Want to make the most of life but struggle with lack of confidence? Here are 7 gentle yet effective ways to build your confidence, helping you create a life that feels simple, intentional, and truly aligned with who you are.
WHY LIVING INTENTIONALLY REQUIRES CONFIDENCE
As a child, I lacked confidence. I preferred to hide in the background, not to speak up, or to really be spoken to. Not only did this make for a less than happy childhood, as life goes by, I can see it could also make for an unhappy adulthood. If you don’t want to articulate and fight for what you want, how can you expect to build that joyful, rewarding life that really means something?
Living intentionally is about getting to the root of what matters to you and making space, time and freedom for that. The problem is that these things usually don’t land in your lap by chance – it takes courage, motivation and… confidence.
Confidence isn’t about being loud, fearless, or constantly self-assured. True confidence is a quiet strength—it’s about trusting yourself, embracing who you are, and moving through life with a sense of self-belief. Building confidence doesn’t happen overnight, but by taking gentle, intentional steps, you can nurture it in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
7 GENTLE BUT EFFECTIVE WAYS TO BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE
Here are seven gentle yet effective ways to build your confidence, helping you create a life that feels simple, intentional, and truly aligned with who you are.
1. Speak to Yourself with Kindness
Your inner voice is powerful. If you constantly criticise yourself, your confidence will shrink, but if you speak to yourself with kindness and encouragement, it will grow. Notice the words you use when talking to yourself—would you say the same things to a close friend? If not, it’s time to shift your self-talk.
Try replacing self-doubt with gentle affirmations. Instead of “I’m not good enough,” say, “I am learning and growing every day.” This small change can make a big difference in how you see yourself.
2. Celebrate Small Wins
Confidence doesn’t come from achieving huge milestones—it’s built through small, everyday victories. Whether it’s completing a task you’ve been procrastinating on and putting off, speaking up in a meeting, or trying something new, take a moment to acknowledge your efforts.
Keeping a journal of your achievements, no matter how small, can help you see your progress over time. When doubt creeps in, looking back on your successes can remind you of how capable you truly are.
3. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone (Gently)
You don’t have to take massive leaps to grow your confidence—small, manageable steps can be just as effective. If something feels intimidating, break it down into tiny actions.
For example, if public speaking scares you, start by practising in front of a mirror, then with a trusted friend before speaking to a larger group. Each small step will build your confidence gradually, making the challenge feel less overwhelming.
4. Limit Comparisons and Focus on Your Own Path
Constantly comparing yourself to others can erode your confidence. Social media, in particular, can make it seem like everyone else has life figured out—but remember, what you see online is just a highlight reel.
Instead of measuring your progress against others, focus on your own journey. What do you want for yourself? What small steps can you take to get there? By staying in your own lane, you’ll cultivate a confidence that is rooted in authenticity rather than external validation.
5. Take Care of Your Mind and Body
Confidence is closely linked to how you feel physically and mentally. Nourishing your body with good food, moving in ways that feel enjoyable, and getting enough rest all contribute to a sense of well-being and self-assurance.
Similarly, engaging in activities that support your mental health and getting the most out of life—such as journaling, meditation, or simply taking quiet moments for yourself—can help you feel more balanced and grounded. When you take care of yourself, you reinforce the belief that you are worthy and deserving.
6. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
The people you spend time with can have a big impact on your confidence. Seek out those who uplift, encourage, and believe in you. Spending time with supportive friends, family, or mentors can remind you of your strengths and help you see yourself in a more positive light.
At the same time, try to distance yourself from negativity. If someone consistently makes you doubt yourself, it may be time to set boundaries or reassess the relationship.
7. Embrace Simplicity and Intention
Confidence isn’t about proving yourself to others—it’s about feeling at peace with who you are. A simple and intentional life can help you build confidence by removing unnecessary pressures and focusing on what truly matters.
Ask yourself: What do I genuinely enjoy? What makes me feel fulfilled? By choosing activities, relationships, and goals that align with your values, you’ll naturally build confidence because you’re living in a way that feels true to you.
CONCLUSION
Building confidence is a journey, not a destination. By treating yourself with kindness, celebrating small wins, and creating a life that reflects your true self, you can cultivate a quiet, steady confidence that supports you in all areas of life.
Take things one step at a time, and remember: you are already enough, just as you are.
Are you reading this article because you struggle with lack of confidence? Did you used to feel this way, then your mindset shifted and your confidence grew? What changed? Leave a comment at the end of the article as I’d love to hear from you!
Here are some articles which you might enjoy:
- Why Simplifying Life Isn’t Easy and How to Overcome This
- 11 Ways to Stop Caring About What Other People Think of You
- 60 Positive Daily Affirmations for a Happy and Healthy Mind
- Minimalism and Mental Health: 7 Ways Minimalism Supports Better Mental Health
A FREE PRINTABLE
Repeating positive affirmations to yourself every day trains your brain to think differently – to build confidence, resilience, motivation and self-love. To help you get started, I’ve created a free printable with different affirmations you could repeat daily to shift your mindset and help you make the most of wonderful, unique YOU! Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it!
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy people declutter their home and life and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.