12 Benefits of Increasing Your Self-Confidence

In my research, 96 percent of C-level executives responded yes to the question, “Would you like to have more courage or confidence in at least your most challenging situations?” In both my clinical and business coaching experience, almost everyone wants more confidence, either in general or when under pressure.

The benefits of increased self-confidence extend deeper and wider than most people realize. Here are 12 of the most prevalent reasons you may want more self-confidence.

To:

1. Be your best under stress. Athletes, musicians and actors will attest to the importance of a high level of confidence. When you’re confident, you perform up to your potential, and you want to perform your best when it counts the most, when under pressure.
2. Influence others. Self-confident people often influence others more readily. This helps when selling an idea or product or negotiating at work or home.
3. Have leadership and executive presence. Self-confidence helps you create presence by how you think, act (including how you carry your body) and use your voice.
4. Exude a more positive attitude. When you feel confident about yourself, you believe you have an important and meaningful place in the world, giving you a positive attitude.
5. Feel more valued. When you’re confident, you know what you are good at and feel good about the value you bring to what you do.
6. Rise to the top. Looking for a promotion? The more confidence you have, the more likely you are to be promoted.
7. Be sexier. Did you know that confidence is sexy? I wrote an article about it, which I published on my website and on YourTango.com. It’s one of my most popular articles, and it cracks me up that Google ranks me as number one for the keyword “confidence is sexy.” You can read the article here.
8. Reduce negative thoughts. Greater self-confidence frees you from self-doubt and negative thoughts about yourself.
9. Live more fearlessly. Greater confidence makes you more willing to take smart risks and more able to move outside your comfort zone.
10. Have greater freedom from social anxiety. When you’re more comfortable being yourself, you’re less concerned about what others might think of you. How liberating!
11. Gain motivation to take action. Confidence gives you positive energy to achieve your personal and professional dreams. The more highly motivated and energized you are, the more likely you are to immediately act.
12. Be happier. Confident people tend to be happier and more satisfied with their lives.

The bottom line: Self-confident people are generally more successful.