Improve Self Confidence- Top 5 Tips to Make Teens Feel More Confident

Do you think people are talking about you behind your back?

Do you feel the need to fit in, even when the people you want to hang around are doing the wrong things?

Do you feel alone, even in a room full of people?

If you answered "yes" to at least one of these questions, then you could be suffering from low self esteem or low self confidence.

Low self-esteem is defined as not valuing yourself or your abilities, while low self confidence is not trusting in yourself. Both are common and painful, but if left unattended, can lead to bigger problems later in life. Problems like violence, abusive behavior, drug use, alcoholism, bulimia, anorexia, or even suicide.

With that in mind, let's check out 5 Tips to Feel More Confident:

1. Tell the Truth.-- So often we tell people we want to do something with them only because they want us to do it. For example, your friends ask you to go to the store with them while you're watching a really good show. Instead of saying "No thanks, I'm watching something really good, you say you'll go to the store, just so you don't have to deal with their disappointment. Don't give in to what others want just to keep peace; you'll only end up hurting yourself.

2. Don't Feel Pressured.-- If you like somebody and they say they like you too, but they want to have sex right away, don't accept that pressure. If you really don't want to have sex until you're ready, tell them to find someone else. Let your "No," be No.
Even though it’s going to hurt right now, it’s not as bad as if you did something you would regret later. Temporary pain is better than permanent trauma.

3. Accept your Body.-- We all have flaws. Some flaws are more visible than others. But, if we stay focused on the flaws, we never see our true beauty. Your body was made by design and for a purpose, so look at the things that you like about your body and accentuate them. For all the things you don't like about your body, work hard to naturally fix the problem spots and let the rest go. Just remember to enjoy your body now, flaws and all, because when you get older; gravity will take over.

4. Celebrate your accomplishments.-- If you're smart and the people you hang around put you down for being smart, celebrate yourself.

Be your own cheerleader.

For example, get excited when you past a test you thought you almost failed or you finally get your braces off your teeth or you lose the weight you’ve been struggling with for the last two years. You did the work, so you deserve to be happy about it. And if they can't celebrate with you, then you need to reconsider your choice of company.

5. Accept Changes.-- Life is about constant changes. The more you resist change, the harder your life will be. Change happens, so we can make room for new and exciting things.

Just think, you were once a baby and it's only by changing and growing that you have become a teenager. Wasn't that change good and bad?

Think about it.

You had to learn how to walk, talk, eat, use the bathroom, play, read, write, draw and color. During that time, you had a lot of frustration, but you made it. It's still the same. You're changing everyday; there are going to be things that you understand right away and things you never understand. Learn how to accept it all. The good, the bad, & the ugly. Because when you do, your life will become a great challenge that gives you something to get excited about each and every time you wake up.