Hey everyone, it’s Karin here! Today, I want to shed light on some super common confidence mistakes that might be sabotaging your success without you even realizing it.
I’ve definitely been guilty of these in the past, but once I learned how to catch and correct them, my self-esteem and results skyrocketed. If you’re ready to level up your confidence game, keep reading!
Mistake #1: Avoiding Eye Contact
Eye contact is a powerful thing. When you look someone in the eye, you instantly build trust and connection. But if you’re constantly looking away or down, it sends the message that you’re unsure of yourself.
I remember when I first moved to America and barely spoke English. I may not have understood every word people said, but I always looked them straight in the eye and nodded along. That alone helped me appear more confident and likable.
So next time you’re talking to someone, challenge yourself to hold eye contact a little longer than usual. It might feel awkward at first, but with practice, it will become second nature!
Mistake #2: Not Taking Responsibility
Do you find yourself making excuses or blaming others when things go wrong? If so, you’re giving away your power and undermining your confidence.
I used to do this all the time at my old job. Whenever a project was late or over budget, I’d point fingers at everyone else. But the minute I started owning my part and focusing on solutions, everything shifted.
People respected me more, trusted my leadership, and I felt proud of my integrity. Remember: confidence comes from taking control of your life and choices.
Mistake #3: Over-Apologizing
I get it, saying “I’m sorry” is a hard habit to break. We want to be polite and likable. But constantly apologizing for every little thing makes you look insecure and needy.
I once had an employee who apologized probably 100 times a day. She’d say sorry for asking a question, for making a suggestion, for breathing! After a while, it was hard to take her seriously.
Now, I’m not saying to never apologize. Of course, if you genuinely mess up, a sincere “I’m sorry” goes a long way. But if you catch yourself saying it chronically, try replacing it with “Thank you for understanding” or “Let’s focus on a solution.” It’s a game-changer!
Mistake #4: Staying in Your Comfort Zone
Ahh, the cozy comfort zone. It feels so safe and warm…but it’s also where dreams go to die. If you want to grow your confidence, you’ve got to be willing to stretch yourself and try new things.
I’m naturally a creature of habit, so leaving my comfort zone is still something I work on daily. But every time I do something that scares me – whether it’s public speaking or learning a new skill – I prove to myself that I’m capable of so much more than I give myself credit for.
So think about an area of your life where you’re playing it safe. Is there a boundary you could push? A risk you could take? Start small and celebrate every courageous step forward.
Mistake #5: Neglecting Self-Care
This one might surprise you, but ignoring your physical, mental, and emotional needs is a huge confidence killer.
Think about it: if you’re exhausted, stressed, and running on empty, how can you show up as your best self? When I skimp on sleep, eat junk food, and skip my workouts, my energy and self-esteem take a major nosedive.
But when I prioritize rest, nourishing meals, moving my body, and fun hobbies, I feel like a freakin’ superhero! I’m more focused, creative, and resilient. I can handle challenges with grace and even enjoy the journey.
Self-care looks different for everyone, so find what works for you. Maybe it’s journaling, meditation, dancing in your living room, or coffee dates with friends who lift you up. The key is to make it non-negotiable – because you can’t pour from an empty cup.
You Got This!
Listen, building unshakable confidence is a lifelong practice. There’s no finish line or perfect destination. But every time you choose to look fear in the eye, own your worth, honor your needs, and bet on yourself, you turn up the dial on your self-assuredness.
If you’re feeling stuck and need some extra support, I invite you to book a free 15-minute call with me. In just a few minutes, I’ll give you personalized tips to boost your confidence and achieve your goals faster!
I hope this post reminds you just how incredible you already are. Keep shining!
Cheering you on always, Karin