How would you describe a self-confident person? Generally, many people consider a self-confident person to be a perfect know-it-all, who is the center of attention, and never shows weakness.

Some folks confuse the terms self-confidence with self-esteem. The former is cosmetic, and may not be a sign of your true nature. The latter is your true essence; a reflection of your core beliefs. Core beliefs are mostly formed before the age of seven. As youngsters, our subconscious is actually programmed with patterns that influence our behaviors and relationships for a lifetime. Want a simple way to reprogram your subconscious patterns, and strengthen your self-esteem?

On page 96 of Unleashing Your Brilliance, I discussed the technique act-as-if as a means to bolster self-confidence. Children call it pretending, but we'll call it role-playing. Just behave as if you were absolutely sure of yourself, and secure in your view of the world. The reason this works is rather complicated, but a simple explanation is that your neurology begins to rewire itself to match what is being exhibited externally. The benefits of this go much deeper than just the superficial self-confidence. It affects your core beliefs, and influences your self-esteem.

On a recent teleclass, I was asked what one can do to become more self-confident. Well, any of the following will fit the bill:

- Smile a lot

- Distrust doubt

- Embrace change

- Maintain an upright posture

- Become a self-improvement enthusiast

- Acknowledge and develop your strengths

- Consider events as they are - and no worse

- Be willing to make mistakes and receive feedback

- Be willing to give compliments and constructive feedback

Keep this up for a few weeks, and you will begin to notice some confident behaviors becoming routine. Then you'll know that you have rewired some of your neurology. So, my advice is fake-it 'til you make-it.

Bestselling author and international speaker, Brian E. Walsh retired from a 30-year management career to further his earlier interest in NLP and hypnotherapy. He returned to formal study, and within four years had achieved his PhD.

Dr. Walsh regularly conducts workshops and teleclasses on enriched learning. He is a master practitioner of NLP, an acupuncture detoxification specialist, an EFT practitioner, and a clinical hypnotherapist.

His eZine, "Personal Enrichment Digest" has subscribers around the world. His most recent release is a 90-miniute DVD of his presentation, "Enriched Learning". He has also co-authored with John Gray and Jack Canfield in the self-help book, "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2."

His website is http://www.WalshSeminars.com

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