It’s a glorious feeling to wake up one day and realize you’re exuding more confidence and joy than before. But how do you know it’s not just a fleeting feeling, but a genuine transformation?

Thanks to psychology, we have definitive signs to look for. These signs indicate you’re evolving into a more confident, joyful individual. Not just pretending or putting on a show for others.

Let me share with you these eight signs. They are subtle milestones that show you’re on the right path.

Because, believe it or not, becoming more confident and joyful is not as elusive as it seems, especially when you know what to look for.

1) Embracing uncertainty

In life, there are always going to be uncertainties. A confident and joyful person doesn’t fear the unknown, they embrace it.

In a 2006 study found that people with a strong sense of self-efficacy and confidence were better able to cope with uncertain situations.

While it’s normal to feel anxious about the unknown, a more confident person sees it as an opportunity. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, they focus on the potential for personal growth.

This concept is backed by research in the field of positive psychology. It suggests that the ability to handle uncertainty is linked to higher levels of happiness and overall life satisfaction.

So, if you find yourself embracing uncertainty rather than fleeing from it, pat yourself on the back. It’s a sign that you’re becoming a more confident and joyful person.

2) A shift in priorities

I remember a time when I was so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that I barely had time to breathe. I was constantly chasing after achievements and material possessions, thinking that they were the key to happiness.

But as I grew more confident and joyful, I noticed a shift in my priorities. Instead of focusing on external validation, I started prioritizing my personal growth, relationships, and experiences.

Psychology tells us this is a classic sign of increased confidence and joy. When we’re confident in ourselves, we no longer need the validation of others to feel good about ourselves. And when we’re joyful, we understand that the true value in life comes not from material possessions, but from personal growth and meaningful relationships.

If you’ve noticed a similar shift in your own priorities, take it as a sign. You’re becoming a more confident and joyful person.

3) More laughter in your life

Laughter is a powerful tool. It’s not only a natural stress reliever, but it also increases our overall sense of well-being. This is because when we laugh, our brain releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

What’s fascinating is that our brain can’t distinguish between real and fake laughter. So even if you start with a forced giggle, your brain will still release endorphins, which can lead to genuine amusement and joy.

So if you’re finding yourself laughing more – even at the small, silly things – it’s likely a sign that you’re becoming more confident and joyful. After all, it takes confidence to let go and find humor in our daily lives.

4) Saying ‘no’ becomes easier

Have you ever found yourself agreeing to something that you really didn’t want to do, just to please others? I think we’ve all been there. But as we grow more confident and joyful, saying ‘no’ becomes easier.

This is because we start to respect our own time and energy more. We realize that it’s okay to prioritize our own needs and that we can’t please everyone. We understand that saying ‘no’ to others often means saying ‘yes’ to ourselves.

Psychology confirms this. Being able to set boundaries and assert our own needs is a sign of healthy self-esteem and confidence.

If you’re finding it easier to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty, it’s a clear sign you’re becoming more confident and joyful.

5) Embracing your imperfections

There’s something incredibly freeing about accepting ourselves, flaws and all. As we grow more confident and joyful, we start to see our imperfections not as shortcomings, but as unique aspects of who we are.

It’s a journey, to learn to love the parts of ourselves that we once wished to change. But it’s a journey worth taking. Because when we embrace our imperfections, we start to realize that they make us human, relatable and real.

If you find yourself embracing your imperfections instead of trying to hide them, take heart. It’s a beautiful sign of growing confidence and joy.

6) Learning to ask for help

I used to think that asking for help was a sign of weakness. That it somehow meant I was incapable or incompetent. But over time, I’ve come to realize that asking for help is actually a sign of strength.

It takes courage to admit when we don’t have all the answers. It takes humility to acknowledge that we can’t do everything on our own. And it takes confidence to reach out and ask for assistance when we need it.

Psychology supports this shift in perspective. Asking for help is not only a sign of self-awareness but also a critical component of personal growth and resilience.

So if you’re finding it easier to ask for help, recognize it as a positive change. You’re becoming more confident and joyful in your own skin.

7) Celebrating others’ success

It’s human nature to sometimes feel a twinge of envy when someone else achieves something we desire. But as we become more confident and joyful, we start to genuinely celebrate the success of others.

It comes from a place of secure self-worth. We no longer see others’ achievements as a threat to our own worth or success. Instead, we can appreciate their accomplishments and even find inspiration in them.

If you find yourself genuinely happy for others when they succeed, it’s a clear sign you’re growing in confidence and joy.

8) Prioritizing self-care

In our busy lives, it’s easy to neglect our own needs. But as we become more confident and joyful, we start to prioritize self-care.

We understand that taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health is not a luxury, but a necessity. We realize that in order to be there for others, we first need to take care of ourselves.

Psychology backs this up. Regular self-care practices have been linked to increased happiness, reduced stress and improved overall well-being.

Final thoughts: It’s a personal journey

The journey to becoming a more confident and joyful person is a deeply personal one. It’s about embracing who you are, acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, and accepting that it’s okay to not be perfect.

Psychology tells us that increased confidence and joy come from within. They are not determined by external factors, but by how we perceive ourselves and the world around us.

Every step you take towards self-acceptance, every time you choose to laugh instead of cry, every boundary you set, and every imperfection you embrace is a step towards becoming a more confident and joyful person.

Remember, this transformation isn’t about reaching a destination but about enjoying the journey. So keep moving forward, keep growing, and most importantly, keep embracing your unique self.