Confidence is easily mistaken as something that we either are born with or not, yet, confidence is a practice skill which grows through continuous application and reflection. Real confidence comes when what you think in your head matches up with how you behave on the outside, and creates a sense of authenticity that people can feel. It takes more than feeling into this coherence, however — it takes attention to posture, voice, specific states of mind (and habits!), each as sustaining the other in a coherent network that sustains quiescence when things are challenging.
A working practice in the real world is controlled exposure. Simulated exercises for meetings, presentations, or socializing help learners translate theory to practice. This type of cycling enables people to discover where they can do better, and then make changes right then on-the-fly and fold the feedback into future behaviors. With time, such repeated episodes would enhance not only one’s level of skill but also one’s confidence in his or her abilities.
Mindset work is equally crucial. People who confront challenges from a mindset of curiosity, self-compassion, and resiliency tend to make progress that sticks. When we perceive errors as learning experiences, not as fall into the abyss, fear and hesitation is decreased making it to easier to durably engage in high-stakes situations. Fostering a growth mindset (belief that confidence shouldn’t be defined by external validation but, instead derives from putting forth an effort and reflecting)
Embodiment exercises are also supportive of sustainable confidence. Introduction to body language, breathing and posture helps create presence and bolster inner confidence. Sitting quietly, with a centered position and meaningful movements as well as an intentional way of speaking in an unhurried manner transmits authority and awareness to others but affects the meditative state of the practitioner at the same time. This mind-body connection is what gives you confidence (it helps that it feels good, too).
Finally, incorporating regular feedback and reflection into daily practice helps confidence grow and change. Through recognizing the patterns and reasons behind their thinking, students also embed confidence into more of what they do. This method turns confidence from a superficial, face value portrayal, into an actual quality that one has at all times- when making business decisions and in social circles as well as personal relationships.
