HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM

1. A fear of failure can increase self-doubt. The best way to ramp up confidence levels is to do the thing at which we're afraid of failing. That way, it becomes less daunting.

2. Some people are wary of success' with achievement come unknowns. Focusing on the tangible and visualizing success and its upsides.

3. Compassion is a necessary pillar of confidence and self-esteem. Make sure we cut our self some slack in the event that we make mistakes, and remember that setbacks are part of being human.

4. If we boost our confidence, we'll accomplish more. Self-assured individuals, view difficult tasks 'as challenges to be mastered, rather than as threats to be avoided.'

5. To help achieve a confident mindset, Bandura recommends putting our self in a good mood: stress and bad vibes result in what is called 'negative self-efficacy.'

6. A supportive social circle can provide the positive reinforcement integral to building self-esteem. In short, make' and keep' nice friends.

7. Consider finding role models who share our gender, age, race or professional background. Being able to see those mentors 'do what we want to do makes us think maybe we can achieve it, too.

8. In certain situations, knowing what others expect can boost confidence. So don't be afraid to ask colleagues what they should be aiming for to achieve their goal.

9. Take it one step at a time and create deadlines to reach personal confidence milestones. If, for instance, we are trying to become a poised public speaker, gradually address larger groups for longer periods over time.

10. But be careful not to tip over into self-satisfaction. The upside of a mild lack of confidence is that we keep pushing ourselves to improve, 'to push the envelope.