If I could give a present to every person who wrote to me, what would I choose? No contest. I’d give everyone more self-confidence because I don’t know anyone who couldn’t do with feeling a little better about who they are and what they can do.

Read the following statements to identify how self-confident you are. Answer each question honestly.

I’ve always lacked confidence, even when I was a little girl
I see myself falling flat on my face – and then I do
I typically feel so nervous inside that I sabotage myself

However good I feel, I often seem nervous to other people
I often feel unsure when I’m doing something new

I worry that other people may laugh or disapprove of me

I’m confident in some areas, but I feel unsure in others

If something feels too big for me, I just collapse under the weight

Each statement highlights a vulnerability. Read the analysis, starting on the next page, for advice on how to improve your self-confidence.

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8 steps to self-confidence