Pomegreat, the natural source of self-confidence, has sponsored the UK’s first Self Confidence Index Research (Click here for more information).

Leading confidence coach Jeremy Milnes, who is a regular contributor on ‘BBC Breakfast’ and confidence mentor on the BBC series ‘Would like to Meet’ has provided us with his top tips for building self-confidence.

“ People who have confidence tend to stand out for their self assured and easy-going manner.  They seem to glide effortlessly through most situations and expect things to go right for them.  When you have this confidence, it feels like you can take on the world and tackle just about anything.  However, if this feeling of confidence (because that’s just what it is, a feeling) leaves you for a while and needs a top up then how do you go about it?  What do you do to get back to the ‘real’ you? Well here are my top tips to boost your self-confidence to new levels.

• Think of a time when you felt confident.  Remember what happened, picture it in your mind or write it down to relive it.  Link the experience to how it made you feel at the time.  Now, tell yourself if you felt this good and this confident before then you can do again.  Be proactive and want to start to change.
• Find a role model (someone who has self-confidence).  They could be a friend.  Ask yourself what it is they do that makes them so confident, How do they act, walk, move and sit?  Listen to the way they talk, the pitch, tone and volume of their voice.  Learn from them by spending time with them.  It’s incredible how somebody else’s self confidence can rub off on you.
  
• Think about yourself favourably as you would a friend.  I’m always amazed at how we think the worst of ourselves and the best of others. Reverse this trend. Talk yourself up by focusing on what you have already achieved rather than what you haven’t.  It’s important to tune your mind to think positively and dismiss the negative confidence killer voice in your head that wants to put you down.
• Have you ever met somebody for the first time who positively oozes self-confidence and thought to yourself, ‘What is their secret’?   Well I can tell you, and it’s very simple.  Confident people prepare thoroughly for the job in hand so they feel in control of any given situation.  They may even have thought ahead about how to deal with the unexpected. So for example, if you happen to meet somebody and get chatting, you already have a list of ice-breakers as conversation openers to help you move seamlessly from one topic of conversation to the next.  See, it’s all in the preparation.
• A major confidence zapper is allowing yourself to get stuck in a rut. My next tip to increase your self confidence therefore is to set yourself new challenges in life. Take considered risks in your social life by moving out of your comfort zone and taking up a new past time or hobby.  Visit that country you’ve always wanted to go to or join a class or group and learn a new set of skills.  Break your day to day routine by kick starting it with new activities and new experiences. 

And finally, please do not compare yourself with others.  Your life is not a competition so stand tall, walk proud and don’t forget to reward yourself for your achievements.  Good luck! “

Jeremy Milnes
Master Confidence Coach

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