Five Confidence Habits That Actually Work

2025-04-11 ~ adminlife

Confidence isn’t just a personality trait — it’s a tool for life. When you have it, you make better decisions, handle stress more effectively, take risks and bounce back from setbacks faster. When you lack it, everything feels harder than it should.

If your confidence has taken a hit lately, you’re not alone. Life can throw curveballs that leave even the most grounded people second-guessing themselves. The good news? Confidence isn’t fixed. It’s something you can rebuild — with the right habits.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

This article breaks down five practical, proven habits you can adopt today to boost your confidence and start feeling better about yourself and your life.

1. Be Kind to Yourself—Always

This one sounds simple, but it’s often the hardest.

When you’re feeling low, your inner voice tends to turn harsh. “I’m not good enough.” “I always mess things up.” “No one wants to hear what I have to say.” These thoughts are common — but they’re also destructive.

Here’s how to flip that script:

Catch negative self-talk early. The moment you notice it, pause. Would you say that to someone you care about? If not, don’t say it to yourself.
Replace criticism with encouragement. Try, “I’m doing the best I can,” or “It’s okay to mess up — everyone does.”
Focus on progress, not perfection. You don’t need to be flawless to be worthy. You just need to show up and keep going.

Being kind to yourself isn’t about ignoring mistakes. It’s about not turning them into proof that you’re not enough.

2. Make Time for Real Self-Care

Confidence is easier when your mind and body are in sync. If you’re constantly exhausted, stressed and running on empty, it’s nearly impossible to feel strong or optimistic.

So make self-care a non-negotiable. That means:

Getting enough sleep so your brain and body can recover.
Moving your body in ways that feel good, whether that’s walking, dancing or lifting weights.
Eating foods that keep your energy stable instead of crashing.
Doing something every day that’s just for you. This could be reading, taking a bath, journaling or spending time with someone who lifts you up.

Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy or time-consuming. It just has to be intentional.

3. Cut the Negativity — In Thoughts and People

One of the fastest ways to drain your confidence? Surround yourself with toxic people or let your own thoughts spiral unchecked.

Start by taking inventory:

Who in your life makes you feel small, anxious, or judged?
What patterns of thought keep showing up when you’re down?

You don’t have to cut everyone out or silence your mind completely — but you do need to protect your energy.

Here’s how to set the tone:

Limit time with people who bring you down. You don’t owe everyone access to your time or attention.
Challenge negative thoughts with curiosity. Ask, “Is this actually true? Or is it just fear talking?”
Practice reframing. If someone criticizes you, shift the focus from “I must be a failure” to “What does this say about them?”

Confidence isn’t about ignoring negativity. It’s about refusing to absorb it as your truth.

4. Focus on What You Can Control

When life feels chaotic, it’s tempting to throw up your hands and give up. But not everything is out of your hands — and focusing on what you can control can restore your sense of agency and confidence.

Try this exercise:

List everything that’s bothering you right now. Don’t filter — just get it all out.
Go through your list and cross off anything you truly can’t control. Other people’s opinions, the past, the weather — out of your hands.
Focus on what’s left. Ask yourself, “What small action can I take to change or improve this?”

It could be as simple as sending an email, cleaning your space or setting a boundary. The point is to act — even in small ways.

Action leads to momentum. Momentum builds confidence.

5. Present Yourself Like You Mean It

How you present yourself affects how you feel. That doesn’t mean you need to look like a model — but it does mean showing up in a way that makes you feel pulled together, powerful and present.

Simple ways to boost your visual confidence:

Find clothes that make you feel good. Not trendy — just you.
Take pride in your grooming. A fresh haircut, clean nails or a touch of makeup can go a long way.
Smile at yourself in the mirror. Not because it changes your looks — but because it changes your attitude.

When you look in the mirror and like what you see, you stand taller. You speak clearer. You believe, even just a little more, in your value.

Confidence Is a Habit, Not a Trait

Confidence isn’t a switch you flip. It’s something you practice. Some days it’ll come easily. Other days you’ll have to work for it. But the more you choose habits that support your self-worth, the more naturally confident you become.

Be kind to yourself when you stumble.
Take care of your physical and emotional needs.
Create boundaries around negative energy.
Take responsibility for what you can do.
And show up each day like someone who deserves to be seen.

You don’t need to become a different person to feel confident. You just need to reconnect with who you already are — and treat that person like they matter.

Because they do.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

Photo by Luis Andrés Villalón Vega on Unsplash

Why Living in the Present Matters

2025-04-08 ~ adminlife

In today’s fast-paced world, the mind is constantly pulled in multiple directions — dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. While reflection and planning are necessary, being stuck in past regrets or future anxieties robs you of the peace and joy found in the present moment.

Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program.

Mindfulness, or present moment awareness, allows you to experience life as it unfolds. It reduces stress, improves focus and enhances overall well-being. But staying in the present isn’t always easy. The mind naturally drifts, and mastering mindfulness takes time and effort. However, with consistent practice, you can train your brain to stay engaged in the now.

The Challenge of Staying Present

If you’ve ever tried to focus solely on the present moment, you’ve likely noticed how difficult it can be. Your thoughts wander — to past conversations, future tasks or random worries. This is normal. The mind resists stillness, preferring to jump between thoughts.

The key to success is to acknowledge these distractions without frustration. Instead of being discouraged when your mind wanders, see it as an opportunity to bring your focus back to the present.

Practical Ways to Stay in the Present Moment

1. Meditation: Your Foundation for Mindfulness

Meditation is one of the most powerful tools for developing present moment awareness. It trains the brain to stay focused and teaches you to observe thoughts without getting lost in them.

Start small: Begin with 5–10 minutes of meditation daily.
Find a quiet space: Sit comfortably, close your eyes and focus on your breath.
Let go of distractions: When your mind wanders, gently return your focus to your breathing.

Over time, meditation strengthens your ability to stay present, helping you carry mindfulness into everyday life.

2. Making Time for Yourself

One of the biggest obstacles to mindfulness is not prioritizing yourself. Many people feel guilty about taking personal time, but making space for mindfulness is essential for mental clarity and overall well-being.

Schedule mindfulness practice: Set aside time each day for meditation, deep breathing or simply sitting in stillness.
Say no to distractions: Resist the urge to check emails, do chores, or engage in other tasks when you’ve committed to your mindfulness routine.

By treating present moment awareness as a non-negotiable part of your routine, you create a habit that strengthens over time.

3. Practicing Mindfulness in Daily Activities

You don’t need to sit in meditation to practice being present. Everyday activities offer countless opportunities to anchor yourself in the now.

Brushing your teeth: Focus on the sensation of the toothbrush against your teeth, the taste of the toothpaste and the rhythm of your brushing.
Drinking coffee or tea: Instead of mindlessly sipping, pay attention to the warmth of the cup, the aroma and the flavour.
Walking: Notice the feeling of the ground beneath your feet, the movement of your legs and the sounds around you.

These small moments of mindfulness add up, training your brain to stay engaged rather than distracted.

4. Using Breath as an Anchor

Your breath is always with you, making it a perfect tool to bring yourself back to the present. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or lost in thought, take a deep breath and focus on the inhale and exhale.

Try this simple exercise:

Breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts.
Repeat a few times, paying close attention to each breath.

This technique grounds you in the present moment and calms the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.

5. Letting Go of Past and Future Worries

While reflecting on the past and planning for the future are important, dwelling too much on either robs you of the present.

Learn from the past, but don’t live in it: Acknowledge past experiences, take lessons from them and move forward.
Plan for the future, but don’t obsess over it: Set goals and prepare for what’s ahead, but avoid excessive worry about things beyond your control.

When you catch yourself ruminating on the past or stressing over the future, gently redirect your attention to what’s happening right now.

6. Engaging Fully in Conversations

One of the greatest gifts you can give others is your full attention. Being present in conversations not only strengthens relationships but also improves your listening skills.

Put away your phone and make eye contact.
Listen actively rather than thinking about what you’ll say next.
Notice the speaker’s tone, expressions and emotions.

When you’re fully engaged in a conversation, you connect more deeply and build stronger relationships.

7. Accepting the Present as It Is

Not every moment is perfect. Some are joyful, while others are challenging. Mindfulness doesn’t mean forcing positivity — it means accepting each moment as it comes.

Instead of resisting discomfort, observe it without judgment.
Recognize that thoughts and emotions come and go like waves in the ocean.
Trust that whatever happens, you have the ability to handle it.

By accepting the present moment, you free yourself from unnecessary suffering and find peace in what is.

Final Thoughts

Staying present is a skill that takes practice, but the rewards are life-changing. When you make mindfulness a priority, you’ll experience less stress, improved focus and deeper connections with yourself and others.

Instead of letting life pass by in a blur of distractions, slow down, breathe and be here now. Your best life is happening in this very moment — embrace it.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

P.P.P.S. You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

P.P.P.P.S. If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program

Photo by Ezgi Deliklitas on Unsplash

Proven Steps to Build Inner Strength

2025-03-15 ~ adminlife

Developing inner strength is essential for living a confident and fulfilling life. Weakness, especially mental and emotional weakness, can hold you back from reaching your full potential. It can keep you stuck in unhealthy patterns and prevent you from taking control of your life. However, weakness is not a permanent state — it is something you can overcome with intention and effort.

The journey to inner strength begins with self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth. The following steps will guide you toward shedding mental weakness and building lasting confidence.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

1. Recognize Your Strengths and Weaknesses

True strength starts with understanding yourself. Often, personal weaknesses go unnoticed because they become part of your daily routine. You might constantly apologize, avoid confrontation or struggle to voice your opinions without realizing it. These patterns can erode your confidence over time.

Begin by observing your behaviour and identifying the moments when you feel powerless or unsure. Are there situations where you avoid speaking up? Do you let others make decisions for you? Recognize these patterns without judgment.

Equally important is acknowledging your strengths. Perhaps you are empathetic, a good listener or highly organized. Celebrate these qualities. Self-awareness empowers you to work on your weaknesses while leveraging your strengths. This balance is the foundation of inner strength.

2. Take Ownership of Your Life

While some aspects of life are beyond your control, many are well within your power. Mentally strong individuals recognize this distinction and focus their energy on what they can influence.

Take a closer look at your daily habits, choices and reactions. Are you engaging in behaviours that drain your energy or diminish your confidence? This could include procrastination, unhealthy relationships or self-sabotaging thoughts.

Taking control starts with small, consistent actions. Set boundaries, prioritize self-care and establish routines that align with your goals. When you assume responsibility for your choices, you reclaim your power and strengthen your sense of agency.

3. Transform Your Self-Talk and Communication

The way you speak to others — and to yourself — shapes your reality. Negative self-talk reinforces self-doubt, while positive language nurtures self-confidence.

Start by listening to your internal dialogue. Do you frequently criticize yourself? Replace harsh inner comments with constructive affirmations. Instead of saying, “I’m so bad at this,” reframe it as, “I’m learning and improving.”

Similarly, evaluate your interactions with others. Do you defer to others to avoid conflict? Are you quick to apologize for things beyond your control? Practice assertiveness. Speak clearly, express your opinions, and stand by your decisions. Adjusting your language can significantly impact how others perceive you — and how you perceive yourself.

4. Embrace Accountability, Not Self-Pity

It’s natural to seek comfort during challenging times, but prolonged self-pity can trap you in a cycle of weakness. Mentally strong individuals recognize their role in their circumstances and focus on solutions.

Reflect on the obstacles in your life. Are you blaming others or external factors for your dissatisfaction? Shift your mindset from victimhood to accountability. Ask yourself, “What can I do to improve this situation?”

Holding yourself accountable does not mean being overly critical. It means acknowledging your capacity to influence your life. This mindset fosters resilience and positions you as the leader of your own story.

5. Reduce Unnecessary Apologies

Apologizing is appropriate when you’ve genuinely made a mistake, but overusing “I’m sorry” can weaken your confidence and give others the impression that you lack self-worth.

Notice how often you apologize throughout the day. Are you saying “sorry” when someone bumps into you? Do you apologize for voicing an opinion?

Replace unnecessary apologies with more assertive language. For instance, instead of saying, “Sorry for bothering you,” try, “Do you have a moment to discuss this?” Reducing apologies reinforces your self-respect and subtly asserts your presence in social and professional settings.

6. Push Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Routine can offer security, but it can also lead to stagnation. Personal growth often requires stepping into discomfort. When you challenge yourself, you build resilience and expand your capabilities.

Identify an area in your life where you’ve played it safe. Perhaps you’ve avoided networking events, public speaking or pursuing a leadership role. Take a small step toward confronting these fears.

Growth often feels uncomfortable at first, but each challenge you overcome reinforces your inner strength. With time, discomfort transforms into confidence.

7. Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Your attitude shapes your reality. Negativity can weigh you down, while positivity propels you forward. Building inner strength involves choosing optimism, even in difficult circumstances.

Begin by assessing your thought patterns. Are you quick to assume the worst? Do you dwell on past failures? Challenge these thoughts. Replace “What if I fail?” with “What if I succeed?”

Surround yourself with uplifting influences — friends, books, podcasts or mentors. Practice gratitude by acknowledging small wins and appreciating what you have. A positive attitude fuels your confidence and helps you navigate life’s uncertainties with resilience.

Final Thoughts

Overcoming mental weakness is not about becoming perfect; it’s about building inner strength through self-awareness, accountability and positive habits. Each of these seven steps contributes to a more confident, empowered version of yourself.

The journey takes time, but every small effort brings you closer to a life defined by strength, resilience and unwavering self-belief. Start today — your future self will thank you.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

Photo by Mohamed Marey on Unsplash

Habits to Build Lasting Confidence

2025-03-12 ~ adminlife

Building confidence is a journey that requires intentional effort. It’s not just about eliminating weaknesses but also reinforcing strengths. While motivation can spark a change, habits are what sustain it. Developing the right habits will help you build resilience, embrace challenges and maintain a confident mindset.

Here are some habits to cultivate that will stamp out self-doubt and weakness, allowing you to step into a stronger, more self-assured version of yourself.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

1. Stop Dwelling on Negativity

It’s easy to fixate on past mistakes, failures or negative experiences. However, dwelling on negativity holds you back. Instead of ruminating on what went wrong, shift your perspective. Focus on the lesson rather than the failure. When you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk, redirect your thoughts toward solutions, progress and achievements. The more you train your mind to move past negativity, the more resilient and confident you’ll become.

2. Embrace Opportunities for Growth

Confidence isn’t built by staying in your comfort zone. Just as muscles strengthen through resistance, mental strength develops when you challenge yourself. Seek out opportunities to learn new skills, tackle difficult tasks or push yourself beyond familiar limits. Whether it’s public speaking, networking or taking on new responsibilities, embracing challenges will expand your confidence. When you prove to yourself that you can handle difficulties, your self-belief will grow.

3. View Defeat as a Stepping Stone

Rejection, setbacks and failures are inevitable, but they don’t define your worth. Instead of allowing defeat to shake your confidence, view it as a learning experience. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your approach and try again. Some of the most successful people have faced repeated failures before achieving greatness. The key is to keep moving forward, refining your skills and believing in your ability to improve.

4. Reinforce the “I Can” Mindset

Your mindset shapes your reality. If you constantly tell yourself that you can’t do something, you create self-imposed limitations. On the other hand, affirming that you can achieve your goals builds self-confidence and motivation. Challenge negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Instead of saying, “I’m not good at this,” shift your language to, “I am learning and improving.” Over time, your belief in yourself will solidify, making it easier to take bold steps toward success.

5. Focus on Long-Term Success

Patience is a crucial element of confidence-building. Many people expect instant results and feel discouraged when progress is slow. However, confidence grows over time through consistency and persistence. Set long-term goals and take small, intentional steps toward them each day. Whether it’s improving your communication skills, developing expertise in a field or building a strong personal brand, trust the process. Celebrate small victories along the way, as they contribute to long-term success.

6. Practice Gratitude Daily

Gratitude has a profound impact on mental well-being and confidence. When you focus on what you have rather than what you lack, you cultivate a positive mindset. Each day, take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, strengths and the opportunities ahead. Gratitude shifts your attention from self-doubt to self-assurance, reinforcing the belief that you are capable and worthy. Keeping a gratitude journal can be a simple yet effective way to integrate this habit into your daily routine.

Final Thoughts

Confidence isn’t about eliminating every weakness — it’s about strengthening your mindset, resilience and self-belief. By implementing these habits, you’ll develop the tools needed to navigate challenges, embrace growth and build lasting confidence. The journey to self-assurance is ongoing, but with dedication, you can transform the way you perceive yourself and the world around you.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

Photo by Alysha Rosly on Unsplash

Key Questions to Guide Your Fresh Start

2025-03-03 ~ adminlife

Life doesn’t always go as planned. At times, we find ourselves stuck in routines, environments or mindsets that no longer serve us. When this happens, the urge for a fresh start can be overwhelming. But starting over isn’t just about making impulsive changes — it requires introspection, planning and commitment.

If you’re ready to embark on a new chapter, ask yourself these five essential questions. They will help you clarify your desires, recognize potential challenges and prepare for the journey ahead.