Self-confident people are generally more successful, positive and happy. They behave differently, are more likely to take risks and expect things to work out for them. Their self-confidence shows in their body language, how they speak and the quality of their relationships. On the other side, low self-confidence and self esteem can cause people to be negative, stressed out and not achieve very much.

Take Stock of your Accomplishments

When we take the time to notice our successes and celebrate them, our self confidence is boosted. Many of us were taught not to boast or brag and so, many times we ignore our own strengths. Give yourself permission to celebrate what you've achieved and forgive yourself for any perceived failures. Many successful people have failed their way to success. Remember Thomas Edison? He failed approximately 1,000 times in his quest to invent the light bulb but he didn't see it that way.

Set Small Goals and Achieve Them

Goal setting is a wonderful way to build self confidence. With each goal achieved, you can celebrate your success and give yourself a pat on the back. You'll begin to feel like a winner. If you begin with small goals, then you are much more likely to achieve them and gradually build your self confidence and develop the courage to move on to bigger and bolder achievements.

Manage Your Thinking

So much of a person's self image is based on how they view themselves. And their view of themselves stems from their thinking. Our thinking is often repetitive from day to day and therefore, if our thinking is negative, it is very destructive. Begin by noticing when you're thinking negatively and see if you can flip that thought to something else. Flip that thought to a recent accomplishment from one of the small goals that you've achieved. Positive thinking is a habit and as you practice, more and more you'll begin to have more positive thoughts running naturally through your mind.