10 Best Psychological Tips to Boost Introvert Confidence
Are you an introvert and suffer from a lack of self-confidence? If the answer is “yes”, then there is nothing to worry about.
Introverts need some special psychological techniques to build self-confidence, which suit their nature.
This article contains 10 deep psychological tips, which will help you to manage social situations smartly.
1. Identify your strengths
Why do it?
The natural characteristics of introverts are deep thinking, being a good listener, and analytical thinking.
If you are not aware of these strengths of yours, then it will be difficult to build self-confidence.
Benefits:
You will get to know yourself better.
You will be able to identify the areas in which you feel comfortable.
It will be easier to adapt to social situations.
Real example:
Rafi is an introvert who is not comfortable speaking in large groups. However, he is a good listener and is good at solving problems.
When she realized this, her confidence increased and she began speaking in small groups one by one.
Research source:
A 2016 study published by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that people who are aware of their strengths are more confident in social situations.
2. Stop negative self-talk
Why do it?
We often say negative things about ourselves, such as:
“I’m shy, so no one will like me.”
“I can’t speak, everyone will judge me.”
“I’ll fail, so trying is pointless.”
This type of self-talk destroys our confidence and creates a feeling of defeat before we even start.
Benefits:
Self-confidence will increase and a positive mindset will be created.
It will be easier to take on new challenges.
You will feel more confident.
Real-life example:
Mehdi always thought that she couldn’t speak in front of people. So she never took the opportunity.
Later, when he started challenging his negative thoughts and adopting the mindset of “I can do it if I try,” his confidence gradually increased.
Research source:
Positive Psychology researcher Martin Seligman has shown that negative self-talk has a negative impact on our performance, confidence, and mental well-being.
Therefore, transforming negative thoughts into positive thoughts is very important for building confidence.
3. Take on small social challenges
Why do it?
It can be difficult for introverts to suddenly speak in front of a large crowd.
Therefore, taking on small social challenges will gradually increase their confidence.
Benefits:
Gradually, social skills will improve.
Confidence will increase and social fears will decrease.
You will feel comfortable talking to strangers.
Real example:
Rimon was very shy and was afraid of talking to strangers. He first started practicing talking to the shopkeeper.
Then he gradually started speaking in front of friends, joining small groups. Now he is very confident.
Research source:
A study by Harvard Business Review found that if we take on small social challenges every day, our confidence naturally increases.
4. Improve body language
Why do it?
Your body posture largely determines your confidence. If you stand slouched, don’t make eye contact, or fidget nervously, people will think you’re not confident.
Benefits:
People will think you’re more confident.
You’ll feel more confident yourself.
Success in social interactions will follow.
Real-life example:
Ayman always lowered his head and fiddled with his hands while talking, which made everyone think he was shy.
But when he practiced standing up straight, making eye contact, and using his hands naturally, everyone thought he was more confident.
Research source:
Stanford University research has shown that Power Posing (such as standing up straight, keeping your shoulders back, looking into your eyes when you speak) helps us increase our confidence and reduces Cortisol.
5. Observe the behavior of confident people
Why do it?
By imitating the behavior of confident people, our brains start to adopt it and gradually we can become confident too.
Benefits:
It will be easier to be confident.
New social skills can be acquired.
Natural ways to become confident can be learned.
Real-life example:
Raihan always observed his boss’s way of speaking, walking style, voice tone and body language.
Within a few months, he realized that he could also become confident by making small changes within himself.
Research source:
According to Social Learning Theory, we learn by watching others and adopting their habits. Therefore, observing confident people can also bring confidence to us.
6. Make yourself proficient
Why?
When we become proficient in something, our self-confidence naturally increases.
If we are good at something, then fear or shame does not work when we do it.
Benefits:
Your career and personal life will improve.
Self-confidence will increase.
You will be able to take on new challenges.
Real example:
Sadia was very afraid of speaking English, because she thought, “I will say something wrong, people will laugh!” But she started learning English for 15 minutes every day, and after a few days she felt more comfortable.
Now she speaks English with confidence to others.
Research source:
According to Self-Determination Theory, learning new things and gaining skills helps us increase our self-confidence.
When we know that we are capable of doing something, our inner fear decreases.
7. Use less social media
Why?
Social media has become an important part of our lives, but it can also be a big reason for reducing self-confidence.
When we see others’ filtered, beautiful moments, our own lives may seem insignificant in comparison.
Benefits:
A positive view of ourselves will be created.
You will be free from unnecessary negative thoughts.
You can build self-confidence by spending time in real life.
Real example:
Tanya used to get frustrated by seeing the perfect lives of others on social media every day. She felt that looking at the lives of others made her feel small.
Then she started using social media for a certain amount of time every day and her self-confidence slowly started to return.
Research source:
A study by the University of Pennsylvania has shown that excessive use of social media can increase low self-esteem and depression.
Therefore, using social media for a certain amount of time makes it easier to maintain self-confidence.
8. Practice meditation and relaxation techniques
Why do it?
Practice meditation and relaxation techniques regularly, reducing stress and increasing positive feelings about yourself.
Benefits:
Increases mental peace.
You will feel more confident.
Concentration and focus will increase.
Real-life example:
Javed often felt nervous in social situations. He started meditating, especially using the “deep breathing” technique. Within a month, he became more calm and confident.
Research source:
According to a study by Harvard Medical School, just 10 minutes of meditation a day can help reduce stress hormones and increase self-confidence.
9. It's normal to make mistakes, so don't be afraid
Why do it?
Many introverts avoid social interactions for fear of making mistakes, which lowers self-confidence. But in reality, making mistakes is a part of learning and is nothing to be afraid of.
Benefits:
You will be able to embrace new experiences.
You will learn from your mistakes and become more confident.
You will be able to take life easy.
Real-life example:
Rafi was shy to speak English because he was afraid of making mistakes. But he decided that even if he made a mistake, he would speak up.
She eventually realized that making mistakes is a way to learn, and now she can speak English with great confidence.
Research source:
According to Stanford University’s “Growth Mindset” theory, those who see mistakes as part of learning are more confident and successful in life.
10. Improve step by step - don't be a perfectionist
Why do it?
Many introverts try to be perfectionists, which becomes an obstacle to their confidence. Acknowledging small improvements should be the real goal.
Benefits:
Mental stress will decrease.
It will be easier to improve.
Confidence will increase continuously.
Real example:
Nusrat wanted to perfect everything, so she couldn’t start any work. But when she set small goals and started working, she saw that she was improving and her confidence was also increasing.
Research source:
A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that perfectionists lack confidence more because they want to do everything perfectly and are afraid of making mistakes.
Last words
If you follow these 10 psychological tips step by step every day, your confidence will gradually increase.
Being an introvert is not a problem, but rather it is a strength, you just have to use it correctly.
How was your experience? Don’t forget to share it in the comments here.
- Category : Self-Development
- Author : Tuhin Bin Alamgir
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