What Is Confidence?

Illustrations by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

What makes you feel confident? What makes you feel as though you could accomplish anything? I know that for me, it’s always been about the way I look. If I stare at myself in the mirror, and I’m happy with what I see, it’s going to be a good day. Things are going to be better, and I feel reassured that I can accomplish anything, no matter what the task. But is it just about looks are are there other things that can empower us and give us more confidence.

I know I’m not the only one who feels a certain degree of confidence, wearing the right makeup. It can’t just be me who feels happier when I’m under that perfect mask of mascara and lipstick, but at the same time I love it when my makeup looks natural. I like the difficulty of being able to tell I’m wearing any at all, whilst covering up blemishes on my face. If you want to feel confidence in yourself, the right makeup is quite important, nothing to be ashamed of! When it’s right you’ll smile, and people will feel how confident you are.

I always feel more confident when I find the perfect new outfit. I often take a look at fashion websites to find the style I want, it could be looking for a new dress online to match the season we’re in. It could also be purchasing the right pantsuit or pencil skirt for work. The right outfit can give you more confidence, we all know the secrets of dressing up and dressing down!

What is it about finding the perfect accessory that gives us just a little more confidence? I think it’s the fact that we have something we think others want. It’s the same effect of heading into a party with a hunk on your arm or a beautiful girl. It gives you something that others desire, it empowers you. That’s why it’s worth having a beautiful designer clutch somewhere at the back of your wardrobe.

When I know my teeth look great, I smile a bit more! Perhaps it’s because I know I can smile without worrying that my teeth are yellow or my breath is awful. That’s why when thinking about confidence I feel the state of your teeth and your mouth is important. If you’re worried about this, you may want to consider getting your teeth whitened with a professional service, or go simple and brush with a bit of baking soda with your toothpaste.

Lastly, I do think about my body and my confidence go quite hand in hand. We all want our bodies to look our best, and the right outfit can’t hide all the issues. I do believe if you want to have confidence in yourself you need to exercise more and adopt a healthier lifestyle. You need to work towards a better you, no matter what that means. Dear readers, what do you do to build upon your confidence?