No More Low-Confidence Days

Pull a Costanza: Become the Anti-You

3 points

Hail to the chef. Bring a dish to your next potluck that will have everyone asking for seconds. You don't have to be a master cook -- just practice one signature recipe until it's perfect. So what if your cakes always fall? The only thing your friends will know is that your impossibly fluffy lemon meringue pie or your roast chicken a la Grandma is to die for.

3 points

Challenge the other half of your brain. Think of yourself as the logical, number-crunching type? Flex the creative side of your brain by learning to play the piano or trying out for your community theater. If you have an artsy day job, work out your logical side by investing a few dollars in the stock market and following the financial world. "Using both sides of your brain expands your confidence in your skills," says Ursiny. "Either you'll allow yourself to do something imperfectly and realize that's okay, or you'll discover an untapped talent."

3 points

Get closure. Dig out that half-finished project, like the afghan you stopped knitting when it was no bigger than a hanky or the antique trunk you were going to refinish, and get it done. It's the ability to complete a task that builds our confidence, no matter how imperfect the finished product turns out, says Kimberly Fulcher, a life coach and author of Remodel Your Reality.

4 points

Build up your backbone. When someone cuts in front of you at the movies, instead of quietly stewing in resentment, turn the tables by looking her in the eye and sweetly asking, "Why did you do that?" This is a firm way of letting her know how you feel and forces her to defend her actions.