Activities to Build Self-Confidence

Self-confidence can help you tackle obstacles at work and home as well as among your family members and friends. A lack of confidence, on the other hand, can leave you feeling incapable of handling your daily life. While you may not be able to erase all of the thoughts and behaviors wearing away your confidence, there are several activities that can help you build your confidence.

Creating a list of your positive traits can build confidence. (Image: Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Recognizing Negative Thoughts

Your thoughts can play a big role in your confidence, according to the article "Loving Yourself: How to Raise Your Self-Esteem " by Barbara Williams Cosentino, R.N., C.S.W., published on the website of the NYU Langone Medical Center. Every time you make a mistake, you may find yourself automatically thinking "How stupid of me!" or "Why did I do that?" Pay attention to these thoughts and make a conscious effort to rework them. Instead, you might say to yourself "Everyone makes mistakes" or "I messed up while playing a game this time, but I helped my team win the last several games."

Getting Out There

Take on a new obstacle, such as joining a sports team. (Image: Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Getty Images)

People with low self-confidence may avoid challenges, which can continue negatively affecting confidence, according to the TeensHealth article "How Can I Improve My Self-Esteem?" Taking on one new obstacle or experience at a time, such as joining a sports team or volunteer group, can help you build confidence.

Attending to Self-Care

Taking care of your body can be another way to boost confidence. (Image: Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images)

Taking care of your body can be another way to boost confidence. Engaging in exercise you enjoy, such as swimming or soccer, can also help you feel better and more confident about your body, according to the Center for Young Women's Health article "Self-Esteem and Body Image." Eating nutritious meals and getting plenty of rest can also help you feel mentally and emotionally prepared to take on the challenges of daily life.

Accepting Failure

Make a list of what needs improvement, and accept failure. (Image: Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images)

There are some things you can change about yourself and your life, while others, such as your height, are permanent. Learning to embrace and accept the things you cannot change, and setting goals to improve what you can change, may help you build confidence, according to the previously mentioned TeensHealth article. It is also important to acknowledge that everyone fails or is rejected sometimes. In the face of rejection, it is important to remind yourself of your positive attributes and remember that everyone has different tastes and preferences, according to Hara Estroff Marano, editor at large of "Psychology Today," in the article "Build Your Confidence." Though you may not be accepted by everyone, you will not be rejected by everyone.