One of the things I am presented with often when teaching, whether at the beginner level or advanced, are people who lack confidence in themselves.

There are a lot of actions that we can take to increase our level of confidence and probably even more articles and books written on the topic.

Recently though I read a blog written by Dr. Travis Bradberry that listed, amongst others, two things that really got my attention:

1. Genuinely confident people challenge themselves regularly, even when their efforts yield small successes. Okay, that didn’t surprise me. What did was this:

Small accomplishments build new androgen receptors in the brain that are responsible for reward and motivation. More androgen receptors equals more testosterone equals more confidence. Apparently, a series of small victories can boost confidence that can last for months!

So, if tackling a large goal seems overwhelming to you, break things down into baby-steps, and celebrate those smaller accomplishments. Acknowledge them as stepping-stones to your ultimate destination, and smile, knowing that even the smallest of victories is building your “confidence muscle”.

2. Confident people exercise. Exercising twice/week increases feelings of competency on all levels – socially, academically, and athletically. Self esteem rates higher too; that and the endorphin-fueled positivity from exercise increases confidence.

Is there anything that exercise doesn’t help?