5 Keys to Build Confidence and Destroy Fear 

We have all faced times when the lack of confidence in ourselves makes us lose something that we want. This low self-confidence and self-esteem may show up as fear or as simple inaction. Confidence needs to be built slowly, one small step at a time. Here are five key steps which will help you bust through that fear and destroy the limitations and self-doubt that have been holding you back from your true potential.

1.  Action cures fear. Identify and isolate your fear and take constructive action. Scared of public speaking? Make a toast at a friend’s wedding. Inaction strengthens fear and corrodes confidence.

2.   Exude positivity. Make a conscious effort to deposit only positive thoughts in your memory bank. Do not dwell on negative experiences or allow negative thoughts to morph into mental monsters. If you feel good about yourself, you will become more confident.

3.  Keep things in perspective. Remember that people are more alike than different. Get a balanced view of the other person and try to develop an understanding attitude, particularly when you are in an uncomfortable situation. This builds confidence when talking to new people.

4.   Practice. The experience of failure makes it easy for us to give up, letting fear and self-doubt win. But if you persevere and keep striving for your goals, you will be able to destroy your fear of failure and push past your limitations. Practice does make perfect.

5.  To think confidently, act confidently. Research has shown that faking confidence can actually lead to the real thing. The more scared and lacks confidence you feel, the more confident you should act. David Schwartz recommends five specific behaviors we can use to build confidence: sit in front, make eye contact walk faster, speak up (offer your opinion) and smile.