Confidence is often portrayed as the belief that an outcome is favorable—strength, beauty, power. For women, this image is frequently linked to a sleek businesswoman in a power suit, a bikini model on the beach, or an elite athlete at her peak. But real confidence has nothing to do with outward appearances, no matter what the media might tell us.
True confidence comes from within. It’s a deep sense of self-trust—knowing your values, your abilities, and making peace with your choices. So where does a lack of confidence come from? It’s almost always rooted in past experiences—social situations, comparison traps, or messages that planted seeds of doubt. Those seeds grow silently and take root deep within us.
According to Psychology Today, there are six proven ways to combat low confidence:
- Set healthy boundaries
- Stop comparing yourself to others
- Take care of your body
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Reframe negative thoughts
- Practice confidence through action (“fake it ’til you make it”)
Sounds easy, right? Not quite.
🌱 The Root of Low Confidence
Understanding where your lack of confidence originates takes reflection, journaling, and sometimes working with a professional. From there, it’s about redefining what confidence means for you, adopting a growth mindset, and learning to shut down your inner critic.
Here’s a good rule: If you wouldn’t say it to your best friend or your child, don’t say it to yourself.
So now that we know what confidence is—and what it isn’t—let’s talk about the habits that highly confident women cultivate. And spoiler: they’re habits anyone can develop.
💁♀️ 6 Habits of Highly Confident Women
1. Make Self-Care a Priority
This doesn’t mean spa days (though they help!). It means making time for you. For me, it’s reading self-growth books, sticking to a skincare routine, and journaling.
2. Use Expansive Posture
I’ve noticed that when I feel unsure, I make myself smaller—crossed arms, hunched shoulders, constant apologies. But posture is power. Standing tall can actually create more confidence.
3. Speak and Walk as if You’re Confident
I’ve mastered this in the workplace. I know my job, I’m a subject matter expert, and when I say I’ll do something—I deliver. But I’m working on expanding that energy into other areas of my life.
4. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Social events terrify me, and I’m naturally shy. But confidence grows in discomfort. I’m committing to one “out-of-my-comfort-zone” activity a month. Baby steps.
5. Romanticize Your Life
Remember when you were little and dreamt of your wedding or your perfect life? Apply that to your everyday. Light a candle at dinner. Wear lipstick to the grocery store. Make every day feel special.
6. Compete With Yourself, Not Others
It’s not about being better than her—it’s about being better than yesterday’s you. Track your progress. Celebrate tiny wins. Be your own biggest cheerleader.
💬 Final Thoughts
There’s a common theme emerging in many of the topics I’ve been writing about lately: all good things require action. Confidence. Growth. Healing. Manifestation. It all stems from the same foundation—intentional steps toward a life you love.
I’m still working on my own self-confidence, especially when it comes to my body, but I know I’m not alone in that journey. I also know that every small action I take—whether it’s a journal entry, walking taller, or making a goal list—is moving me closer to who I want to be.
🙋♀️ Call to Action
Now it’s your turn:
- Do you feel confident in all areas of your life?
- Where could you use a boost?
- Which of these 6 habits do you already do, and which one are you going to try next?
Let’s open up a conversation in the comments—because when women lift each other up, everyone grows stronger.