Self-confidence is a state of mind in which you accept and trust yourself. Confident people trust their abilities, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and have a positive outlook. They accept criticism without getting defensive and set realistic goals for themselves.

While people often refer to self-confidence as self-esteem or self-efficacy interchangeably, there are subtle differences:

- __Self-confidence__: A person with a healthy amount of self-confidence trusts their abilities to accomplish their goals. They invite the trust of others and are open to trying new tasks because they bounce back quickly after experiencing failure. 
- __Self-efficacy__: This refers to a person’s belief that they can complete a specific project or task. A person with high self-efficacy might be confident in their computer programming abilities or their skills in the kitchen. Meanwhile, someone with low self-efficacy is less willing to try a new task for fear of failure.
- __Self-esteem__: Self-esteem is a person’s overarching sense of worth. An increase in self-confidence or self-efficacy can lead to an improved sense of self-esteem. An improvement in your abilities can also help you find self-esteem.
People who exhibit healthy self-confidence often share these common attributes:

1. __Non-judgemental__: While criticism is a key part of improvement, many confident people understand that hyper-criticism is not beneficial. Build this characteristic by accepting feedback and offering criticism only when it can help someone grow.
2. __Deadline-driven__: Confident people believe in themselves and their abilities to make life decisions, big or small. They do not fear making the wrong choices or failing because they understand that failure does not reflect on their worth or abilities.
3. __Goal-oriented__: People with self-confidence do not constantly fear failure, and they are more willing to chase dreams or goals. It’s easy for someone to say they want to write a book or run a marathon, but confident people are willing to do the work, put themselves out there, and risk defeat.
4. __Growth oriented__: Low self-confidence often goes hand in hand with a fixed mindset. Confident people, however, have a [growth mindset](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained), which means they believe in their ability to learn from setbacks and improve. They avoid negative self-talk, look to the future, and set their minds on achieving their goals.
5. __Competent__: Imposter syndrome refers to feelings of inadequacy despite <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/baking-101-what-is-proofing-learn-how-to-proof-breads-and-other-baked-goods' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/baking-101-what-is-proofing-learn-how-to-proof-breads-and-other-baked-goods","linkCopy":"proof","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>proof</a> of capability. Confident people believe in their worth and abilities, and they do not experience imposter syndrome and are willing to accept warranted compliments.
There are several powerful ways you can improve your sense of self-worth. The following six strategies can help you increase your positive thinking to improve your personal and professional life:

1. __Be open to feedback__. Confident people view criticism as a chance to learn. When someone gives you feedback, it’s an opportunity to gain the information you need for improvement. Even if you disagree with the criticism you receive, try not to take offense. 
2. __<a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-take-risks' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-take-risks","linkCopy":"Take risks","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>Take risks</a>__. The first few times you actively step outside your comfort zone, it might feel uncomfortable. However, attempting new challenges is an essential step to growth. Try taking small risks every day, both in the office and in your personal life. The more you reach beyond your level of comfort, the larger your comfort zone will become. 
3. __Embrace failure__. Failure is not a sign of weakness or ineptitude. See it as an opportunity to approach the same problem with a new, improved strategy.
4. __Begin a new routine__. Starting a new regimen is an excellent approach to build self-confidence. For example, a workout routine can improve your mental health, confidence, and overall well-being. Setting small goals, particularly goals for self-care, can make you feel good.
5. __Change your look__. Building self confidence can start with how you dress yourself. Try changing up your [professional wardrobe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tan-frances-tips-for-finding-your-personal-style) to adjust your mindset while in the office. What does confidence look like to you? Let that translate into the clothes you wear.
6. __Acknowledge your abilities__. A pivotal step to becoming a more confident person is learning to accept praise. If someone offers you positive feedback, thank them instead of deflecting. Practice this skill over time, and it will help you come to believe in your own abilities and talents.
Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Sara Blakely, Chris Voss, Robin Roberts, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more.
Self-confidence can have a powerful effect on your overall well-being. Learn how to work toward self-confidence by practicing six strategies.

Self-confidence can have a powerful effect on your overall well-being. Learn how to work toward self-confidence by practicing six strategies.

How to Build Confidence: 6 Strategies for Building Confidence

Self-confidence is a state of mind in which you accept and trust yourself. Confident people trust their abilities, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and have a positive outlook. They accept criticism without getting defensive and set realistic goals for themselves.

What Is Self-Confidence?

While people often refer to self-confidence as self-esteem or self-efficacy interchangeably, there are subtle differences:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Self-confidence: A person with a healthy amount of self-confidence trusts their abilities to accomplish their goals. They invite the trust of others and are open to trying new tasks because they bounce back quickly after experiencing failure. </li><li class="">Self-efficacy: This refers to a person’s belief that they can complete a specific project or task. A person with high self-efficacy might be confident in their computer programming abilities or their skills in the kitchen. Meanwhile, someone with low self-efficacy is less willing to try a new task for fear of failure. </li><li class="">Self-esteem: Self-esteem is a person’s overarching sense of worth. An increase in self-confidence or self-efficacy can lead to an improved sense of self-esteem. An improvement in your abilities can also help you find self-esteem. </li></ul>

Self-Confidence vs. Self-Efficacy vs. Self-Esteem

People who exhibit healthy self-confidence often share these common attributes:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Non-judgemental: While criticism is a key part of improvement, many confident people understand that hyper-criticism is not beneficial. Build this characteristic by accepting feedback and offering criticism only when it can help someone grow. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Deadline-driven: Confident people believe in themselves and their abilities to make life decisions, big or small. They do not fear making the wrong choices or failing because they understand that failure does not reflect on their worth or abilities. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Goal-oriented: People with self-confidence do not constantly fear failure, and they are more willing to chase dreams or goals. It’s easy for someone to say they want to write a book or run a marathon, but confident people are willing to do the work, put themselves out there, and risk defeat. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Growth oriented: Low self-confidence often goes hand in hand with a fixed mindset. Confident people, however, have a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained","linkCopy":"growth mindset","category":null}'>growth mindset</a>, which means they believe in their ability to learn from setbacks and improve. They avoid negative self-talk, look to the future, and set their minds on achieving their goals. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Competent: Imposter syndrome refers to feelings of inadequacy despite <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/baking-101-what-is-proofing-learn-how-to-proof-breads-and-other-baked-goods' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/baking-101-what-is-proofing-learn-how-to-proof-breads-and-other-baked-goods","linkCopy":"proof","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>proof</a> of capability. Confident people believe in their worth and abilities, and they do not experience imposter syndrome and are willing to accept warranted compliments. </li></ol>

5 Characteristics of People With Self-Confidence

There are several powerful ways you can improve your sense of self-worth. The following six strategies can help you increase your positive thinking to improve your personal and professional life:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Be open to feedback. Confident people view criticism as a chance to learn. When someone gives you feedback, it’s an opportunity to gain the information you need for improvement. Even if you disagree with the criticism you receive, try not to take offense. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-take-risks' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-take-risks","linkCopy":"Take risks","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>Take risks</a>. The first few times you actively step outside your comfort zone, it might feel uncomfortable. However, attempting new challenges is an essential step to growth. Try taking small risks every day, both in the office and in your personal life. The more you reach beyond your level of comfort, the larger your comfort zone will become. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Embrace failure. Failure is not a sign of weakness or ineptitude. See it as an opportunity to approach the same problem with a new, improved strategy. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Begin a new routine. Starting a new regimen is an excellent approach to build self-confidence. For example, a workout routine can improve your mental health, confidence, and overall well-being. Setting small goals, particularly goals for self-care, can make you feel good. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Change your look. Building self confidence can start with how you dress yourself. Try changing up your <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tan-frances-tips-for-finding-your-personal-style' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tan-frances-tips-for-finding-your-personal-style","linkCopy":"professional wardrobe","category":null}'>professional wardrobe</a> to adjust your mindset while in the office. What does confidence look like to you? Let that translate into the clothes you wear. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Acknowledge your abilities. A pivotal step to becoming a more confident person is learning to accept praise. If someone offers you positive feedback, thank them instead of deflecting. Practice this skill over time, and it will help you come to believe in your own abilities and talents. </li></ol>

6 Strategies for Building Your Self-Confidence

Get the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Sara Blakely, Chris Voss, Robin Roberts, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more.

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Self-confidence can have a powerful effect on your overall well-being. Learn how to work toward self-confidence by practicing six strategies.

Self-confidence can have a powerful effect on your overall well-being. Learn how to work toward self-confidence by practicing six strategies.
