Penned by: The Dapper Boi

Show us someone who hasn’t struggled with self-confidence at some point in their life, and we’ll show you a liar. Or a sociopath/narcissist, in which case… run! But, if confidence is something you find yourself struggling with often or recently, there are steps you can take to boost your self-image. While most of these tips are commonsense, they are also easier said than done. So, think of this as a refresher course. A tune-up in confident badassery if you will.

1. Surround Yourself With Positive People

Having a strong network of supportive friends is, without a doubt, the number one way to boost self-confidence. Ask yourself: Do your friends lift you up or bring you down? Are they judgmental or accepting? If hanging out with a “friend” ends with you feeling bad about yourself, it may be time to cut ties. Ain’t nobody got time for that.  

2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Compare and despair, as they say. This has become a bigger issue with the rise of social media. It’s easy to see an “influencer” on a yacht and feel envious. It’s hard to remind yourself that most people online are putting their best foot forward. Comparisons aren’t healthy. In fact, researchers have found that people who compare themselves to others feel more envy (shocker). And the more envy they feel, the worse off their self-image becomes (double shocker). Your life is filled with beauty. Sometimes you just have to pick your head up out of your phone to see it. 

3. Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Like Your Authentic Self

This one is near and dear to our hearts. Every week, we receive messages from our customers telling us how much our clothing has changed their lives. And no, this isn’t a humblebrag. Finding clothes that fit you, both physically and internally is truly a game changer. It was for our founder and it has been for thousands of us. Looking good helps you feel good, and confidence follows. Don’t believe us? Try on a pair of our jeans and see how you feel. Now THAT was a humblebrag.

4. Adjust Your Posture

As you get older, you realize that “fake it till you make it” isn’t just a cute phrase, it’s a valuable life lesson. Much like how you dress, even doing something as simple as changing your posture can affect how you feel about yourself. A power pose can make you feel, well… powerful. There’s even research that suggests just sitting up straight can make you feel more confident in a difficult situation.

5. Confront Your Fears Head On

Stepping outside your comfort zone is a necessary evil if you want to grow as a person. Doing something that scares you, and conquering that fear, is another surefire way to build your confidence. Every now and again, it can be helpful to remind yourself that mistakes aren’t the end of the world. So take that risk. Do that thing you’ve been putting off. The more fears you face, the more comfortable, and in turn confident, you will feel in the world.

6. Be Honest and Kind With Yourself

It’s ok to have faults, and ok to acknowledge them. Even superman is imperfect. And yet, we sometimes hold ourselves to impossible standards. So, while it’s important to recognize your limitations to avoid arrogance, doing so with self-compassion is key. Self-compassion is a way to navigate setbacks and complex emotions with flexibility, which can then enhance connection to the self and those around you. Or, as Forrest Gump so eloquently puts it, “Shit happens.”

7. Nutrition and Exercise