If you have high self-confidence, you will agree with the following statements:



- I am eager to learn new things.

- I take pride in doing a good job and being a nice person.

- I can handle criticism without being too emotional.

- I know what things I am good at, and those that I'm not.

- It is okay if I win or if I lose.

- Before I do something, I usually think "I can do it."

- I like to try to do things without help but, I don't mind asking for help if I really need it.

- I like myself.

Does this sound like you? If some of the items in this checklist sound like you, that's good? you're developing self-confidence! Remember to tell yourself everyday that you are a capable person!

Repeat 10 times "I like Myself!", several times a day.

If this doesn't sound like you at all, check out the following questionnaire to find out if you have low self-confidence. If you have low self-confidence, you might agree with the following statements:

- I do not like to try new things.

- I can't do anything right.

- If my friends criticize me, I get very upset.

- I don't know what I am good at.

- I have a hard time meeting new people or making friends.

- I am embarrassed to ask a question or speak up in a group.

- Before I do something, I may think "I can't do it."

- I don't like to try new things unless someone shows me how to do it first.

- I don't like myself.

If many or all of these items sound like you, it will be helpful for you to work on raising your self-confidence.

Try these steps to boost your self-esteem and you will automatically boost the level of self-confidence.

- Think positive thoughts about yourself! Focus on your strengths ? not your weaknesses. Realize that you are better at some things than others.

- Set realistic goals. This means not setting goals too high or too low, but at a level you know you can reach. Then, you can always strive to do better than your goal.

- Give yourself credit when you reach a goal and praise yourself when you have done well. Have a party! who told you it was wrong?

- Learn to be assertive ? express your thoughts, opinions, needs, and feelings openly ? but without abusing others' rights.

- Don't compare yourself to others - remember, you're just fine the way you are! Comparison is one of the first reason for low self-esteem and depression. You think that others are better than you. If you think so, you are probably right, but actually, it's totally wrong.

- Practice positive body language. Walk tall, don't slump. When your body says "I can" everyone will believe you can.

Assess yourself on a regular basis. Ask yourself these questions. Buy a book or a course on self-confidence and do the assessment again to see if you improved. Learn from it and move on...