Confidence

Lack of confidence can affect anyone, but we each have unique triggers and reactions. It may be temporary or ongoing. Our confidence can affect how assertive we are, result in us over or under achieving, and make us feel anxious or hypersensitive for a range of reasons.

Think about your confidence and how it might be affecting you. Click on links below to reveal specific advice.

    • Before your next class, take some time alone to imagine yourself speaking confidently. Envisioning yourself speaking up in class will help build confidence over time.
    • Try preparing and practising questions and comments to make in your next class. You can do this in front of someone, in front of a mirror, or just to yourself. Try practising  common phrases for entering the conversation ahead of your next class. For example: “Can I add something here?” ; “Following on from what xxx said….” ; “That’s an interesting point. However…” 
    • Remember – if you have a question or want to clarify something, it’s highly likely other students in your class will have the same question and will be glad you asked it.

    • Consider what is concerning you most and how it’s affecting you. Are you choosing to stay safe in an area you’re most confident in? For example, are you choosing less complex topics in order to avoid making mistakes? Recognising this is an essential first step in identifying how you can engage and develop more in the areas you’re less confident in.
    • Identify past achievements and think about the skills and qualities that helped you to succeed. Note which of these will assist you in your current challenges. Reward yourself for applying these skills.
    • Remember to focus on what you have achieved, rather than what you haven’t, and reward yourself along the way for the goals you have met and the successes you have achieved.
    • Consider your strengths and where you need to develop. Seek help from services that can help you. Academic Skills, for example, can help you develop your academic writing and language skills. This can increase your confidence.

    • Focus on your own success and avoid comparing yourself to others.
    • Remember, you have a limited amount of time and you may not be able to do everything. What is manageable for you? Try focusing on what you have accomplished, rather than what you haven’t. For example, focus on how well you’ve integrated sources into your latest paper, rather than focusing on how many more sources you would have liked to include. Be kind to yourself.
    • Accept yourself as you are – all of yourself - positive and less positive attributes alike. Believing in yourself can help protect you against negative criticism and positively impact your wellbeing. These self esteem exercises may help.