I hate being around large groups of people.
These places make me anxious. I blame my introversion, but it's likely many unaddressed insecurities deep down.
For most of my career, I despised industry conferences. My first event in my early twenties is the culprit. I drank too much to numb my introverted tendencies and loosen up. Unfortunately, my underwear ended up in the middle of the dance floor. With my dance floor PTSD and introversion, I used to bury myself on the outskirts of a conference.
But, over the years, I practiced and found ways to push past my mental limitations.
Here are five ways to boost your confidence from personal experience:
Exercise regularly: When you're healthy and in shape, you feel better about yourself.
Prioritize sleep: I'm an entirely different person when I don't sleep well. Make getting great sleep a non-negotiable.
Do uncomfortable things daily: When you push yourself beyond your mental limits, you create muscle memory and growth.
Posture up: Confident people have confident postures. Keep your chin up, back straight, and shoulders pulled slightly back.
Look people in their eyes without staring: Staring is creepy. Instead, look people in the eyes when you're speaking to them, and every few seconds, make eye contact with something else.
Smile: While walking, keep your head up and randomly make eye contact with someone and smile.
Be helpful: Find ways to be generous and helpful throughout the day.
You can develop confidence daily; just don't use it to stroke your ego.
And please, keep your underwear on.