In your mind’s eye, if you were self-assured, what image would you project? Try to visualize your facial expression, posture, and body language. When women are confident, it’s evident in the way they conduct themselves. They smile, stand tall, give direct eye contact, and use open body gestures. It’s fairly easy to appear self-reliant. You can look the part by practicing in a mirror. But what qualities are responsible for this picture of composure? How do you cultivate them? Here’re the eight main qualities of highly confident women.
1. Confident women know their strengths.
If you’re like many women, you focus more on your weaknesses than capabilities. You may judge yourself harshly. However, constant self-criticism is a sure way to belittle yourself. When you’re mindful of what you do well, you’ll achieve even more!
Your strengths are your natural abilities, tasks that are easy for you. To increase awareness of your merits, list 10 personal strengths. Behavioral scientists have identified 24 of them. Examples are creativity, courage, diligence, generosity, and self-control. Two psychologists, in particular, cataloged the list. Drs. Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson authored “Character Strengths and Virtues.” Here you can view a summary of the 24 characteristics.
If you’re unsure of your talents, reflect on the feedback you receive. If you work for a company, what praise have you obtained from co-workers and supervisors? What do family and friends admire most about you? Write down their comments and read them regularly.
2. They’re organized.
You’re less likely to be sure of yourself when surrounded by disorder. Clutter is both distracting and disconcerting. You’ll think more clearly in an environment that’s tidy, neat, and clean. You’ll also feel more grounded.
If you tend not to be orderly, it’s easy to develop organizational habits. Prepare “To Do” lists for home and work, either early in the day or before bedtime. When you have many activities on your agenda, prioritize them. Then address them one at a time.
Designate specific places for incoming papers. Scope out your home and identify areas for keeping mail, school papers, and work-related documents. If you don’t have file cabinets, buy one or two. Use them to file important paperwork for future reference. Then it will be simple for you to find such things as warranties, appliance manuals, and income tax returns. Keep a folder for bills near your checkbook or computer, and pay them upon receipt. This eliminates piles and prevents missing due dates. On your computer, set up folders and files for important data.
3. They don’t fear failure.
Is the thought of failure terrifying? Do you beat yourself up after making a mistake? If so, put blunders in perspective. Erring is part of life. When you can view a blooper as a learning experience, it becomes a stepping stone to achievement.
Feeling guilty for choices you’ve made wastes your good energy. You did the best you could under the circumstances, isn’t that right? If an apology is warranted, don’t hesitate to convey it. The subsequent release will free you from negativity.
The path to success often involves surmounting obstacles. This is the testimony of celebrities who’ve struggled to accomplish their goals. Here are two examples.
J.K. Rowling, author of the “Harry Potter” books, began writing as a divorced single mother. Jobless, poor, and depressed, she was forced to live on government-assisted welfare. Twelve publishers rejected her first script. To date, she’s sold 400 million copies of her fantasy novels.
After Harrison Ford’s first movie appearance, an executive told him he’d never succeed in the film industry. His career has spanned 60 years, including leading roles in “Star Wars” and the “Indiana Jones” series. Here are more amazing accounts of people who failed on the way to achievement.
4. They trust their instincts.
When making a tough decision, do you follow the lead of a hunch? If so, you have one of the traits of the rock-solid woman. Intuition is a reliable guide, the bridge between your subconscious and conscious mind. It transcends the limits of reason.
Intuition is also called “emotional intelligence.” The right side of your brain is its source. If you tend to override your instincts, start tuning into your inner voice. Here’s how to practice.
READ ALSO: Things That Strong Women Can’t Tolerate in Relationship
When you need to make a critical decision, set aside a block of quiet time. Calm your thoughts by following your breaths. Then, let your mind roam. Observe the ideas that arise, especially those that inspire you to action. You may see a symbol on the inner screen of your mind. You may have a flash of insight, with your mind exclaiming, “Aha! I should do this!”
Thoughts prompting feelings of dread or uneasiness are red flags for a poor outcome. So are sensations of being queasy. These are due to the presence of chemicals in your digestive system called neurotransmitters. They communicate with your brain.
RELATED ARTICLE: Hard To Make A Decision? – Trust Your Gut
Take notes of the thoughts and emotions that emerge during your session. Also, prime your mind for solutions at bedtime. Before turning in, reflect on an issue that arose during the day. Explore different scenarios. This action will spark your imagination, nudging your subconscious mind to work on the problem while you sleep. Keep a pen and paper handy at your bedside. Upon awakening, jot down any notions that have surfaced. Here you can learn the benefits of honing your intuition.
5. They respect themselves.
Do you push yourself beyond healthy limits? Do you believe you have to work hard to be worthy of love? Self-respect is honoring your human needs and not treating yourself like a machine.
Self-worth expresses as living a balanced lifestyle. You devote yourself equally to work, home, family, and relaxation. To express your highest potential, you need to take care of yourself. This includes eating nutritiously, getting adequate sleep, and giving yourself an occasional treat. For some women, this takes the form of a facial, mani-pedi, shopping spree, or girls’ night out.
6. They’re independent thinkers.
Do you let others persuade you to act against your beliefs? Realize the value of your opinions, decisions, and experiences. Stick with your principles and enforce personal boundaries, both for yourself and others.
Do you feel pressured by society’s concept of the perfect woman? If so, have you ever considered why? Popular opinion isn’t always based on wisdom. Some trends are downright dangerous, such as:
being stick-thin
following cleansing diets
wearing heavy earrings
tanning
obtaining tattoos
receiving Botox injections
Here are more beauty trends you should best avoid.
7. They’re bold.
Are you passionate about your dreams and driven to fulfill them? Confidence equips you to tackle goals rather than procrastinating. If you have lofty ambitions but lack motivation, ask for support. Requesting assistance doesn’t indicate weakness.
Do you want to feel more healthy and fit? Buddy up with an exercise partner. Are you seeking a promotion at work? Find a mentor who’s climbed the ladder to success and is willing to coach you. Then, act like a sponge and soak up their knowledge.
Psst! Here’s some sage advice. Sidestep office gossip. Instead, talk up your aspirations and plans.
8. They’re resilient.
Don’t you admire people who quickly bounce back from adversity? Do you exhibit this capacity? If so, kudos to you! If you’re somewhat slow to recover, don’t despair. Realize you have overcoming power. As a woman, buoyancy is part of your nature. You’re inherently strong. Here’s how to tap into your inner resources.
Develop a support system. Keep the company of people who care about you, will listen non-judgmentally, and help you work through unpleasant emotions. In addition to friends, family, and co-workers, consider taking the help of clergy and licensed therapists.
View difficult times as temporary. Remind yourself that, although circumstances are rough now, they will improve.
Practice gratitude. Recall all the aspects of your life that are going well.
Here are additional ways to cultivate endurance.
Seeing is Believing
Now you have the tools to paint a self-portrait of confidence. See yourself as:
aware of your strengths
organized
unafraid of failure
trusting your instincts
respecting yourself
thinking independently
bold
resilient
Keep this visualization in the forefront of your mind. In time, it will become your reality!
