Quick-Fix Confidence Tips

Quick Fix Confidence Tips

(Image credit: Rex Features)

published 7 June 2011

Can a confidence coach really turn you into a Karren Brady-alike? Marie Claire's self-esteem expert Judi James thinks so. She tells us her top tips for success here

Can a confidence coach really turn you into a Karren Brady-alike? Marie Claire's self-esteem expert Judi James thinks so. She tells us her top tips for success here

Smile

'It makes you feel and look better and it lifts your mood,' says confidence coach Judi James. It'll make the people around you respond in a more positive way gives a great lasting impression.

Smile

'It makes you feel and look better and it lifts your mood,' says confidence coach Judi James. It'll make the people around you respond in a more positive way gives a great lasting impression.

Face the world with confidence

'It's important to show a confident face to the world, even at times when you are feeling less confident inside,' says Judi. She prescribes daily 'positive thinking' (think Muhammad Ali's famous quote 'I am the greatest'!)

A bit of retail therapy never did any harm

Treat yourself to some 'lovely relaxing clothes', Judi suggests.

Give yourself a goal

Set goals, and make sure you achieve them, says Judi. This will make you feel successful

Bounce back

Bad things can happen in life, but we have to learn to cope with them and do something about it, says Judi 'grow some resilience!'

Eat healthily

Avoid that bloated feeling after a junk food binge and take care of yourself with a balanced diet says Judi. 'By doing so, you're sending a message to 'you' that you 'like yourself!'.

Compliment others

Tell friends how good they look, 'paying open and honest compliments' suggests Judi - this all helps build inner confidence.

Live a little

Doing 'something daring' can help you become more fearless and 'remind you that you're more than other people think you are'.

Make yourself a good speaker as well as a good listener

'Go to places with the intention of speaking and joining in,' says Judi, this way, you are forced to come out of your shell.

Love yourself

'Look in that mirror, admire yourself, and think about the positives,' says Judi.

Find your 'confidence core'

This is about bringing your focus to the inside of your body, 'sit or stand up straighter to allow the core to stretch to full size.

Quit being your own critic

'If you don't like the way you look or certain parts of your body, stop staring at them,' says Judi. Learn to love yourself, even your faults. Once you can do that, confidence will come more naturally.

Keep in contact with friends

We all know we feel better after spending time with the people closest to us - so make sure you do it! Judi says, 'phone one friend every day'.

Enjoy it

You really don't need to take yourself too seriously in life - so don't! Judi says, 'remind yourself on a regular basis 'its fun!'.

Cheer yourself up

Okay so your colleagues might think you ve gone mad, but talking to yourself to cheer yourself up can improve confidence levels, says Judi.

Trust yourself

Don t give up on what you believe in, and trust on what you know you can do and achieve .

Act fearless

Push yourself further than your fears, recommends Judi. That means joining in at karaoke, taking a chance and talking to a stranger, or reaching for that dream job it could do your confidence the world of good.

Be kind

Judi believes that acts of kindness and appreciation can improve self-esteem. Who said self-help was all about you?