Self-contentment Leads to Confidence

Being self-content means accepting and acknowledging who you are at your core and becoming satisfied -- maybe not perfect, but satisfied -- in all areas of your life. When you learn to better understand, better appreciate and eventually love yourself, you exude a quiet confidence that will open doors to what you want in life.

One way to develop a strong sense of self-contentment is to give yourself the gift of self-appreciation. Offer yourself the same respect and kindness you give to others you care deeply for. In doing so, you will feel more at peace with yourself, be strong in your convictions and easily stand up for yourself. Here are three ways to support you in becoming more confident.

1. Silence Your Inner Critic
Many women have a tendency to focus on what is "wrong" about themselves rather than what is "right." We tend to pick out and pick on the parts of ourselves we like the least. This disapproving inner critic (that little voice inside our head that points our faults and undermines our achievements) needs to be silenced. Instead of focusing on what you don't like about yourself, do your best to acknowledge and appreciate what makes you unique. Your smile. Your sense of humor. Your eyes. Now go further. What qualities define you as a person? Resist the temptation to criticize yourself. This is a learned behavior and it can be unlearned with intentional action.

2. Surround Yourself with Positive Environments
In order to remain confident or regain confidence, you have to ensure that you surround yourself with positive environments ? emotionally and physically. This means cultivating friendships that enrich your life. A well-meaning friend that consistently points out your faults may be undermining your sense of self. Seek out people who care about you and can list all your lovely qualities instead. Fill your personal space with objects that inspire you, such as pictures of loved ones, keepsakes and favorite books.

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
Like most women, you may have been brought up not to be boastful. However, there is a distinction between bragging and not recognizing your accomplishments and contributions. We have all achieved things in our lives, both big and small, personally and professionally. But oftentimes, we cross that achievement off our "to-do" list and quickly move to the next item, with little or no celebration. When you give yourself permission to feel positive about your accomplishments and refuse to listen to your inner critic, you will feel pleased within yourself. You will proudly share your wins, rather than apologize for them. You might even amaze yourself when triumphal works such as "I am one awesome lawyer," "I am the best mother ever," or "I rock" roll off your tongue with hardly at thought.

Watch out universe, here you come!

Lisa Martin, PCC (Professional Certified Coach), is the author of Briefcase Moms: 10 Proven Practices to Balance Working Mothers' Lives. She lives what she writes and talks about. A working mother with 20 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, she is the founder and president of Briefcase Moms, an international coaching and personal development company with a mission to "make it easier for you to live a balanced and successful life." She helps female professionals, executives and entrepreneurs have an amazing career, family and life. Subscribe to her free newsletter at: http://www.briefcasemoms.com

---

Going Beyond Life Coaching

In Corrogue the air is chill and the frost is... Read More

Fear of Intimacy

Emotional intimacy is one of the most wonderful experiences we... Read More

What To Do? Lifes Big Question

We've all experienced the same thing at important crossroads in... Read More

Mentors and Coaches: How to Be a Great Mentee or Learner

When you invest your time in being a mentee you... Read More

Crisis: Danger or Opportunity?

I have often heard motivational speakers say that the word... Read More

How to Jump-start Your Emotional Health

You've probably heard the expression: "It's not what you're eating.... Read More

Parts that Make the Whole? or Not

There are many parts that make up you.There's the Musical... Read More

Its Game Time! Four Powerful Lessons in the Game of Life

I turned 29 last week, and if statistics are right... Read More

Bringing Forgiveness Down To Earth

What does it mean to forgive?One of the first things... Read More

The Joy of Learning!

"Part of what motivates me to write this book is... Read More

The Self Development Tool Box

Do you have a self-development toolbox? Do you have a... Read More

An Easy Way to End The Year

As a healthy business owner or independent professional, how do... Read More

How Could Choosing to Not Do It All Enhance Your Impact?

How often have you heard yourself say, "I've got so... Read More

How to be Your Authentic Self

Most of us play many different roles in the course... Read More

Taking The Coach Approach

When you use what you go through to grow through,... Read More

The Enchantment of Tribes to Belong To

I am remembering and have a desire to share with... Read More

Tempering Temper

I'm almost always a calm and collected person. Or at... Read More

What Is A Personal Trainer

Imagine stepping into the gym for the first time in... Read More

Permission To Have FUN

? Have you been working long hours? ? Have... Read More

Leadership Coaching at Gettysburg

The battle at Gettysburg is one of the most notable... Read More

Use a Journal for Self-Discovery and Self-Expression

As a therapist, I often suggest to clients that they... Read More

Encourage Personality Testing

I was asked the other day : "Kate, is personality... Read More

The Top 10 BEST Things About Having a Coach

Obviously, there are many wonderful things about having a personal... Read More

Budda In Your Back Pocket

The other day I was late for something. Not very... Read More

Helping Relationships: Understanding the Helpee

One of the most distressing observations I have made among... Read More

Our Worst Enemy

Who do you consider as your worst enemy? The criminals... Read More

More Money & Less Stress?

At 2pm last Wednesday, I got a call from one... Read More

Unhook From The Perpetual Progress Grid

I have been a member of a group called the... Read More

Are YOU a Dreamer?

This morning I watched a news article about a young... Read More

Top Ways to Maximize Your Talents at Work

Are you maximizing your strengths and promoting your talents at... Read More

How to Get More Business Without Even Trying

Why are you in business? Hopefully you enjoy what you... Read More

A Fresh Look at the Choices We Make

We are frequently held back from making future plans or... Read More

Listening Skills In Relationships

Recently, when out to dinner with another couple, my husband... Read More