Confidence Pocketbook. Gill Hasson

‘better’ or have more than you, see others as role models to learn from and inspire you. When you allow yourself to feel inspired by others, you can feel motivated to achieve and do well according to your own abilities, skills and resources.

      Compare less. Appreciate more. Being more aware of what you do have rather than what, compared to others, you don’t have, is a far more positive direction to take. Identify the good fortune, privileges and qualities you have and build on them.

      BEING WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

      Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. —

Dr Seuss

      Confidence and self-esteem come not just from what you believe about yourself and your abilities but also what other people – family, friends, colleagues etc. – think and believe about you and how they behave towards you and respond to you.

      If you believe something about yourself – it could be positive or negative – and other people believe that about you too, then together you make it a reality. In a variety of situations, being positively noticed, encouraged or praised by others can help you build a positive view of yourself. However, not being valued by others and receiving negative responses from other people can make it more likely that you will lack confidence and have low self-esteem.

      Throughout your life you come across all kinds of people, different in many ways. But when it comes to how they impact on your self-esteem and confidence, other people can fall into one of two camps: they are either ‘drains’ or ‘radiators.' People who are radiators emanate warmth and positivity, while drains can leave you feeling … drained. Their negativity can drain your self-esteem and confidence.