5 Ways to Rebuild Confidence from Scratch
Confidence is something we are all born with, but life’s experiences can sometimes chip away at it, leaving us feeling like we're starting from ground zero. The good news is that confidence can be rebuilt, no matter where you are in your journey. By taking small, intentional steps, you can regain and even strengthen your sense of self-assurance. Here are five practical ways to start rebuilding your confidence from scratch…from me, Birgitta a qualified hypnotherapist and counsellor (see my details below)
1. Assess the Situation
Before you can grow, you need to understand where you are. Take a moment to assess what’s working well in your life and what isn’t. Identify the areas where you feel a lack of confidence. Is it in social situations, at work, or when making decisions? Pinpointing the exact areas where you’d like to improve helps you set clear, actionable goals.
Example: If you struggle with speaking up in meetings, start by observing how often you stay silent. Then, set a small goal to share at least one idea or opinion in the next meeting. This simple action can start shifting your mindset.
If you need a bit more guidance with this step you can enrol in the ‘Become a more confident person’ course in the Clementine app.
2. Use Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are a powerful tool for reshaping your self-perception. By consistently reminding yourself of positive things, you can begin to change the way you think and feel about yourself. Choose a few affirmations that resonate with you and repeat them daily.
Examples of Affirmations:
"I am becoming more confident every day."
"I trust my intuition and make decisions with ease."
"I am capable of handling any situation."
Write these affirmations down, say them out loud, or even set them as reminders on your Clementine app for free. The key is to practice them regularly until they become a natural part of your thought process.
3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Growth happens when you challenge yourself, even in small ways. Make it a habit to take a small & safe daily risks that push you just a teeny tiny bit outside your comfort zone. These don’t have to be big, life-changing actions; they can be as simple as trying something new or doing something differently.
Examples:
Try a new food: If you always stick to the same meals, experiment with a new dish or cuisine.
Take a different route: On your next walk or drive, take a different path than usual. This small change can help you become more adaptable and open to new experiences.
Speak to someone new: Strike up a conversation with a colleague you don’t usually talk to, or compliment a stranger. These small interactions can build social confidence.
4. Pay Attention to Body Language & Style
The way you carry yourself has a significant impact on how you feel in situations where you might be feeling a bit wobbly. Simple adjustments to your posture, eye contact, and style can send powerful signals to your brain that you have are in control and have got this (remember those affirmations too)
Tips:
Stand tall: Practice good posture by standing straight with your shoulders back. This can help you feel more assertive, awake and engaged.
Make eye contact: When talking to others, maintain eye contact. It shows that you’re engaged and self-assured.
Dress for success: Wear clothes that make you feel powerful and comfortable. It could be a favourite pair of shoes, a bold lipstick, or a well-fitted blazer. The goal is to dress in a way that boosts your confidence and readiness to face the world.
5. Reflect on What You’ve Overcome
One of the best ways to rebuild confidence is to remind yourself of your past achievements. Think about obstacles you’ve overcome, no matter how small. Recognise the strength, resilience, and resources you used to get through those challenges.
Reflection Exercise:
Write down three challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them.
Identify the skills, support systems, and inner strengths that helped you succeed.
Keep this list handy and revisit it whenever you feel your confidence wavering. It’s a reminder that you’ve already overcome difficulties before, and you can do it again.
Practice and Reflect
Confidence building is an ongoing process. After practising these steps for a week, take some time to reflect. What worked well for you? What made you feel better? Which actions boosted your confidence the most? Use these insights to refine your approach and continue to build on your progress.
Repeat and Refine:
Keep a journal to track your daily risks, affirmations, and reflections.
Adjust your goals and strategies as needed, based on what resonates most with you.
Final Thoughts
Rebuilding confidence from scratch doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort, you’ll see progress. The key is practice and repetition. Keep gently pushing your comfort zones, and over time, those small steps will lead to significant gains in your self-assurance. Remember, confidence is a skill, and like any skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll become.
