fall asleep and first thing in the morning.  

Remember, don't just read the words. It is important that you use your senses and lean into them, own them, embrace these sentiments and adopt them as part of you. I believe in you!