Barbara Flowers Coaching

How to Have More Confidence Now

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Episode Summary

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook podcast, we explore quick and effective strategies to boost your confidence instantly. While our first episode focused on building long-term leadership confidence through daily habits, today’s conversation shifts to real-time confidence boosters—perfect for moments when you’re preparing for a presentation, job interview, or important parent meeting.

You’ll learn six actionable strategies to increase your confidence immediately, including posture techniques, mindset shifts, and preparation tips. These practical confidence-building methods are designed to help you show up as your best self when it matters most. Tune in and discover how to elevate your leadership presence with strategies you can apply right now.

Resources

The Principal’s Email Detox

Decisive Leadership– Free Workshop

Principal Checklist to Disconnect From School

Behavior Blueprint for Principals

The Principal’s Power Hour Blueprint

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n Episode 1, we talked about how to build confidence over time by using the five habits of confidence: gratitude, journaling, affirmations, prioritizing, and celebrating wins.
Today, we’re focusing on how to boost your confidence immediately—especially when you have a big event, interview, meeting, or presentation and you need to feel confident now.

Remember: confidence is your belief in yourself and your abilities, and it starts with your thoughts in the moment. Let’s dive into six strategies to help you tap into confidence instantly.


1. Check Your Posture

Posture plays a huge role in how confident you feel—and how others perceive you.
Standing up straight not only projects confidence but also improves your mood and energy.

Try the Superman Pose:

  • Stand tall

  • Hands on hips

  • Chest out

Do this before you walk into a meeting or presentation. You’ll instantly feel more self-assured.
Even during meetings, check in with your posture—pull your shoulders back and stand tall to maintain that confident energy.

2. Dress for Success

The clothes you wear impact how you feel.
When you dress in something you love and feel comfortable in, it boosts your self-esteem and projects confidence.

Tips:

  • Wear clothes that fit well and make you feel good.

  • Choose comfortable shoes you can walk in.

  • Dress intentionally for big days when you have important meetings or events.

When you look good, you feel good—and you show up more powerfully.

3. Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful mental tool.
Before you walk into a situation, close your eyes and imagine it going well. Picture yourself speaking clearly, connecting with others, and feeling proud of your performance.

This practice not only calms your nerves but helps your brain prepare for success.

4. Create Positive Thoughts

Your thoughts shape your reality.
Instead of letting negative self-talk take over, create positive thoughts about the event.

Focus on:

  • The opportunity to grow

  • The chance to showcase your skills

  • How you’re prepared and capable

Try these affirmations:

  • I get to decide how I show up today, and I choose to show up as the most confident version of myself.

  • I am a person who can navigate any situation I put myself in.

  • I embrace challenges as opportunities to showcase my skills and talents.

  • I am unique, and that is my greatest strength.

  • I radiate self-assuredness and inspire confidence in others.

Repeating affirmations helps you shift your mindset from fear to empowerment.

5. Be Prepared

Preparation is one of the biggest confidence boosters.
When you’re prepared, you’re less anxious and more in control.

Before an event, practice:

  • Writing down key points

  • Anticipating possible questions

  • Rehearsing what you want to say

Preparation gives you a clear path forward—and that calm certainty radiates confidence.

6. Focus on Your Strengths

Remind yourself of your skills, past achievements, and unique strengths.
Reflecting on what you’ve done well before can give you a huge boost before a new challenge.

Even if you’re facing something unfamiliar, affirm to yourself:
“I’ve handled tough situations before. I can handle this too.”
Confidence grows from remembering what you’re already capable of.


Quick Recap: How to Boost Confidence Fast

✅ Check your posture
✅ Dress for success
✅ Visualize success
✅ Create positive thoughts
✅ Be prepared
✅ Focus on your strengths

By practicing these strategies regularly, you’ll not only boost your confidence for individual events—you’ll build stronger, lasting confidence over time.


Want to work with me?
If you’re interested in 1:1 coaching, or just want weekly confidence and leadership tips, follow me on Instagram: @DrBarbFlowers

Also, if you want to dive deeper into personalized confidence strategies, I offer a free Confidence Strategy Planning Session. We’ll evaluate your confidence using my Five Pillars of Confidence Framework and create a plan tailored just for you.


Thanks for listening!
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