Increasing Self Confidence Through Positive Thinking

The traits of self confidence, positive thinking, and motivation are three of the pillars of self improvement and achieving success. Weakness in any of the three traits will clip your potential level of achievement. There are more traits and abilities that come into play, of course, but these are especially important. In this article we look at the role positive thinking can play in building your self confidence, and taking it to a new level.

Building Your Self Confidence in a New Venture

There is no ultimate level of self improvement or personal confidence that can be regarded as your peak, where all self development comes to a grinding halt. So, wherever you are now, there is further you can go. One thing that may stop you going any further is having any negative thoughts about whether it is necessary, desirable or even possible to develop yourself any further.

If you feel you need to go into new areas of development, such as a totally new career path, then there is a chance that the severity of the change will attract negative thoughts, like "why bother, I'm ok as I am." You have already built your self confidence through success in other areas, so introducing an element of risk and failure may not be attractive. However, if you just rest on your laurels, a decline in motivation will inevitably set in, and your confidence to break new ground will wane.

It is best not to allow even a short period of negative thought to hold back your personal development. If you reach the stage where you start thinking you do not want to break new ground at all, then that is a wonderful time to go travelling. Just get on a plane and go to a country you have never been to before; a country with a totally different culture to your own.

If you can, go on your own, and go for at least three weeks. You can be sure that during that time, your mind will be cleared and inspired, and filled will the motivation for renewal. You may even surprise yourself with what action you take when you get home.

Gaining True Self Confidence for the First Time

In a way, going from a lack of self confidence to a degree of self confidence is easier than the previously self confident person reaching a stumbling block and grinding to a halt. If you are lacking in self confidence, the use of positive thinking in a particular comfort zone (such as a hobby) can help you increase your self confidence in that area of your life.

Give yourself a short term target to achieve in your chosen arena, and visualize yourself in a respected new role within that field. Of course, action is neede as well as poisitve thinking, but it can play an important part. There is no need to set a high aim that is likely to disappoint you and dent your confidence. Taking a step at a time is fine, and never think that "so and so" would laugh at what your are trying to achieve. Everyone is different, and self improvement begins and ends at a different level for all of us. One person may want to be the first person on Mars, but for others, those often lacking in confidence, something like organizing an angling trip for a group of club members can be a big leap forward.

Always be sure to reprimand yourself, mentally, for any negative thoughts you may have, especially when there is a set back. I have got into the habit of saying to myself: "Don't be silly," then have a little laugh and move on. That way you are more likely to keep things in perspective, which gives great strength to those who have been a little lacking in confidence.

On the opposite track, though, be aware of the little successes you may have in your confidence building venture. If you note any happiness you are creating in others, or any way you may inspire others and win their respect, then allow the glow of confidence warm you, as you are warming the lives of others; in a selfless and modest way of course.