Confidence is a skill. Start working on it.

If there is something that I would tell my younger self to work on it is confidence. When I got older, I learned that confidence is a skill, which means you can learn it if you practice it. Think of all the people you admire and look up to, I bet one of the skills that radiates through is their confidence. For many of us, our confidence comes through when we're older, but imagine what we could accomplish if we started working on our confidence as young students. Many of your favorite athletes, speakers, and entertainers have said they were shy and quiet when they were younger, which means that they worked on building their confidence to be where they're at. Working on your confidence is important because your lack of it will stop you from doing things like trying a new sport, asking a question, asking for clarification, or asking for help.

Here are some characteristics that I admire and see in confident people:

• They don't try to fit in

• They don't follow the crowd

• They are comfortable being themselves

• They are not people pleasers

• They are well-groomed

• Say no

• Ask for help

• Speak clearly

• They are not headliners, meaning they can explain their stance on certain issues

• They don't seek attention

• They are not afraid to be wrong

• They are articulate with their words

• They apologize when they wronged someone

• They pick themselves up after a mistake

• They dress well

• They speak up when they need to

• They don't seek approval from others

• They can make a decision

• They hold eye contact

• They speak with certainty

• They are not ashamed to share likes and dislikes

• Not afraid to try something new

• Have difficult conversations

• They have good posture

• Ask for what they want

If you do not recognize these traits in yourself, it's not too late. Confidence can be developed as a skill, and you can begin working on it immediately. Below are some simple methods to help boost your confidence while you are in school:

• Read out loud in class

• Ask questions

• Do presentations to your class

• Enroll in leadership positions at your school

• Volunteer in your community

• Join a club

• Join a sport

• Speak to people you don't know - make a new friend every day - get to know someone new every day

• Dress well

• Practice good hygiene

• Try something new

• Apologize when you need to

• If you fail or make a mistake, try again

  
  

I have seen these things work for myself and other students. Practice every day to build your confidence and you will see it for yourself too. Confidence plays a crucial role in personal and professional development, having confidence will help you to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.