How to exude confidence

It is clear to all of us that appearing confident is a crucial aspect of success in every single area of our lives. People who look more confident than others are more attractive, more successful at their jobs and with their relationships, and are thus happier and more self-aware. However, appearing and feeling confident is not as easy as it sounds.

We live in a time where we are surrounded by distorted values and our mind are constantly exposed to propaganda that makes us feel inferior because of our physical looks and achievements. It is very easy to believe that the most important thing in life is the image the others have of us, and while this is very sad, it is also very easy for us to use this to our advantage. It is actually quite simple to reflect the image we want people to have of us - if we know how.

This handy article will introduce you to five simple tricks to look more self-confident, which will in turn make you feel more confident! It's a winner's guide to improve your life!

Photo credit: h.koppdelaney / Foter.com / CC BY-ND

We have all had our insecurities. There is probably not a single human being walking the Earth who never felt at least a bit of anxiety when facing something new. This is particularly the case with our relationships - especially our love lives!

Most people wondered at some point if there were any ways to at least appear uninhibited so that our counterparts would not notice how nervous we get. Imagine being on a first date, or having an important job interview, only to be jittery and flustered, and appear clumsy and incompetent? It's unfair how some people can go through their lives exuding such energy and confidence that it makes us others want to steal the source of that energy.

The good news is that you too can appear that way. And if you appear that way, you will start feeling that way. You will, in fact, by applying these simple tricks and introducing these habits into your routine, become that confident person others will envy. You will, after a while, have so much of positive energy, others will want to be around you, date you, and give you that job you were after.

So here are those 5 little tricks you need to have on your mind:

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While there is no magical solution, and we all know that, I assume everyone knows that sometimes we just need some kind of guidelines to start being an optimist and radiate positive energy and confidence.

This is the first thing we will talk about.

Your body posture is the first subconscious message you are sending out to the world. We all tend to forget how important it is to keep your shoulders and your back straight, and your chin up.

Now this seems way to simplistic but let me tell you one thing - it has been proven that people who slouch exude negative feelings. They appear tired, worn out, depressed and down in the dumps. If you think about it, it's logical. If you sit or walk straight with your head held properly, you will appear strong, confident, self-aware and overall, you will stick out from the crowd and seem positive.

So make sure you are aware of how your body posture reflects on how people see you. If you don't have a problem with this - kudos to you. But the rest of you who don't pay attention to this, try it out and see how it makes you feel!

When we say body language, a lot of things come to mind. I will tell you about some important gestures and habits that will help you exude self-confidence.

Your physical gestures say a lot about you. If you are stiff when you talk to someone, or if you exaggerate with your hand movements, you will not give out that vibe you need to make you look and feel good. So here are just a few small things you can do to improve this important aspect.

Shake hands firmly, but not too strongly. This is more important than it sounds. Try to shake hands like this while having a small smile on your face. Look the other person in the eyes, too.

Look alert and don't have wandering eyes. Keep your eyes focused on the person or the task in front of you. Try not to let anyone see you with wandering, curious eyes. You are a confident adult, not a curious child!

Turn your body towards the person you are speaking to. If this is not possible, give them all of the attention you can. Don't address anyone half-heartedly. Turning to a person can be very rewarding, because this is also very entrancing and seductive.

Lastly, walk with a strong, clear stride. Don't rush, you will look more organized and collected if you keep an even pace. Don't make too small, or too big steps. This will make you look clumsy.

It's incredible how many tips we can find on this particular issue - I think this just proves that we live in an age that is overall more stressful and that impacts our confidence and self-esteem a lot.

We are not talking about using excessive make-up or doing anything to drastically change your appearance.

It does not matter how you look like. What matters only is the tidiness. You absolutely need to have good grooming habits. This includes small things such as trimming your nails, keeping your hair healthy and your haircut fresh, maintaining that healthy glow of the skin.

These things are very subtle but when you look healthy, people will feel immediate attraction and admiration for you, which will reward you with so much positive energy, and will definitely make you confident, self-aware and happy.

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This one is very simple and short. Try to smile as much as often, and learn to have that small half-smile at default. Never, ever scowl. It will show people that you are upset or anxious, and not in control of yourself.

Remember, you are in control of yourself, your thoughts, and your emotions. Now smile.

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Again, the outer appearance. Seems strange, right? Confidence should come from within.

Here's the deal. Just like it was previously mentioned in the part about grooming, it is necessary to appear neat and tidy as well when it comes to your clothing. You do not need to wear anything expensive or extravagant. Be who you are, wear what you have and like. But keep it neat. Ironed. Clean. Make your clothes smell good. People will notice.

Show them that you take care of yourself, and they will care about you.

Photo credit: h.koppdelaney / Foter.com / CC BY-ND

I know this sounds way to simple to be efficient, but give it a try. Walk upright, smile, be neat and tidy, give people your attention, be alert, maintain eye contact and smile some more.

You will be surprised how well this works.

Remember, the world will return to you what you unleash into it. So exude positivity. Happiness. Contentment. Empower yourself.

What do you think? Is there something else that works for you? Share it with the world!