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This article is a guest contribution by Cora Gold from Revivalist. Read more about her at the bottom of this article.
Confidence is associated with people who aren’t afraid to be themselves. What do truly self-assured people do that makes them stand out? Fortunately, confidence is a learned behavior developed through practice and consistent effort.
In this article, you’ll discover the key characteristics of a confident person. From their body language to their mindset, these traits can help you understand and maybe even adopt some of their self-assured habits.
Whether you’re looking to boost your own confidence or simply curious about what makes these individuals tick, you’re in the right place.
What Does It Mean To Be Confident?
Confidence means having an inner self-assurance that allows you to make decisions and act with little self-doubt.[1] You have probably met people who seem to be naturally confident, which often leads them to be successful, well-liked, and content with their lives.
Having confidence doesn’t mean you’ll never second guess yourself. On the contrary, developing confidence can help you navigate those moments with less fear and hesitation.
If you want to become more confident, think about these characteristics of confident people and try to adopt the habits in your daily life.
20 Characteristics Of A Confident Person
They Are Assertive In Communication
A confident person is not afraid to share their feelings, beliefs, and desires in a non-aggressive manner. They are calm yet direct while considering others’ feelings. When you’re confident, you know how to stand up for yourself despite what others say or do.
How to hone this trait: Use “I” statements to communicate your feelings without sounding too accusing of the other party. You can also practice saying “no” to requests that cross your boundaries. If an explanation is appropriate, be straightforward.
They Have Self-Awareness
Confident people possess a strong sense of self-awareness. They honestly understand their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to approach life’s challenges with authenticity and resilience. This self-awareness isn’t about self-criticism but about acknowledging where they excel and where they have room to grow.
How to hone this trait: Start by reflecting on your experiences and seeking feedback from trusted individuals. Practice mindfulness and journaling to gain insights into your behaviors and beliefs.
They Have Intrinsic Motivation
Confident individuals are driven by intrinsic motivation. They pursue goals that align with their passions and values rather than seeking validation from external rewards. This inner drive fuels their perseverance and satisfaction, even when faced with setbacks.
How to hone this trait: Identify your core values and passions, Set personal goals that resonate with these values, Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated, and Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you.
They Are Positive
Confident people have an innate ability to maintain a positive outlook, even in difficult situations. This doesn’t mean they ignore problems but rather that they choose to focus on solutions and opportunities. Their positivity is infectious, often uplifting those around them.
How to hone this trait: Start by practicing gratitude daily; keep a journal of things you’re thankful for. Surround yourself with positive influences and set small, achievable goals to boost your self-assurance.
They Aren’t Afraid To Make Mistakes
Confident individuals are fearless in making mistakes or being proven wrong. They also play to their strengths and never let failures or errors stop them. Life is full of speed bumps, and self-assured people willingly embrace these challenges, even if that means mishaps appear along the way.
How to hone this trait: Treat hiccups as learning experiences and move on. Remember that no one is perfect, including yourself. Say “I’m sorry” as quickly as possible. Asking what you can do to make the situation better also helps.
They Are Willing To Take Risks
Confident people take smart risks. They weigh pros and cons, then leap forward, knowing it’s worth it. Don’t shy away when life presents an opportunity. Whether it’s switching careers or starting a business, calculated risk-taking often pays off big.
How to hone this trait: Start by setting small, achievable goals that push you slightly out of your comfort zone. Gradually, it builds up to larger risks. Reflect on both successes and failures to learn and grow.
They Make Decisions Easily
Indecision? Not in a confident person’s vocabulary. They analyze, decide, and move on without second-guessing everything. Practice making clear, timely decisions. Trust your gut – it’s got some pretty good insight.
How to hone this trait: Start with small choices to build your decision-making muscle. Gradually tackle bigger decisions as your confidence grows. Seek feedback and learn from your outcomes to continuously improve.
They Learn From Mistakes
Mistakes happen, but confident individuals own them and learn from each one. Accountability breeds respect and leads to personal growth. They don’t shy away from challenges; instead, they tackle them head-on with a positive mindset. Their ability to stay calm under pressure inspires those around them. Confidence is truly contagious!
How to hone this trait: Practice self-reflection regularly to understand your actions and their impacts. Seek constructive feedback from trusted peers and set actionable goals to improve. With time, confidence will grow!
They Listen More Than They Talk
Listening is an important skill, whether dealing with colleagues or offering support to a loved one through a challenging life event. Genuinely confident people prioritize what you think — they often ask open-ended questions to give others time to be introspective. They already know what they believe but wish to expand their knowledge by listening more.
How to hone this trait: Avoid interrupting a talking person. Let others speak so you understand their message better. You can also show you’re listening through non-verbal cues — nod your head, smile and make eye contact to encourage the speaker to continue.
They Openly Support Other People
Self-assured people show their support to others. They offer genuine encouragement and compassion. More importantly, they don’t pass judgment on others to feel good about themselves. They know comparison is limiting. Instead of judging, they uplift other people.
How to hone this trait: Take a minute to assess how your friends make you feel. The people around you can significantly impact your attitude about yourself. Does their presence lift you? Do they judge you? Ensure to surround yourself with those who support you and do the same for them.
They Have A Growth Mindset
Confident people view challenges as opportunities. They believe in their ability to grow and improve. Adopt this mindset, and watch your failures become stepping stones to success. Every setback is just a setup for a comeback.
How to hone this trait: Embrace positive self-talk and surround yourself with supportive individuals. Practice stepping out of your comfort zone regularly. Celebrate small victories to build momentum and self-assurance.
They Shush The Inner Critic
Confident folks know how to silence that nagging inner voice. They replace self-doubt with self-affirmation. Next time your mind starts to critique your every move, tell it to hush and remind yourself of your worth.
How to hone this trait: Start by practicing positive self-talk daily. Surround yourself with supportive people, and step out of your comfort zone regularly. Celebrate small victories to build momentum and reinforce your self-belief.
They Found Comfort With Discomfort
Being okay with feeling awkward or uneasy is a secret weapon. Confident people embrace discomfort and see it as a path to growth. They understand that stepping out of their comfort zone leads to new experiences and personal development. This mindset helps them tackle challenges head-on and remain resilient even in tough situations.
How to hone this trait: Start small by deliberately putting yourself in situations that make you slightly uncomfortable. Gradually, the difficulty of these situations increases. Practice self-reflection and celebrate your progress.
They Gracefully Accept Compliments
Knowing how to take a compliment is an art. Confident individuals accept them with grace and gratitude. They don’t downplay their achievements or brush off praise. Instead, they smile, say thank you, and let the positive feedback boost their self-esteem.
How to hone this trait: Next time someone praises you, don’t brush it off. Smile, say thank you, and let that good energy sink in.
They Aren’t Seeking Approval From Others
Confident people don’t strive for others’ approval. They validate themselves from within. Trust in your own worth, and focus on your journey instead of waiting for others to give you a thumbs-up.
How to hone this trait: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who lift you up. Practice self-affirmations daily.
Let’s Go Of Past Mistakes
People make mistakes, but confident people hold onto them less. They believe in the power of forgiveness and letting go of resentment. Not many realize this, but holding onto grudges can lead to negative health effects like cognitive decline and poor physical performance. This is why confident people feel better about themselves in general.
How to hone this trait: Focus on what you can do in the present while avoiding self-blame. You can also practice mindfulness to help you stay grounded in the present moment. This can help reduce anxiety and counteract negative thoughts about the past.
They Have Control Over Emotions
Emotions don’t run the show here. Confident people stay calm and collected, even in tough situations. Develop emotional control by practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques.
How to hone this trait: Start by meditating daily to increase your awareness of your emotions. Engage in activities like yoga or deep-breathing exercises to maintain composure. Surround yourself with positive influences and set realistic goals.
They Look Confident
The way a person sits and stands speaks a lot about their confidence. They aren’t just confident in their minds — they exude a positive aura, too. You can spot them in individuals who dress well, walk with their heads up high, and have good posture. They also don’t shy away from eye contact and conversations.
How to hone this trait: Your clothes affect your confidence. Wear items that make you feel beautiful by highlighting the parts of your body you love most. Always walk with your chin up, shoulders down, and arms away from your body.
They Ask For Help
Many people view requesting help as a sign of weakness. A self-confident person understands they can’t do everything, so they defer to a more knowledgeable person. They also view seeking assistance as a way to gain insight and a different perspective to broaden their knowledge.
How to hone this trait: Examine your beliefs if you’re inclined to avoid asking for help. Maybe you associate it with laziness or fear that people will view you as incompetent or inferior. Try to communicate assertively — request directly and with respect. You can start with, “I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”
They Are Doers
Daydreaming is great, but confident folks turn dreams into actions. They set goals and work towards them consistently. Become a doer. Prioritize your tasks, take action, and celebrate your achievements along the way.
How to hone this trait: Break your goals into manageable steps. Start small and gradually increase the complexity of your tasks. Seek feedback, learn from setbacks, and stay persistent. Don’t forget to reward yourself!
Final Thoughts On Confident People
Embracing the traits of a confident person can truly transform your life. You can navigate challenges with courage and decisiveness by cultivating self-awareness and intrinsic motivation. Remember to stay positive and open to growth while silencing that inner critic.
Being comfortable with discomfort and accepting compliments gracefully will further boost your confidence. You don’t need anyone’s approval to feel good about yourself. Emotional control and proactive behavior will help you inspire others and achieve your goals.
Confidence isn’t just about how you feel; it’s about how you act. So, take these insights to heart and start building a more confident you today.
Author Bio
Cora Gold is a wellness writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine Revivalist. She loves to write about self-care, beauty, and mindfulness. Connect with Cora on Pinterest, LinkedIn, and X.
