How to Be Confident Without Being Cocky

Confidence can often be mistaken for cockiness, and vice versa. People are often afraid of being confident in themselves in order to not come off as conceited, but, there is a difference. Knowing how to be confident without being arrogant is an important trait and can boost your self-esteem. You will be a more dignified person and other people will begin to see that.

Here are a few tips on how to be build confidence without being cocky:

Don’t be boastful.

Yes, it’s great to be proud of your accomplishments as you should be, but don’t be too excessive when expressing so. Know how to tell people what you have succeeded at doing without seeming like your trying to rub it in their faces.

Don’t talk over people.

Some people may think that in order to get their opinions across and prove they know what they’re talking about, they must interrupt others when they are speaking or be louder than them. Nope. This is being arrogant and not allowing other people to speak their minds. Speak up, but not over others.

Pay attention to your body language.

Physical presentation is vital. Your posture can either come off as, “Hi, I know what I’m doing and ready to prove it,” or “I’m better than you and don’t care what you’re saying.” Which one do you want to be? Don’t cross your arms and make sure to make eye contact when talking to someone. Most importantly, don’t forget to smile.

Stop comparing yourself to other people.

“Suzy got Employee of the Month so I guess I have to be like her.” “The new intern Matt just got scolded by my boss so I’m clearly doing better than him.” Stop the comparisons. Not only are you judging how other people are performing, but you are aspiring to be like other people, which you shouldn’t. Be the best YOU, not a Suzy clone. Of course you can recognize what other people are doing that is getting them recognized, but everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Find yours and work on them.

Help others.

Instead of laughing at the fact that Matt got scolded for formatting a paper wrong, show him how to correct his mistake and ask if there’s anything else he may need assistance with. It’s okay to aid others when they have an occasional slip up.

Believe in yourself.

This is a key to confidence. A cocky person sees everyone else as inferior, but you simply have faith in yourself and what you are trying to achieve.