How To Be More Confident 

For guys that tend to be shy or uncertain in life, learning how to be more confident might seem like an intimidating lesson. After all, you might be wondering ‘can confidence be taught?’

Fortunately, the process is much easier than you’d expect. Whether it’s by using confident body language or establishing a proper grooming routine - increasing your self-assurance doesn’t need to be a difficult process. 

Want to learn how to be more confident? You’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ve covered everything you need to know about becoming more confident. Find out more below. 

What Is Confidence?

Let’s start with the basics - what does confidence mean? 

Confidence is a trait used to describe mental clarity or trust in the skills or abilities you possess. This provides you with the idea that you have control of your life, and are prepared to tackle any challenges that come your way. 

When our confidence soars, we become more accepting of new challenges and positive criticism, which helps us to grow and improve as humans. 

Can Confidence Be Taught?

So, can confidence be taught? Or is it a trait that you’re born with?

We’ve got good news for you. Yes, confidence is a trait that can be trained over time. 

Let’s look at this 2020 study as an example. The researchers investigated whether social confidence among men could be improved when chatting with the opposite sex through a video tutorial. 

This study involved women chatting with men who had either received or not received the tutorial - and found that men who had received the tutorial felt more confident before chatting.

These results suggest that confidence in a social setting can be trained and improved, which are likely to impact the outcome of social interactions. 

How To Be More Confident 

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. Learn how to be more confident with these 6 quick tips below. Check it out! 

Create A Grooming Routine 

When it comes to becoming more confident, one of the best things you can do is create yourself a grooming routine. 

It's been scientifically proven that looking after yourself and taking pride in your appearance can dramatically change your self perception by increasing your self-image and attractiveness. And the boost in confidence that this process provides will further increase your appeal. After all, confidence is sexy! 

Creating a grooming routine doesn’t need to be difficult. You can make sure you’re putting your best foot forward when greeting friends or meeting new people just by showering every morning, styling your hair, and establishing a skincare routine. 

Meditate

Meditation is an awesome way to monitor your inner dialogue & work through past traumas that can affect confidence. If you don't know where to start there are now plenty of easy to use apps & videos of guided meditation online.

At the core, the practice of meditation is allowing yourself to stay in the present moment, rather than thinking about the future or ruminating on the past. One way to do this is to focus on your breathe, or to repeat a mantra over and over. Initially you'll probably find it very hard to do, and the benefits won't be obvious. 

However, each time you do a session & bring yourself into the present, you are doing a "rep" just like in the gym. Within a few weeks you will have done enough reps to find that you can stay present for longer & that you generally feel more relaxed & in control all day. This will overflow into your feelings of self worth and your confidence will sky rocket.

Are you already familiar with meditation and are looking to take things to the next level?  For some guru guidance on meditation (like a Jedi Council) look into Sat Yoga.

Change Your Body Language

Body language can be such a valuable way to convey your personality without saying a word - which means we can use it to project confidence.

When we avoid eye contact, slouch our back, keep our hands in our pockets, or fidget, we are projecting traits such as disinterest or uncertainty.

If you’d like to convey trust and confidence with your body language, try standing up straight, pointing your chin straight, and using eye contact. 

Use a Fragrance

Another easy way to give yourself a confidence boost is to try using a spritz of cologne. It might sound simple, though research suggests that when men manipulate their body odour and use fragrances, they tend to act more confident. 

In this 2009 study, male participants were given either a fragrance or an identical spray that lacked any scent. Over a few days, changes in self-confidence and self-perceived attractiveness were noticed by guys using the fragrance. 

Try adding a spritz of cologne to your morning routine to increase your confidence before you step out the door. If you've got a beard, then a nice smelling beard oil or beard balm can do the same thing.

Quit Negative Talk 

As insignificant as it might initially seem, negative self-talk can be detrimental to your self-esteem and confidence. 

In moments you’d typically talk poorly of yourself, try practising positive self-talk instead. Show yourself kindness and understanding when you make an error, and take meaningful steps to work through the challenge. 

You’d be surprised just how quickly your confidence will soar once you ditch the negative self-talk. 

Accept Positive Criticism 

It can be hard for us to accept criticism without our confidence or self-esteem being harmed. Though listening to the criticism that’s constructive and positive is how we improve - and learning to accept it with open arms will ensure our confidence isn’t affected in the process.

To become better at receiving positive criticism, try focusing on the benefits that come with it. Also, remember to break down the feedback so you can use it to take action and improve. 

Not to mention, becoming better at the tasks that you initially require feedback or assistance with will help your confidence to increase.