It is easy to confuse being confident with being uncompromising, egoistic, loud, and ignorant.
However, true confidence is everything but that. We have written an entire article about understanding the difference between arrogance and confidence.
Real, unshakeable confidence is silent. Quiet confidence is a state of mind that will open many doors for you peacefully. It is a trait that will help you believe in yourself in the toughest times.
In today’s article, we will be covering the seven key traits that will help you develop this subtle but strong kind of self-esteem.
Let’s dive right into it!
#1 – Be Humble
The first sign of quiet confidence is humbleness.
Truly confident people can show humility in every situation. You might think that people will take you as less confident due to your humbleness, but the opposite is true.
People who have high self-esteem and deeply believe in themselves rarely (if ever) feel the need to boast. They represent their self-worth and their qualities to the world through actions, not words.
Similarly, the way you respond to a compliment tells a lot about your self-confidence. Here are a few great tips you can keep in mind:
- Always thank people who give you compliments. Make eye contact while doing so.
- Pay attention to your body language. There is no reason to feel shy – someone appreciates you for your qualities! Don’t look away, don’t cross your arms, don’t ignore the compliment.
- Never downplay a compliment! When people offer their appreciation – accept it and thank them. That’s all you need to do.
Knowing how to receive a compliment will show you are confident but humble.
In general, this kind of behavior makes you more aware of the people around you.
If you take the focus away from yourself, you start realizing the bigger picture. You see that life is not just about you but others too.
Successful, confident people do not brag about themselves to lift themselves above the crowd. They help people, assist them and guide them whenever they can be helpful.
Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
―Miyamoto Musashi
#2 – Accept Your Mistakes
One major difference between self-centered and confident people is that self-confident people know how to own their mistakes.
People often struggle when it comes to accepting failure or admitting they are guilty of something. We never want to be judged and blamed, do we?
Be it big or small, never run away from owning what you did.
We all make mistakes. Therefore, owning your mistake, correcting it, and apologizing is completely fine.
Due to lack of self-awareness, wrong information, or ego, you might mess things up from time to time. However, one key piece of advice to earn respect, build confidence, and maintain inner peace is to own the things you do.
Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.
―Salvador Dali
#3 – Listen to Understand, Not to Respond
Confident people never aim to be the center of attention.
It is important to realize that conversations are not a one-way street. The person you are talking with is not a wall to bounce your thoughts off when you feel like it.
They usually have their opinions and want to express them just as badly as you do. There is confidence in being patient enough to listen to what the other person is saying.
Also, keep in mind that you do not always have to argue. Speak only when you think that your point will make a difference.
To develop and maintain the quiet confidence that we are aiming for, get into a habit of listening and understanding others. You should never look to command the conversation and impose your thoughts on others.
I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.
―Larry King
#4 – Never Be Jealous
Some people can never tolerate others’ success and happiness, always looking for ways to put people down just because they are doing better than them.
If you have issues with jealousy, it is important to acknowledge it and realize that it will take you nowhere.
Truly confident people are never envious of others, as it is a clear sign of insecurity. They have faith in themselves, and they are grateful for every good thing they have in their lives.
Here are a few quick tips that can help you deal with jealousy:
- Practice mindfulness and try to be aware of your feelings. Notice when the feelings of jealousy enter your mind and observe them.
- Try to understand where it comes from. What is the true reason behind it?
- Express your struggles openly and try to talk about your feelings with someone you trust.
- Be grateful for every little (and big) positive thing in your life. Focusing on your positives will help you envy other people less for the good things in their lives.
The key tip here is never to make people your competitors; rather, be your own competition! Work every day to become a better version of yourself.
The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.
―William Penn
#5 – Remain Content and Peaceful
Have you ever seen a person who is going through a lot but yet seems so motivated and peaceful?
Well, that is the result of their inner peace.
Quiet confidence gives a sense of calmness and peacefulness among individuals. It is that special feeling you get from interacting with a person who seems to be at complete ease with themselves.
When you are secure and confident in your abilities to deal with everything life throws at you, you gain even more confidence. You understand that you may not be perfect but will try to be the best version of yourself in every situation.
Try out these methods to nurture and maintain your inner peace:
- Meditate. It is such common advice for a reason. Take a step away from all the stress in your life and turn your attention towards your well-being.
- Spend more time in nature. Take daily walks through your local park, go swimming if you live by the beach, go hiking. Connecting with the sounds of the forest, breathing in the fresh air, and absorbing the sun can help you feel more refreshed and calm than ever.
- Journal. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better and be more at ease with yourself.
- Let go. So many of us are control freaks. You cannot control everything in your life, and you shouldn’t try to do so. Accept that some things need to run their course. It is your response to those things that matters.
Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.
—Wayne W. Dye
#6 – Be Ready to Evolve
As an individual, all the different situations in your life will change you. If you are not ready to adopt the changes as they come, you will never learn nor improve.
Life is all about changes and overall individual growth.
No person can stay in the same position and have the same mindset throughout their life. You will have to evolve into a new being with every passing day.
There will be times that the changes will seem scary but know that big risks lead to big achievements. Remember that confidence comes with age and experience.
Your beliefs, perceptions, and views will change, and to develop quiet confidence, you need to be ready to accept the changes.
For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.
―Michelle Obama
#7 – Do Not Hesitate to Praise
A major way to boost someone else’s confidence is by praising them.
We suppose you enjoy receiving compliments. The chances are – other people feel the same way!
Therefore, do not miss a single chance to praise people for their tiniest of efforts. Applaud them for doing something good. Compliment their hard work. Appreciate their good deeds.
This point about quiet confidence ties well with the first one on our list. By showing that you are capable of praising others for their efforts and success, you display humbleness.
There is no better way to lift others than to support them on their journey. Even if it is a simple compliment on someone’s hair or their outfit – it may be enough to cheer them up and brighten their day.
However, it is crucial to be honest when you compliment people. There are a few things as bad as fake compliments and false praise.
Nothing is more effective than sincere, accurate praise, and nothing is more lame than a cookie-cutter compliment.
―Bill F. Walsh
Your Turn
We hope that we helped you understand the true meaning and value of quiet confidence.
Which of the seven traits resonated with you the most?
Let us know by leaving a comment down below!
