To be a champ you have to believe in yourself when no one else will.

– Sugar Ray Robinson

What's holding you back from your dreams? I think if you ask yourself this question, you'll find at the root is a lack of confidence in your ability to achieve them.

A change in self-esteem and confidence doesn't just happen overnight. It's something that must be worked on day in and day out. But if you put in the work, I guarantee that you will see amazing results.

Get started today! Here are 5 simple ways to feel more confident every day:

1. Play Pumped-Up Music

Going to a job interview? Rock out to your favorite tunes on the way. Not only can music help put you at ease, but it can also give you a major confidence boost.

One research study at Northwestern University found that bass-heavy tunes could increase confidence. So, pull out that 90s hip hop album for a dose of self-esteem.

2. Dress the Part

When it comes to feeling confident, what you wear definitely matters. One study found that what you wear could have an effect on your performance.

When you know you look good, and you feel good in your clothing, you will feel more confident. Take the time and money to invest in good clothing that reflects how you want to feel, and hopefully your attitude will follow.

3. Jump Right In

Sometimes when we're nervous or afraid, the best thing is to do it anyway. Are you nervous about giving that big speech? Just do it without thinking too much about it. You will make mistakes, and that's okay.

The more you jump in and do things even when you're afraid, the more confidence you will gain. You're proving to yourself that you can do things you never thought you could.

4. Give Yourself a Pep Talk

What we tell ourselves in our own heads has a lot to do with how confident we feel. If you're always psyching yourself out, it's time to change your inner dialogue!

Start giving yourself pep talks in your head. Tell yourself, “I'm smart”, “I can do this”, “I am worth it”, and every other positive thing you can think of.

The more positive things you can tell yourself, the more confident you will feel.

5. Turn to Your Friends

When you're feeling less than adequate, sometimes you just need a boost from your friends.

After all, who knows you better than your friends? They know how smart, funny, good looking, and talented you are, even when you're not feeling it yourself.

Tell your most encouraging friends what is bothering you, and I'm sure they will be willing to give you a pep talk of their own.

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What do you do to feel more confident? Let us know in the comments!