Self-confidence doesn't come naturally to everyone. We all have different life experiences. Some are good and some are bad, and they all shape us and influence how we see ourselves. As humans, it's hard not to compare ourselves to other people. When we compare, though, we often end up feeling inadequate, wishing we could do or be something we are not. The following tips are designed to help you realize your worth and change your outlook and their attitude.

Look confident. You know what they say. If it looks, walks, talks, and acts like a duck, it's probably a duct. Get out of your own head for a while and just focus on displaying the physical characteristics of a confident person. Walk tall with your back straight and your head lifted.

Throw away the magazines full of air-brushed beauties and realize that no one looks like those celebrities and models. For heaven's sake, they don't even look like that. Those images have been touched and retouched a thousand times. The people who befriend you have not chosen to spend time with you because you look like a model. Realize that other people value you for who you are and try to do the same thing for yourself.

Get a new hobby. Participating in something interesting can help you get your mind off the negative images you have of yourself. Try out martial arts training or some kind of military self defense class. Take a cake decorating class or cooking class. Learn how to play an instrument. Focus on something worthwhile and work to develop and hone your skills.

Set goals and work hard to achieve them. Start small and see what you are capable of accomplishing. Whether you want to save money, take a trip, write a novel, or put a new roof on your house, make a diary of your goals and take time to appreciate all that you are able to accomplish.

Challenge yourself every day. What do you believe and why? Have you examined the things you were taught as a child or have you merely accepted what others have told you? Why and how have the negative beliefs about yourself come to be? When you challenge the status quo you will see that life doesn't have to be the same perpetually. You have the power to change your actions and turn off those negative thoughts.

Be the person you want to be. In a journal or on a note card, write down all of the things you would like to be able to say about yourself. Do you want to be loyal, honest, funny, kind, gentle, caring? If so find a different way each day to imitate these characteristics. You will find out that you are the person you want to be, and your self-confidence will improve with that realization.

Believe in something more. No you don't have to believe in God necessarily, but it's healthy to realize that there things more important than you.