From the quiet, confident surgeon whose advice we depend on, to the charming motivational speaker, self confident people have attributes for which we strive. Self confidence plays an important role in our everyday lives. Sadly, many people lack the confidence needed to be successful in life.

Every singe person has insecurities. This is just part of human nature. I used to have major insecurities about my height (or lack there of) growing up. Thankfully this insecurity of mine has passed and now I am proud to be 5’7.

In all seriousness, confidence in one area of life can lead to more success in other areas. For instance, my health and fitness has enhanced my self-esteem in meeting new people, speaking to large groups, and even helped me stay focused during my college years. Luckily, there are steps you can take to help build your self-confidence. Below are four steps to help you become a more confident, focused and overall more successful person.

Focus on the Positive, Not the Negative

Most people always harp on the negativity. When people talk about work, school and relationships they always talk about what’s wrong. While it is important to know your weaknesses, it is very ineffective to constantly focus on them.

Instead of constantly placing self doubt in your mind with the negativity, start dialing in on the positive. People don’t want to be around others who are always negative and complaining. Your positivity will reflect on those around you making it much more of a pleasant experience.

Visualise Your Success

Close your eyes. Now envision what it is you want in life. Your mind is a powerful tool. Your unconscious mind makes no distinction between imagination and reality. If you imagine having confidence then you will actually experience being confident.

If you are struggling with your weight, take some time to visualize your victory. Go into a quiet room and take a few minutes to imagine what your body will look like during your success. Envision yourself successfully achieving your desired body. The more detailed you envision the greater chance you be successful. This is a great tool to do for all parts of life. By doing this on a regular basis, you will replace the self doubt with positive, successful thoughts which ultimately leads to a more confident you!

Carefully Prepare and Be Genuine

The biggest mistake people make in their fat loss quest is being unprepared. This also applies to work and many other areas in life. Long before anyone else does, you know if you have properly prepared for the task at hand. It’s incredibly difficult to be confident when you are not prepared and are pretending to be someone or something you’re not. Carefully prepare and keep it real. As you prepare, focus on what’s right, visualise your success, and stay true to yourself. It’s simple. There is a direct correlation between being prepared and confidence.

Set Small Goals and Celebrate Success

Often a goal or task appears to be so overwhelming that your self confidence is shattered before you even begin. The good news is this can be easily fixed. Setting smaller and more realistic goals can produce much more confidence.

For example, let’s say you want to lose 20 pounds before the summer. That can seem like a daunting task. Instead, break that down into a more “bite size” goal. Try to focus on losing 1-2 pounds every two weeks instead of lumping it all together. This provides you with a sense of accomplishment when you reach that smaller goal. Now you have more confidence and motivation towards your overall goal of losing those 20 pounds.

As your confidence grows, celebrate by providing yourself with a treat or do something you enjoy. For instance, if you reach your small goal of losing two pounds, treat yourself to a massage or a new pair of shoes. Then set another small goal and continue until you reach your ultimate destination.