How Men Can Boost Their Self-confidence

To feel confident, we need to have a positive self-image, i.e. we need to like ourselves.

11:23 14 September 2020

Unfortunately, many people have an aspirational self-image which they strive to meet, but tend to fall short of, leading to low self-esteem.

 

What we should be doing is recognising and appreciating what is already wonderful about us, and what we can do to make self-love a bit easier. Often, we have experiences very early in our lives which shape our view of ourselves, so we live our lives as uncertain children. Your self-image can be changed, however, and here are some tips to help you get started.

 

Look into practical changes you can make

 

While in an ideal world we would all love the person that we see in the mirror, for most people this is simply not the case. For some, no amount of positive thinking will bring about physical change. If an aspect of your appearance is bringing you down daily, it may be time to take action.

 

If you want to lose weight, tone up, or build muscle, consider contacting a personal trainer or a dietician. If you are self-conscious about a scar, mole or facial feature, a plastic surgeon could help. A hairdresser can help with dyeing your hair, and you can even tackle hair loss with a FUE transplant.

 

Project more confidence, even when you don’t feel it

 

A lot of people will tell you to think positively, to stop being down, or to ‘snap out of it’, but this is rarely helpful. What can bring about change is gradually adapting your behaviour. Try faking a bit of self-confidence from time to time and you are likely to notice a change in the way others perceive you, and eventually, in the way you perceive yourself. Confidence can be projected in the way you stand, the way you dress, and the way you speak.

 

Ease anxiety with breathing exercises

 

If you are someone who struggles with anxiety, thinking about the problem is not going to help. Instead, try a new coping technique when you feel your anxiety creeping up on you. By breathing slowly and deeply, it will lower your heart rate, relax tension in your muscles, and help you clear your mind. Focus on the sensations you can feel here and now from the carpet under your feet to the feel of the breeze on your skin. Click here for some tips on breathing exercises.

 

Break big goals into smaller steps

 

When you are feeling overwhelmed by a task or a social event, try breaking it down into more manageable steps. For example, if you are planning to attend a party and are worried about it, focus on one hour at a time, e.g. getting ready, travelling to the venue, completing breathing exercises before going inside, getting a drink, speaking to one person, etc. Every task you complete is a victory and should help you to feel more confident.

 

Start a new hobby or challenge yourself

 

If you have a lot of time to dwell on worries and become bored, this is only going to fuel your lack of self-confidence. Consider taking on a new hobby which will challenge you and keep your mind active. The more challenging it is, the greater the sense of achievement you will have when you succeed. You may even be able to meet new people and expand your social circle which is another great way to boost your self-confidence as we thrive on human connection.