Walk Tall: How To Appear More Confident (Even When You're Not)

Confidence. We all want it, but we don't all have it. We're supposed to be able to wake up in the morning and feel like we can conquer the world, but more often than not, we don't feel as confident as we would like. A little goes a long way when it comes to confidence and even the smallest injection of it into what we're doing will give us the boost we need to give that presentation or ask for that raise you know you're worth.

We're very naturally attracted to those who are outwardly confident. Their energy and their light is like a beacon to the rest of us and yet confidence is a skill that you can work on and grow over time. You aren't born confident, but you're not born independent and you still manage to learn how to do that! Stepping out and wearing your favorite Balenciaga shoes is going to make you look and feel ten feet tall, but how do you make your confidence reflect that feeling? Well, we've put together some steps you can take to appear more confident, even when you feel anything but!

- Sit Up Straight. No, really. How can you feel confident if you are slouching over in your seat? You need to develop good posture to ooze confidence and giving up the slouch is the best way to do that. It's easy to sink into a slouch when you are working at a desk, but it's why it's so important that you have a laptop or desk where your screen and keyboards are at the right height. You have to make a conscious effort to stop bending forward when you work, and if necessary, stick a label to the top of your laptop and remind yourself to sit up straight.

- Stand Tall. Those heels of yours are going to make your butt look great, but they're also going to help you to pull in your core and stand straighter than usual. Pull your shoulders back and keep your spine straight as you walk. You want to look tall, and this is going to give you a serious boost.

- Chin Up! It's very easy to feel less confident if you have your head tucked low to your chest. The good news is that there is a whole world out there to be seen if you would only pick up your chin and look around you.

- Use Eye Contact. While you are looking up at the world, make sure that you look people in the eye. You want to convey confidence and eye contact shows you are listening and ready to speak to people directly in front of you. Stop looking down all the time, and (much as we hate to say it) smile! A smile can help people to see that you are open to conversation and you are paying attention to the world around you.

Confidence isn't always easy but that doesn't mean that you don't have it in you to be bright, confident and seen by the world. Walk tall, ladies and gents, walk tall.