What is Self Confidence?:-Self confidence is an attitude. It allows individuals to have positive way, realistic views of themselves and their situations.  It is also characterised by assertiveness, optimism, eagerness, affection, pride, independence, trust, ability to handle criticism, emotional maturity and the ability to accurately assess capabilities. A lack of self-confidence on the other hand is characterised by self-doubt, passivity, submissiveness, isolation, sensitivity to criticism, distrust, depression and feelings of inferiority and being unloved.

How to Increase Your Self Confidence?:-There are many factors affecting self confidence. By using some strategies one can build self confidence.

Dress Sharp :-Clothes affect the way one feels about himself or herself. One should take care of his personal appearance, one should take care of his bathing, shaving, wearing clean clothes and being cognizant of the latest styles. This does not mean one will spend a lot on dress. One should buy high quality items instead of buying a bunch of cheap clothes.

Walk Faster :-Walking fast depicts confidence. People with confidence walk quickly. They have places to go, people to see and important work to do.

Good Posture :-By practicing good posture one will feel more confidence. Stand up straight, keep your head up and make eye contact.

Personal Commercial :-One with the best ways to build confidence is listening to a motivational speech. If possible write 30-60 second speech that highlights your strength and goals. Then recite it in front of the mirror aloud.

Gratitude :-One should focus on gratitude. One should set aside time each day to mentally list everything you have to be grateful for. Recall your past successes, unique skills, loving relationship and positive momentum. Take pride in them.

Compliment other People :-One should be in the habit of praising other people and should refuse to engage in backstabbing gossip and make an effort to compliment those around you by looking for the best in himself or herself.

Sit in the Front Row :-Many people sit at the back of the room in schools, offices and public assemblies because they are afraid of being noticed. It shows a lack of self confidence. By sitting on the front row one get over this irrational fear and build his self confidence.

Speak up :-Many people do not speak in public discussions with the fear that they may be judged for saying something stupid by others. One will become a better public orator, more confident in his thought process by making an effort to speak in every group discussion.

Work out :-Physical fitness and physical appearance has effect on self-confidence. It creates positive momentum.

Focus on Contribution :-We are moved by our desires, so we focus too much on ourselves. We ignore the needs of other people. Instead of thinking about yourself you should concentrate on the contribution you are making to the rest of the world. This will increase your self confidence and allow you to contribute with maximum efficiency.

Focus on Achieving Goals :-Focus on a goal i.e. challenging it realistic. Set your goals at reasonable level so that what you accomplish is equal/almost equal to what you set out to accomplish.

Carry Ps with You :-Ps stands for positives. The Ps should go with you to competitions to give you confidence. Avoid self pity or the pity and sympathy of others. Speak positively about self, about your future and about your progress. Do not be afraid to project your strengths and qualities to others. By doing so one can encourage his growth in a positive way.

Be Patient :-By patience one can enhance his confidence. Accept that your confidence will not rebound in the blink of an eye.

Look in the Mirror and Smile :-Facial feedback theory suggests that the expressions on your face can actually encourage your brain to register certain emotions. So by looking in the mirror and smiling everyday, you might feel happier with yourself and more confident in the long run.

Things to remember for Improving Self Confidence :

*Count the good things, not the negative. *Think positively about yourself  *Learn from your experie nces *Set realistic goals *Be courageous *Keep learning *Live usefully *Value simplicity *Welcome change.