A couple of weeks ago at a Toastmaster’s table topics speech contest I observed how confidence succeeded and took home the trophy. I’m sure the entire table topic contestants had very much anticipated this event, but there was one ingredient that the winner had over the rest. It was confidence.

Self confidence is the difference between feeling relentless and feeling terrified out of your wits. How you perceive yourself has a big impact on how you are perceived by others. The person who took home the trophy that evening undoubtedly commanded our attention because her confidence stared directly in our face.

Designing a self-confident attitude isn’t hard. When you think about it there are a number of things you can do by design to build self confidence. By using these 9 approaches you can get the mental edge required to exceed leveling the plane.

1. Dress for greatness

Before people hear you they see you. Your physical appearance speaks boldly and loudly affecting the way you feel about yourself. I’ve often pondered the cliché, “Clothes make the man.” I’m not sure if that’s factual, but I personally know when I don’t look good, it changes the way I carry myself and how I interact with other people. You can greatly benefit from scrutinizing your personal appearance and dress with greatness in mind.

• Shop for quality, not for quantity. High quality items have a much longer style tolerance and life.

• Invest in yourself by consulting with an image expert. The advice gets you on track and goes along way.

2. It’s in your stride
One of the surest ways to identify how a person feels about themselves is to examine their stride, or walk. You want to walk assured of yourself. Walking slowly as if you are tired or labored sends this message to the brain. People with confidence walk quickly, energetic and purposefully. They have places to go, people to see, and important work to do. Even if you aren’t in a hurry, you can increase your self confidence by putting some pep in your step. This will make you look striking and feel over the top.

3. Maintain good posture

Let your posture tell your story. People with slumped shoulders who move lethargically display a lack of self confidence. They aren’t enthusiastic about what they’re doing and they don’t consider themselves important. Maintaining good posture automatically boosts your confidence. You’ll make a positive impression on others and instantly feel more alert and empowered.

§         Stand up straight

§         Resist leaning on one leg

§         Keep your head up

§         Make eye contact

§         Keep shoulders straight and firm

4. Practice thanksgiving

When you focus too much on what you want, the mind will come up with a million reasons why you can’t have it. Then you will dwell on your weaknesses. You can avoid this by practicing thanksgiving. Set aside time each day to mentally list everything you have to be thankful for. I’ve journal each night the things that I was thankful for during that day. You can do this too. Recall your past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and happy times. You’ll be amazed how much you have going for you. You’ll be motivated to take that next step towards your greatness.

5. Compliment other people even if they are a stranger

Thinking negatively about yourself causes stress, frustration and sometimes hopelessness. If you would get in the habit of praising other people, there’s less focus on you. People will then begin to compliment you. In the process, you’ll become well liked and build your self-confidence. By looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself. Don’t forget to smile.

6. Get noticed

Don’t sit in the back of the room. Most people prefer the back because they’re afraid of being noticed. This reflects a lack of self confidence. My husband can tell you that I am a front row, up front person. By deciding to sit in the front row, you can get over fear’s grip and develop your self confidence. You’ll also be more visible to the important people talking from the front of the room. Sit up straight and appear as thought you’re benefiting from the speaker even if you aren’t. Practice becoming a confident listener.

7. Have a voice

During group discussions many people never say anything because they’re afraid they will be judged if they say something wrong. Say something even if you have to do it afraid. Push past the apprehension and just imagine how receptive people will be to learn from you. Make an effort to be a vital part of the group and have a voice. You’ll sure to become a better public speaker, more confident in your own thoughts, and recognized as a leader by your peers.

8. Exercise the body and the brain

Exercise has a huge effect on self confidence. Most people who are out of shape have feelings of insecurity and are less energetic. By working out, not only will you improve your physical appearance but it also improves your brain’s function. Exercise creates and increases endorphins and serotonin in your brain. This combats depression and gives you positive energy. This energy translates into self-confidence.

9. Focus on God’s goodness and helping others

Sometimes we get caught up on ourselves and forget about others. God’s goodness is all around and taking the time to meditate on His goodness builds us up and gives us the confidence we need to do great things. Focus on the needs, contributions and accomplishments of others. When you make your life a well-watered garden and focus on God’s goodness, He will show you what to do, how to be more productive in daily activities. Once you begin to do this, you’ll notice that your self-confidence levels will increase.

Thank you for reading my post today. I enjoy sharing my heart with you and I always welcome your comments. You may re-print this article if you attach my by-line below.

Sharing my Passion,

Deana

©2010 All rights Reserved
Deana is the Expert on Life Design™ and is your
Go-to-Resource for promoting successful lifestyle makeovers,
whether you seek one-on-one consulting, group trainings,
virtual workshops or live lifestyle makeover events. Learn
more about Deana at deanamurphyglobal.com and designingfortheking.com

Like many of you, I talked with the Lord about my life, the things that I’m facing and am going through. Each time that I go to Him with humility and in expectation, I hear Him say to me, “Let patience have its perfect work that you may be entire wanting nothing.” Surely this isn’t what I wanted to hear. I want Him to fix it right here on the spot. I wanted so much for Him to give me a specific instruction, direction, a word so I could run smack into my breakthrough. He wants me to be patient. But I need it today Lord! “Be patient.” You don’t understand, Lord, I needed it yesterday! “Let patience have its perfect work that you may be entire wanting nothing.”

Then one day I heard Him say this to me, “I want you to elevate, educate and motivate my people.” While I was told to be patient, I was instructed to inspire someone else. As I needed encouragement myself, I was told to be patient! Thinking about this I came to the realization that nothing produces without first being in seed form. This seed could be a thought, a word, an action, or something tangible. God was saying to me work your patience by sowing into the lives of others the very thing that you are needing right now. As you do you will be walking smack into your destiny (entire, complete, wanting nothing).

I sow these words of wisdom and encouragement to enhance and elevate your thinking, enhance and educate your mind and enhance and motivate your heart:

1. There is greatness inside of you longing to be discovered.
2. No one can ignite it but you.
3. You must want it.
4. You must pursue it.
5. You must think about it.
6. You must talk about it.
7. You must never say anything contrary to it.
8. You must never loose hope — go in to possess it.

I’ve accepted the mission to enhance your lives, designing for you possibilities for the mind and heart. I want to help you to Design Your Best Life™. Every decision you make and action you take began with a thought. Yes, as simple as it may seem, a thought resulted in this online communication; a thought resulted in the bed that you sleep in every night; a thought resulted in the shoes in your closet. A thought! You can change your world with your thoughts. So what are you thinking? What’s on your mind?

There is only one person who knows exactly what you want and can truly make you happy. The buck stops with you. No one is responsible for you but you! Look farther than you can see. It’s called visualization. No matter how dark things are or seem to be, raise your sights, see the possibilities, and possess them. Always, let patience have its perfect work that you may be entire (complete) wanting nothing.

I will be sharing along these lines from now on. I am now on a mission. I want to help you transform your lives and your world from Zero 2 Greatness™!

I enjoy sharing with you and always look forward to reading your comments. Please share this with your friends and family.

Sharing my Passion,

Deana

©Deana Murphy. All Rights Reserved. You may reprint this post
only in its entirety with the author's byline below.
Deana is the Expert on Life Design™ and is your
Go-to-Resource for promoting successful lifestyle makeovers,
whether you seek one-on-one consulting, group trainings,
virtual workshops or live lifestyle makeover events.
Learn more about Deana’s expertise at  DeanaMurphy.com 

There is GREATNESS in you. Greatness is not only for Guinness Book of Record holders. You were born with it. Inside of you is the innate ability to surge higher and far beyond your wildest dreams! Your potential is off the scales. Churning within you is the ultimate mechanism for attaining anything you want in life. Within you is a huge bundle of excellence and greatness streaming at the top of its lungs, “Let me out, we have so much to do. We only get one lifetime at this.” Can’t you hear it!!! Read this post to the very end and discover the five no brainer ways to unleash your greatness.

1. BELIEVE!
Know your passion, embrace its power. It’s what helps
you to achieve your cause.

2. DON’T QUIT BELIEVING
The only approval you need is the one that speaks within you!

3. BELIEVE REGARDLESS
Hang with those who have your answer and
remove those who have your problem.
To go up you’ve got to sow up!

4. BELIEVE ANYWAY
Listen to your inner GPS. If it is saying, stay in your lane,
then stay there!

5. ONLY BELIEVE
To accomplish great things, you must not only act,
but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

As always I so much appreciate you reading my posts and I enjoy reading your comments. Go ahead and share with me today. Oh one more thing, share this with three people you know. Send them this link.

Sharing my Passion,

________________________________________________

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Deana Murphy is The Expert on Lifestyle Design, media personality,
a dynamic speaker, an award winning best selling author who has been helping
people for years design a home they love, transform their lifestyle,
and showing them how to feel good from the inside out and unleash their
greatness. She has been interviewed for O at Home Magazine, Empowering Everyday Women,
Spectacular Homes, SORMAG, and Meredith publications to name a few.

How many seconds, minutes, hours, days, years, and decades have we wasted our lives on trivial like grumbling and whining about one thing after another. Then there’s the criticizing, judging and pointing fingers. And don’t leave out the infamous triplets … should’ve, could’ve, would’ve. Say yuk three times! Time does fly whether you’re enjoying life or not. So much of life is lost exacerbating our precious mind with the negativity, cynicism and gloom.

Imagine what life would be like if negative energy would suddenly convert into the positive. That alone would jump-start your engine to an enjoying life simply because you now see the glass half full instead of half empty. Begin viewing life from the productive view instead of the critical.

My birthday is less than a month away. Reflecting on my life experiences I’ve released myself from appraising past mistakes and hurts. Instead I’m heeding to life’s lessons with gratitude of having explored ways that doing life didn’t work out! Therefore, I know now not to take that route again and move on. It’s time for a re-birthing of the greatness within. And it feels so good! We are in total control of our lives. The sagging economy doesn’t determine our successes or failures. Only we can do that.

It’s time to open your heart, take a deep breath and be thankful for the preciousness of living. Always there’s something to be thankful for. Do you have running water? Do you have indoor plumbing? Can you read these words in this post? Can you smell dinner from the kitchen? Get the picture…you have a great deal to be thankful for. Seeing life through thankful eyes encourages unspeakable joy which speaks to the greatness in your heart.

Life is too short to dwell on sorrow and distress. Don’t allow the economy and others negativity to stress you. When thinking on enjoying life, the three “F’s” comes to mind:

1. Forgive… Forgive yourself first.
2. Forget…Snap out of it. It’s over!
3. Focus… Look ahead of you.

Forgive How many times have you said, “if only I’d…. The reality is, you didn’t. Forgive yourself for your mistakes. Then forgive others for having hurt or mistreat you. What do you gain with unforgiveness other than depression, heart disease, and hypertension? Make a quality decision today.

Write down all of the mistakes that you’ve made. Look in the mirror and say aloud, “I forgive myself for having done this. I now released myself from all guilt and pain.” Now write down all the names of people you may have hurt. Call out each name and say aloud, “Forgive me.” Finally write down all names of people who have hurt you. Call each name aloud and say, “I forgive you. I release you from all liability.” Now say aloud, “I am thankful for this opportunity to be free.”

Forget Forget about the past. You cannot change what has happened. Do all things without complaining and disputing.

Focus Reach forward onto the things that are ahead of you. Keep your aim high and your eye on your greatness.

By doing these three things, you will jump-start a life full of abundant joy from a thankful heart.

Thank you for stopping by to read my post. I appreciate you and your comments.

Sharing my Passion,

©2010 Deana Murphy. All rights Reserved. You may reprint this article
 in its entirety with author's contact and bio information.
Deana Murphy is The Expert on Lifestyle Design, media personality,
a dynamic speaker, an award winning best selling author who has been helping
people for years design a home they love, transform their lifestyle,
and showing them how to feel good from the inside out and unleash their
greatness. She has been interviewed for O at Home Magazine, Empowering Everyday Women,
Spectacular Homes, SORMAG, and Meredith publications to name a few.