It's common to experience a dip in your self confidence occasionally. This especially happens when we have a big task to complete or are about to embark on something new. Self confidence also wavers when we receive negative feedback from others. But it is during these times that we need to be mentally strong and positive. Being self confident enables us to have strength, will power, resilience and direction in achieving the tasks ahead of us. One can gain self confidence in different ways. Some may benefit from positive self-talk while others may benefit from altering their thought patterns. The manner in which we act and behave with others also has an effect on confidence. Here are 10 ways to boost your confidence.

1. Positive Visualization
One of the best ways to boost your self esteem is to alter the way in which you perceive yourself. People often underestimate their true worth and this places limits on one's thoughts and behavior. Start by imagining yourself as the person you really want to be.

2. Dress Smart
The way a person dresses certainly influences the way he feels about himself. Human beings tend to be naturally conscious about their appearance and when they don't look sharp, they often also don't feel too good. This is particularly true in the professional sphere where the impression you make on superiors and colleagues has a huge impact. Take care to ensure that your clothes are always clean, well ironed and neat. You don't need to splurge on expensive clothes to become confident. Simply choose the clothes that you feel comfortable in and those that suit you the best. Also choose your attire according to the occasion so that you don't have to feel like the odd one out.

3. Pay Attention to Posture
The way you carry yourself also affects your state of mind. If you slouch or slump, you are likely to be uninterested and unenthusiastic about whatever you are doing. Pulling your shoulders back, keeping your head up and standing straight automatically makes you feel alert and prepared. Also ensure that you maintain eye contact whenever you are in conversation with someone.

4. Get in Front
It is a common habit of unconfident people to remain unseen in large groups of people. By making it a point to walk up to the front and sit in the first row at meetings or assemblies, you are instilling a sense of self-confidence in yourself. It also gets you noticed by the important persons in the room.

5. Be Heard
People who are afraid of being judged prefer to stay silent at discussions. But this fear is solely in the mind and is rather irrational. Others will respect you more if speak your mind instead of staying quiet and sitting on the fence. Make a conscious effort to speak up and be heard at least once when in the company of others.

Confidence

6. Walk With Confidence
The simplest thing you can do to boost your confidence is to walk faster. This will make you feel more energetic and pepped up. Even if you are not in a hurry, by simply adding a spring to your step, you will feel more confident and purposeful.

7. Be Grateful
The human tendency is to dwell on the negative points. This leads to a feeling of reduced self worth. Combat such feelings by taking some time out every day to focus on the things you are grateful for. Think about your unique talents, previous successes and great relationships. Knowing that you have already achieved so much in your life will motivate you to keep achieving more and more.

8. Be Generous with Compliments
We often manifest our own feelings in the way we perceive others. Inner negativity can cause us to talk badly about others. Make it a habit to compliment people. Refrain from gossiping or back biting and consciously offer praise to the people around you. This will definitely help to bring out the best in your own self.

9. Stay Calm
We lose confidence when we cannot think clearly. It is common to feel nervous or inadequate when faced with important tasks. It is essential to face such situations with calm and ease. This is something that requires practice. Engaging in activities that bring you calm such as listening to music, taking a walk or gardening helps in bringing about a sense of well being. Doing such activities at least twice every week will go a long way in keeping you unruffled and composed even when faced with stressful situations.

10. Take Care of Yourself
Our diet and lifestyle play a key role in the way we think and feel. Poor nutrition can leave us feeling weak and unfocussed and an inactive lifestyle can lead to laziness. Hence to stay confident, it is necessary to eat right and stay active.