Confidence. It’s a trait that we all aspire to have, isn’t it? But what does genuine confidence look like?

It’s got nothing to do with being the loudest person in the room. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Truly confident people behave in a way that sets them apart, and it’s got nothing to do with volume.

Let me share with you 8 things that genuinely confident people do differently. These habits are subtle, yet powerful, and they might just change your perception of what it means to be confident.

1) Confidence without arrogance

Genuine confidence is a balancing act. It’s about knowing your worth, but not flaunting it in everyone’s face.

Truly confident people understand their strengths and aren’t afraid to acknowledge them. But they do so in a way that doesn’t belittle others or make them feel inferior.

They don’t need to shout about their achievements from the rooftops, because they’re secure in their abilities. They don’t need constant validation from others, because they validate themselves.

In fact, genuinely confident people often downplay their achievements, preferring to let their actions speak louder than their words.

This quiet self-assuredness is one of the things that sets genuinely confident people apart. And it’s something we can all learn from- because true confidence is not about being the loudest, it’s about being the most authentic.

2) Embrace failure as a learning opportunity

True story here. I once bombed a presentation in front of a room full of my colleagues. It was so bad, I could hear the crickets chirping.

But you know what? That experience was one of the best things to ever happen to me.

Why? Because genuinely confident people like myself don’t see failure as the end of the world. Instead, we see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

After that disastrous presentation, I took a step back and analyzed what went wrong. I sought feedback, worked on my public speaking skills, and became better prepared for future presentations.

The next time I had to speak in front of a crowd, I nailed it. Not because I was flawless, but because I had learned from my previous mistake and used it to improve.

That’s what genuinely confident people do. They don’t fear failure – they embrace it as a stepping stone towards success. And trust me, it makes all the difference.

3) They listen more than they speak

Did you know that the average person only remembers about 25% of what they hear? It’s a shocking statistic, but it’s true.

Genuinely confident people, however, flip this script.

Instead of always trying to be heard, they focus on hearing others. They’re active listeners, always seeking to understand before being understood.

This habit not only makes them more empathetic and approachable, but it also increases their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

Listening more than speaking is a humble yet powerful practice that boosts confidence. So the next time you’re in a conversation, try talking less and listening more. You might be surprised at what you learn.

4) They’re comfortable with silence

We’ve all been there: that awkward moment of silence in a conversation. Most of us rush to fill it, fearing that it might be perceived as uncomfortable or rude.

But genuinely confident people view silence differently. They know that silence isn’t something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced.

They understand that silence can be a powerful communication tool. It gives people time to absorb what’s been said and encourages thoughtful responses.

Instead of rushing to fill every gap in a conversation, confident people are comfortable with periods of silence. They don’t feel the need to dominate every conversation or to always have the last word.

This comfort with silence is a sign of self-assuredness and emotional intelligence, both key components of genuine confidence.

5) They are their own cheerleaders

A crucial trait shared by genuinely confident people is their ability to be their own biggest cheerleaders. They don’t rely on others for validation or approval – instead, they find it within themselves.

They are able to recognize their own worth and celebrate their accomplishments, big or small, without needing external recognition. This doesn’t mean they’re boastful; rather, they have a quiet sense of pride in their abilities and achievements.

This self-reliance is not just empowering; it’s also incredibly liberating. It means they’re not swayed by the opinions of others and can pursue their passions and goals with unshakeable confidence.

So, the next time you achieve something, no matter how small, take a moment to acknowledge it and give yourself a pat on the back. Remember, confidence comes from within. And you are your own best cheerleader.

6) They stand up for what they believe in

I remember a time when I was working on a project that I didn’t believe in. It was an uncomfortable position to be in, and it made me question my values.

Genuinely confident people, I’ve learned, don’t compromise on their beliefs. They have the courage to stand up for what they believe to be right, even when it’s not easy or popular.

They’re not afraid to voice their opinions and can do so with respect and grace. They know that their beliefs and values are integral parts of who they are, and they’re not willing to sacrifice them for the sake of convenience or conformity.

Sticking to your values, even when it’s tough, is an act of self-respect – a sign of genuine confidence. And it’s something we should all strive for.

7) They seek feedback and accept criticism

Feedback is the breakfast of champions, as they say. It’s a vital tool for growth and improvement. Yet, many of us shy away from it, fearing it might hurt our ego.

Genuinely confident people, however, welcome feedback. They understand that criticism isn’t a personal attack but an opportunity for growth.

They seek out feedback from their peers, superiors, and even those who may not always agree with them. They’re not afraid to hear what others think and are open to different perspectives.

Moreover, they not only accept criticism but also act upon it. They use it as a roadmap for self-improvement and to become better versions of themselves.

So don’t shy away from feedback or criticism. Embrace it as a chance to grow and elevate your confidence to new heights.

8) They practice self-love and self-care

Above all, genuinely confident people understand the importance of self-love and self-care.

They treat themselves with kindness and respect, and they prioritize their well-being. They know that to be the best they can be for others, they first need to take care of themselves.

They set boundaries and aren’t afraid to say no when they need to. They understand that saying no to others often means saying yes to themselves.

And most importantly, they know that their worth is not tied to external accomplishments or the approval of others. They derive their confidence from within, from a deep-seated belief in their worthiness and capabilities.

So remember, genuine confidence begins with self-love and self-care. Nurture these practices, and you’ll cultivate a confidence that is authentic, resilient and inspiring.

Conclusion: Confidence is a journey, not a destination

The path to genuine confidence is not a straight line; it’s a winding road filled with self-reflection, growth, and continuous learning.

It’s about recognizing your strengths, embracing your weaknesses, and understanding that both are integral parts of who you are. It’s about standing up for your beliefs, being open to feedback, and knowing when to listen more than you speak.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s about practicing self-love and self-care, and understanding that your worth is not defined by external factors or the approval of others.

Confidence is not about being the loudest in the room; it’s about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s about embracing your uniqueness and understanding that you have something valuable to offer the world.

So remember, confidence is a journey. It takes time, patience, and perseverance. But with each step you take, you’ll become stronger, more self-assured, and more genuinely confident.

So take that first step today. Embrace the journey. And watch as your genuine confidence begins to shine through.