What to Do When You Have Low Confidence

*This is a collaborative post on what to do when you have low confidence

At some point or another, we’ve all experienced that nagging feeling of low confidence. Whether it’s before a big presentation at work, or simply walking into a room full of strangers, those pangs of self-doubt can be hard to ignore. But the good news is, there are things you can do to regain your confidence and get rid of those negative thoughts for good. Let’s take a look.

Learn how confidence is created

Confidence is created when we believe in ourselves and our abilities. It’s the product of having a positive outlook and mindset, and knowing that we have what it takes to succeed. So one of the best things you can do when your confidence is low is to take a step back and remind yourself of your accomplishments and positive traits. Focus on your successes, both big and small—that way, you’ll have concrete evidence to refute any negative thoughts that come into your head.

Work out more if you have low confidence

Getting regular exercise has been shown to boost confidence levels, thanks to the release of endorphins (the feel-good chemicals in our brains). Whenever you’re feeling down or anxious, try going for a run, hitting the gym, or even just taking a brisk walk around the block. You’ll not only feel better physically, but you’ll also start to see yourself in a more positive light.

Make changes to your life

One common reason for low confidence is feeling like you’re stuck in a rut. If you feel like you’re not doing anything with your life or that you’re not growing as a person, it’s only natural that your self-esteem would take a hit. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re constantly pushing yourself, making changes, and growing—both professionally and personally. Set goals for yourself and strive to reach them. It might even be the case that you want to consult a facial plastic surgeon to help you with the things you’re not happy with. And that’s okay. Whatever will help you feel amazing in yourself is worth it!

Believe in yourself more

A lot of times, our lack of confidence stems from not truly believing in ourselves—deep down, we don’t think we have what it takes to achieve our goals. So one way to combat this is by accepting compliments more graciously. When someone pays you a compliment, instead of brushing it off or downplaying it, say “thank you” and let yourself soak in the positive words. It might seem small, but it’ll help train your brain to start thinking more highly of yourself.

If you have low self esteem stop comparing yourself to others

Comparison is the thief of joy—and nowhere is that more true than when we compare ourselves to others. When we see people who seem to have their lives together while we’re still struggling, it’s easy to become discouraged and feel like we’re not good enough. But remember: everyone has their own battles they’re fighting—you just don’t see them because they’re not posted on social media for everyone to see. So instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on becoming the best version of yourself that you can be—because at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.