Give your self esteem an upgrade with some expert tips to help you feel your brilliant best
WORDS: ALI KIRKER IMAGES: HELEN BOOTH, MASQUE PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK
Sometimes we all need a helping hand to boost our confidence. Maybe you’ve gone through a bad time at work, you’ve had ups and downs in your family or you just don’t feel particularly great when you look in the mirror.
Lyndsey Whiteside is a Master Life Coach and Life Purpose Discoverer, helping you to stand out and shine. We asked for her confidence-boosting advice and found her tips are easy to put into practice and really can make a difference.
What’s the first thing you’d recommend to address low self-esteem? Confidence is about learning to trust yourself. Do the things that make you a tiny bit nervous – talk to a stranger or sign up for a course.
Every time you complete a new challenge, you’ll regain trust in yourself. Decide now you’re going to take back control of your life.
Sometimes we feel daunted or anxious about certain situations – a job interview or night out with people we don’t know well. Do you have any “on the spot” tips? Try practising the power pose before you go, or nip to a toilet cubicle once you’re there. Stand with your legs wide, hands on your hips and head held high, like Wonder Woman, to feel powerful!
Be interested and prepared. Do the groundwork for job interviews and have some questions ready for social situations. A few deep breaths or meditation work well, too.
Can you give us an example of confidence boosters you use in your everyday life?
I push myself a little. This year, I’ve started driving lessons; I took a cold dip in the sea on New Year’s Day and I’ve been to a roller disco, despite not being able to skate! I’m learning that even in midlife, I can be a beginner, and every new thing ticked off makes me feel a little braver and turns me into a more confident person. I commit to my goals even when it’s tough.
Tell us about people you’ve coached who have blossomed in confidence.
People come to me because they want to change their lives. Clients have switched their work to match their passion, moved abroad, shifted the way they think about themselves and even changed their name! I help people with clarity and direction. I also show them how to take their goals forward in small steps.
Is appearance linked to confidence? It’s up to you if you feel good, no matter what jeans size you a
