There’s no denying that when you look good, you feel good.

But real confidence? It stems from a deeper place, well beyond the surface.

It’s easy to think that changing your appearance will unlock the confidence you’ve been searching for, but the truth is, confidence starts with letting go of certain behaviors that are holding you back.

You see, there are many habits we unconsciously indulge in that can chip away at our body confidence. Often, we don’t even realize we’re doing them, but they can have a profound impact on how we feel about ourselves.

In this article, we’ll be exploring seven such behaviors that could be holding you back from feeling truly comfortable in your own skin.

1) Comparing yourself to others

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through social media, and wow, there’s a photo of your friend looking stunning in her new outfit.

Next thing you know, you’re spiralling down a rabbit hole of comparison and self-doubt.

Here’s the truth.

Comparison is a confidence killer.

No two bodies are the same, and that’s something to celebrate! Your body is unique to you – it’s the vessel that carries you through life.

 The only person you should be in competition with, is the person you were yesterday.

So, let’s make a pact to stop comparing ourselves to others and start embracing our individuality.

2) Negative self-talk

We all have an inner voice, right?

I certainly do. And let me tell you, it wasn’t always my biggest cheerleader.

A few years ago, I found myself constantly berating my own appearance. “I wish my arms were more toned,” “If only I had a flatter stomach,” the list went on.

It was exhausting, disheartening, and honestly? It was damaging my self-esteem.

Then I realized something crucial.

Would I ever speak to a friend the way I was speaking to myself? Absolutely not!

So why was it okay for me to talk to myself that way?

It wasn’t.

From that moment on, I made a conscious effort to change the narrative in my head.

Every time a negative thought crossed my mind, I would counteract it with a positive one. “My arms are strong and capable,” “My stomach is part of me and I should appreciate it.”

It took some time, but slowly, my confidence started to improve.

I learned that the way we talk to ourselves matters greatly. If you’re in the habit of negative self-talk, it’s time to flip the script.

Speak kindly to yourself. Be your own cheerleader. 

3) Ignoring your body’s needs

For a long time, I saw my body as an adversary. It needed to look a certain way, fit into a certain size, and keep up with trends that were often unattainable.

I’d push myself too hard at the gym, deprive myself of foods I loved, and reward myself only when the scale showed a lower number.

My body was just something I lived in, not something I lived with.

Then one day, I fell ill. Nothing serious, just a common cold. But it was a wake-up call.

I had been so focused on how my body looked that I had forgotten to take care of how it felt.

That’s when things changed.

I started listening to my body. If it needed rest, I rested. If it craved certain foods, I’d eat them without guilt.

Exercise became more about feeling good than looking good.

I realized that being confident in your body is not just about accepting how you look, but also about respecting what your body needs.

When you start treating your body with the care and respect it deserves, confidence naturally follows. 

4) Seeking validation from others

We live in a world where likes, comments, and shares have become a measure of our worth.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking validation from others, especially when it comes to our bodies.

I’m guilty of it too.

I used to post photos hoping for compliments, and when they came, I’d feel a temporary boost of confidence.

But here’s the thing – it was just that, temporary.

The moment the likes and comments faded away, so did my confidence. I was relying on external validation to feel good about myself.

Then one day, it hit me. Why should others dictate how I feel about my body?

From that moment on, I chose to seek validation from myself, not others.

I started to appreciate my body for what it is and stopped seeking approval from the outside world.

And you know what? My confidence skyrocketed.

Your body doesn’t exist to win approval from others. It’s yours, and you should love it because it’s part of you, not because other people do. 

5) Obsessing over perfection

The pursuit of the “perfect” body is a relentless cycle. There’s always a new trend, a new ideal that we’re told we should strive for.

But let’s pause for a moment and think about what “perfection” really means.

Did you know that the “ideal” body type has changed drastically throughout history?

In the Renaissance era, curvy and voluptuous bodies were celebrated. In the 1920s, the flapper style praised a more boyish figure.

Fast forward to today, and we’re faced with an array of conflicting ideals from hourglass figures to athletic builds.

What does this tell us?

“Perfection” is subjective. It changes with time, culture, and societal standards. It’s not a fixed goal post, but a moving target.

The pursuit of perfection is not just futile, but it’s also exhausting. It can drain your confidence faster than you realize.

Instead, shift your focus to being the best version of yourself. Celebrate your unique features and embrace your individuality.

6) Holding onto past insecurities

We all have things about our bodies that we’ve struggled with in the past.

For me, it was my height.

Growing up as one of the tallest girls in my class, I always felt out of place, too noticeable.

But as I grew older, I realized that my height is part of who I am. It’s something that makes me unique. And while it took some time, I learned to love it.

I know it’s not easy.

Those insecurities can linger, popping up when you least expect them. They can make you feel less confident in your body, even when you’ve come so far.

But let me tell you something.

You are not the same person you were back then. You’ve grown, you’ve evolved, and you’ve learned so much along the way. It’s time to let those old insecurities go.

Your past does not define you or your body. You do.

7) Not practicing self-love

At the end of the day, confidence in your body boils down to one thing – self-love.

It’s about embracing your body as it is, right here, right now. It’s about recognizing your worth and understanding that you are enough, just as you are.

Self-love is not just about accepting your body, but celebrating it. It’s about treating yourself with kindness, respect, and most importantly, patience.

So, cherish your body. Appreciate it for carrying you through life. Celebrate it for its strength and resilience. Love it for its uniqueness.

Because when you love your body, truly and deeply, confidence follows naturally.

Embrace the journey

Building body confidence isn’t about fixating on your appearance or striving for perfection. It’s about embracing who you are and letting go of the behaviors that undermine your self-worth.

By saying goodbye to these seven habits, you’re not just changing how you look at yourself—you’re transforming your relationship with your body.

Confidence comes from within, and it begins the moment you choose to prioritize self-love over self-criticism.

Start today, and watch how your confidence grows, not just in your appearance, but in every aspect of your life.