Fake It ‘til You Make It: Mary Kneiser on Easy Self-Confidence

This is Mary Kneiser, running enthusiast and motivational speaker. One of the biggest reasons some of us lack motivation is low self-esteem. Often, we are crippled by an overwhelming fear that we are inadequate or incompetent – not smart enough for the job, not good-looking enough for the position, not funny enough for the spot, not capable enough for the post.

From Running

It takes years of therapy to completely rid yourself of the causes of your low self-worth, but if you don’t mind taking a shortcut, I’d gladly share with you some techniques to handle situations with completely believable, totally harmless aplomb.

From Running

• Spice Up Your Dressing – Personal appearance contributes not only to how other people see you, but to how you see yourself. I, Mary Kneiser, am one of those people who like to dress better when I’m nervous about something. Putting on clothes that make you feel good about yourself gives you a jolt of positive vibes that affects your performance and the way you interact with others.



From Running



• Season with Gratitude – When you focus too much on what you want, your mind can turn awry and create reasons why you haven’t reached your goal. This slippery slope leads you to dwell on your weaknesses. To avoid this, set aside some time at the end of the day to make a mental list of everything you are thankful for, and watch your mood swing from deflated to elated.


• Pepper with Compliments – When you think lowly of yourself, you may tend to project this feeling onto others in the form of insulting criticism or gossip. Break this cycle of negativity by adopting a habit of praising others while avoiding backstabbing. When you look for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.

From Running

Follow Mary Kneiser on Twitter and Facebook.