Best Habits for Overcoming Low Confidence and Self-Doubt

7 Tips to Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy and Build Unshakable Self-Esteem

From success at work to satisfaction with your dating life, you probably know that confidence is important. When you struggle with feelings of self-doubt, this knowledge can make things worse. But confidence isn’t something you simply have or don’t have. This means that if you struggle with a lack of self-confidence, developing new habits can help.

However, this doesn’t mean you should address your mental health issues on your own.

"I want men to know they don't have to shoulder all the responsibility or carry the constant burden of needing to be strong. It's important to speak up when you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious." Dole, celebrity fitness trainer and trainer on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" says Dolvett Quince, who has been promoting physical and mental health on his Beyond Doubt podcast.

"Suppressing these feelings can lead to self-doubt and low self-esteem," he continued. "Men have a habit of suppressing everything—but when something goes wrong, it's important to speak up. It's okay to say you don't have the answers or need help. There's a grace and freedom in admitting that."


In addition to the importance of having support when you need it, here are seven confidence-boosting habits that don't cost a fortune or require a lot of time (courtesy of Quince). They're simple, but effective if you stay consistent.

“Practice makes perfect, and the more times you do something repeatedly, the better you get at it,” he points out. "A great champion said, now that I've won, let me work harder to stay champion. People tend to pursue a goal, and when they reach that goal, they abandon the routine. To maintain consistency, you should persist Go down."

7 Different Ways to Build More Confidence

1. Embrace Gratitude

"Practice waking up every morning with gratitude. Look at what you have, not what you don't have. This will bring strength to your day and enrich your life," says Koons.

Of course, this is easier said than done. You can't magically force yourself to be grateful when you're feeling down. Journaling is a great tool to inspire gratitude that you feel in real-time.

Pick up a pen and start writing down some of the smallest things that you can truly understand and feel grateful for. Maybe you're excited to be online, or maybe you're enjoying a cup of coffee. Regardless, start your list here and allow yourself to immerse yourself in gratitude as you work your way down the list. You might be surprised at how many projects you end up writing about, and your mood completely shifts when your paper is full.

2. Daily Movement

Exercise is key to building confidence. Not only will you benefit from the post-workout endorphins, but you'll also feel proud of your workout.

"Get your bones moving and your blood flowing," Koons advises. "It's crucial to add an exercise routine to your daily routine. This could be a walk, a Peloton ride, or even 10 minutes of stretching. Adding a level of activity can bring clarity to your life."

3. Laugh Often

Then again, sometimes it's hard to hold back laughter when you're feeling down. But if you can laugh out loud after watching a funny YouTube video, this is a great place to start. As cheesy as it sounds, laughter is the best medicine and can have a positive knock-on effect on your self-esteem. Do this every day and your confidence will soar.

"Laugh every day. There is always a place to find laughter," he advises. “Don’t live in disagreement. Look for the humor in things. Motivate yourself toward things that bring you positive energy.”

4. Listen to Music

Koons believes that music can also be very healing and cultivate self-connection. He said there's a "chemical, mental and spiritual connection" that happens when you listen to your favorite music at the end of a long day.

You can even create a feel-good playlist filled with songs that make you feel empowered and ready to take on the world.

5. Go Outside

Koons also says that getting some sun on your face every day is one of the most underrated habits to combat low self-confidence and self-doubt. He recommends getting outside first thing in the morning, noting that "breathing air is a natural energy that gives your system the jolt it needs."

This vibration optimizes your physical and mental energy, helping you feel more confident going into the day.

6. Stay Away from Negativity

As you develop habits to increase your sense of self-worth, there are also things you need to actively stay away from. One such source of negativity is endless arguments about topics that make you feel bad, or complaining about people who drain your energy.

"Misery loves company. Don't fall into the black hole of negative jokes in the news or social media," Koons says.

7. Beware of Avoidance

Finally, be wary of avoidance tendencies. Some temporary solutions that can help you cope with your lack of confidence will only exacerbate the problem in the long run.

"Covering habits like cigarettes, alcohol, or junk food are habits to avoid," Koons says. "Putting this kind of toxic energy into your body and mind will definitely lead to self-doubt."