21 Confidence-Building Secrets You Can Use Today

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Today at a Glance

• 21 actionable tips from 7 best-selling authors to help you grow your confidence

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[5-min read]

Ever wished you could be more confident? I know the feeling.

Whether you’re in a meeting, social setting, or even just navigating your day-to-day, confidence can sometimes feel out of reach. But it doesn’t have to be.

That’s why I’ve rounded up 21 powerful tips from some of the world’s top experts on confidence.

These are small, simple actions you can start taking today to make a big difference in how you carry yourself—and how others perceive you.

Let’s dive in!

Confidence Isn’t Born—It’s Built

Confidence is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Here are 21 actionable tips from 7 best-selling authors to help you grow your confidence, one step at a time.

From Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers:

1. Reframe Fear as Excitement

Fear and excitement feel similar in your body. Next time, tell yourself, “I’m excited,” instead of “I’m scared.” Watch how your mindset shifts.

2. Decide Quickly to Stop Overthinking

Overthinking can paralyze you. Make quick decisions and trust yourself to handle whatever comes next.

3. Affirmations: “I Can Handle It”

Combat self-doubt by using positive phrases like “I can handle it” when faced with challenges.

From Presence by Amy Cuddy:

4. Strike a Power Pose

Your body language affects how you feel. Stand in a power pose (like Wonder Woman or Superman) for 2 minutes before big moments. (I’ve done this in front of the mirror before presentations, podcasts, or interviews).

5. Mirror a Victory Pose

Raise your arms as if you’ve just won a race. This sends a powerful signal to your brain that you’re confident and in control.

6. Change Your Posture

Stand tall with your shoulders back—it instantly makes you feel more assertive and helps you command respect.

From Wire Your Brain for Confidence by Dr. Louisa Jewell:

7. Challenge Negative Beliefs

Write down negative thoughts and ask: “Is there actual evidence to support them?” Most of the time, the answer is no.

8. Visualize Success

Picture yourself achieving your goals. Visualization strengthens your brain’s belief in your success.

9. Leverage Your Strengths

Identify your strengths (using tools like the free VIA Character Strengths Survey) and use them more often in your daily life.

From Confidence Hacks by Barrie Davenport:

10. Dress for Success

The right outfit can transform how you feel. Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

11. Join Toastmasters

If public speaking makes you nervous, joining Toastmasters can help you practice and grow your speaking confidence.

12. Set Small Goals

Confidence grows with achievement. Set small, manageable goals and celebrate each win.

From You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero:

13. Love Yourself Daily

Remind yourself each day that you deserve love, respect, and success. Self-compassion is a major key to confidence.

14. Practice Gratitude

Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Focusing on what you have helps build confidence in your life.

15. Invest in Yourself

Read books, take courses, or find a mentor. Confidence grows when you invest in your personal development.

From The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown:

16. Embrace Imperfection

Perfection isn’t the goal—being real is. Embrace your flaws. They’re what make you unique and relatable.

17. Live Wholeheartedly

Engage fully in the things that matter to you. Confidence builds when you live according to your values.

18. Let Go of What Others Think

True confidence is staying true to yourself, even if others don’t agree or understand.

From Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins:

19. Use the Accountability Mirror

Each day, look in the mirror and assess how you’re (really) doing with your goals. Holding yourself accountable builds inner strength and confidence.

20. Push Past the 40% Rule

When your mind says you’re done, you’re likely only 40% done. Push past that mental barrier and keep going.

21. Keep a “Wins” Jar

Store your past victories—big or small—in a mental or physical “cookie jar” to remind yourself of your strength when you need it.

Diving Deeper

Want to learn more about building confidence? Besides the 7 books listed above, here are a few of my favorite resources:

Podcast: The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes. Start with Episode 715 Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds with David Goggins.

YouTube Video: Brutally Honest Advice to Build Your Confidence by Alex Hormozi

TED Talk: The Skill of Self Confidence by Dr. Ivan Joseph (29M views).

The Road to Unshakeable Confidence

Building confidence is a unique journey for everyone.

Feel free to mix and match these tips to see what works best for you.

Here’s to unlocking your most confident self—one small action at a time!

Stay bold,
Justin

P.S. Which tip are you excited to try? Hit reply and let me know!

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