How to Boost Your Confidence Instantly

Have you ever really taken note of how you stand and move? The fact is, most of us, me included, are predisposed to the kind of posture an arthritic sloth would be proud of: we slouch, we stoop our shoulders.

What's this all about? Well, consciously or subconsciously, there could be a couple of things going on. First, we're trying to make ourselves as small as possible, we want to go unnoticed. Second, we simply feel the doldrums, that sensation of life weighing down us. Life is tough, and we're clawing through as though in quicksand.

Because, for most of us, our natural pose is lethargic and slumpy, it can feel incredibly odd when you suddenly stand, sit or walk upright. Give it a go now. If you're sitting down, straighten your back, and notice how much taller you suddenly become.

People who carry themselves well and have good posture, aren't trying to occupy as small a space as possible; they are confident and secure enough to fill a whole room. Next time you're 'people watching' (and if you never people watch, then you should do it some time), take note of how people walk and stand, more importantly though, be aware of what assumptions you make about that person according to their posture.

We all assume people with good posture are more confident. We might even go as far as to assume that people with good posture are more affluent and/or intelligent.

So, why not try it for yourself? Get in front of a mirror and stand as straight as you can. Feels weird? Well, that just goes to show how badly you were standing before.

Oh and, of course, there's the added bonus of good posture being better for your back!

Correct posture may feel awkward for a while, but it's well worth sticking with, because not only will it alter the way people look at you, but it'll also change the way you look at yourself. It's amazing how something as simple as standing up straight can affect self-perception. 

Almost everybody looks more attractive when they smile. We are drawn to smilers; smiling is a way of acknowledging people, it's a way of socially bonding and, naturally, it's a spontaneous expression of happiness.

Now, it cannot be said that everybody who smiles frequently is happier. Some highly anxious people smile often, as a way of masking their feelings. Other very content people smile infrequently.

And although there is a school of thought that states a smile can actually make you happy, happiness here isn't really the goal. Instead, you're focusing on making yourself seem more comfortable and confident in your surroundings.

Personally, my natural, expressionless face makes me look as if I'm miserable - I'm sure I'm not alone in this. Many's the time I've been told to "cheer up!" and sometimes, I even get asked, "what's the matter?" When I'm nervous, this is worse, because a neutral face, coupled perhaps with a concerned crease of the brow, makes me seem decidedly depressed. I don't feel it, but it's the vibe I'm giving off to people around me.

Therefore, I've learned over the years that, if I'm trying to make a good first impression: at a job interview or meeting new people for the first time, it's important for me to smile.

I don't know whether this has a direct effect on my mood.

However, what I do know is that it makes an interviewer, or new friend, more comfortable, which in turn helps to put me at ease. The atmosphere is instantly lifted, and comfort is conducive to confidence.

Rightly or wrongly, we judge a lot on appearances. We all know that we shouldn't, but it's a natural inclination that can't entirely be quelled.

The good news is that if you look good, then you're much more likely to feel good too. Gentleman,  have you ever noticed how much more confident you feel when dressed in a snappy suit? Ladies, ever realized you hold yourself differently, when you're in clothes that make you feel attractive?

It's true for all of us. Clothes really do maketh the man...or the woman.

However, there's a balance here, because you won't feel confident if you don't feel comfortable  So, I'm not advising wearing something that makes you feel hideously awkward. But I do think there's a happy medium between dressing well and dressing comfortably.

As far as confidence is concerned, you'll feel like a whole new person when you're dressed to impress. 

It's human nature, sadly, to point out the negative in things. For some people, it's in their nature to point out the negative in everything. At its source, this has a lot to do with trying to make ourselves feel better by comparison.

In reality, pointing out the faults in others has the exact opposite effect. If you spend your time being critical of others, that criticism will be equally focused on yourself (unless you're a narcissist).Slowly but surely, this thought process is eroding your self confidence.

The good news is that the reverse is also true: if you can find the positives in people or situations, you will, typically, beat yourself up less about your own failings.

This is not to say that you have to like everybody  or think that everything is wonderful. But if you're able to see the silver lining and recognize that nobody is all bad, it will have a tremendous impact on your perception of self and your overall view of life. 

Moreover, although we all have a propensity to be negative, none of us finds that quality attractive in others. Like smiling and making eye contact, if you're able to present a positive air, you're instantly making yourself more appealing.

And, as already discussed, the more magnetic you make yourself, the more at ease people around you will be and the more confident you will feel.