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7 tiny things you can do to feel confident in any situation
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Forget feeling nervous; these simple tips will boost your confidence no matter how uncomfortable you feel. - photo by Emily Cummings
1. Be fashion-forward

Theres an outfit in your closet that you love. No matter what your hair decided to do that day, this little number makes you feel gorgeous. If you are apprehensive about a presentation or nervous for a date, wear it. You may need to dress it up or dress it down to fit the dress code, but itll be worth it. Uncomfortable and unfamiliar clothes will only reinforce your feelings of being out of your element.

2. Smile sincerely

It may seem fake at first, but your mind will follow your face if its spread with a smile that screams confidence. Think of something that made you laugh hard to help you give an honest and sincere smile.

3. Watch your posture

Tempting as it might be to stealthily blend in with the wallpaper, walking with a strong stride with your head held high will mark you as a confident individual. Though it feels weird, maintain eye contact and smile. Youll appear confident rather than awkward.

4. Tune out for a minute

While blasting your pump-up song for all to hear may not be appropriate for all situations, you can always play that song in your mind. Find strength in the lyrics, the beat or the memories tied with that tune and (mentally) strut your stuff.

5. Keep it in perspective

Yes, this presentation is important, but how bad would a mistake truly be? You may get red in the face, have to correct yourself and move on, but thats it. A blunder will not cancel the weekend, will not implode the sun or ruin your entire life. Taking a second to really put things into perspective helps you realize that youve got this, even if you haven't felt like you do.

6. Make a friend

Standing all by yourself is a great way to hurt your confidence if you let it. If you feel awkward and vulnerable sitting by yourself, put your smiling skills to work and chit-chat with another friendly face. Its a painless way to appear in control.

7. Avoid your phone

Looking at your phone instantly pegs you as uninterested and removed from the situation. It's no way to appear confident, no matter how good you feel about your "pretending to text" skills. Read your Good luck! texts before coming into the office, then turn your phone off and keep it out of site.

If all else fails, just remember no one is as concerned with you as yourself. Everyone is so worried about how they look and if they sounded awkward, that nobody is nitpicking you. Don't be afraid to put on your favorite blouse, put in your mental headphones and don a smile to confidently rock any sitaution.