By 
Hello, Tina Fey here, your trusted guide to everything love and relationships. Today, we’re diving into the world of confidence, a trait that instantly makes any woman stand out.
Confidence is not about grand gestures or loud declarations. It’s in the small, subtle behaviors that truly define a woman’s strength and self-assuredness.
In this piece, I’ll be sharing eight tiny but powerful behaviors that can instantly make a woman seem confident and strong. And trust me, it’s easier than you might think. Buckle up, ladies—it’s time to channel your inner power!
1) Embrace authenticity
Authenticity is a trait truly admired in confident women. It signals comfort in one’s own skin, and there’s nothing more powerful than that.
It’s not about putting on a show or pretending to be someone you’re not. Authenticity is about showing up as your true self, unapologetically, and embracing who you are.
When a woman is authentic, she demonstrates courage. She’s not afraid to voice her opinions, even if they go against the crowd. She understands that her uniqueness is her strength and not a weakness.
So ladies, let’s celebrate our individuality and remember, there’s only one you in this world. Isn’t that something to be confident about? But always strive for authenticity in all you do, if you want to shine with genuine confidence.
Remember, strong and confident women are not defined by what others think of them, but by what they think of themselves. And there’s no better way to show self-assuredness than by being true to yourself.
2) Practice assertiveness
Now this one, I learned the hard way. Being assertive is not about being bossy or rude. It’s about expressing your needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully.
In my early career, I often found myself holding back, afraid to voice my opinions or stand up for what I believed in. But over time, I realized that assertiveness is a key component of appearing strong and confident.
A woman who is assertive knows her worth and is not afraid to express her thoughts and feelings. She doesn’t let others walk all over her and she stands firm in her beliefs.
As the phenomenal Maya Angelou once said, “Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances.” So keep your head high, express yourself assertively, and show the world the confident woman you truly are.
3) Maintain positive body language
Body language says a lot about a person. It often speaks louder than words. As a woman, carrying yourself with positive body language can immediately make you appear stronger and more confident.
In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I discuss how our physical movements and posture can influence our mental state and vice versa.
Standing tall with your shoulders back, making eye contact, and offering a firm handshake are all simple ways to exhibit confidence. But it’s not just about others’ perception of you—it’s about how you perceive yourself.
When you maintain positive body language, you’re not just displaying confidence to the world, you’re also reinforcing it within yourself. So take a moment to check in with your body language. Are you standing tall or slouching? Are you making eye contact or looking away?
Remember, small changes can make a big difference in how you present yourself and how others perceive you. So stand tall, ladies—it’s time to show the world what we’re made of!
4) Admit when you’re wrong
Now, this might seem a bit counterintuitive. Isn’t confidence about always being right? Not exactly. In fact, the ability to admit when you’re wrong is a sign of immense strength and confidence.
Confident women know they’re not perfect, and they’re okay with that. They understand that making mistakes is part of being human, and they’re not afraid to own up to them.
Admitting when you’re wrong shows that you value truth over your ego. It reflects your respect for others’ perspectives and your willingness to learn and grow.
It’s not about beating yourself up over mistakes, but acknowledging them and using them as stepping stones for growth.
So the next time you’re wrong, don’t shy away from admitting it. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness but a testament to your strength and confidence.
5) Embrace the power of “No”
This one hits close to home. For years, I was the person who said “Yes” to everything, often putting others’ needs before my own. But over time, I realized that constantly saying “Yes” was more about pleasing others than about my own happiness or self-respect.
Strong and confident women know the power of saying “No”. They understand that they can’t do everything for everyone all the time. They respect their own time and emotional space and aren’t afraid to set boundaries.
Saying “No” doesn’t mean you’re rude or unkind. It simply means you’re taking care of your own needs and well-being, which is crucial for maintaining your inner strength and confidence.
So, don’t be afraid to say “No” when you need to. It’s not just about setting boundaries—it’s about respecting yourself and recognizing your own worth.
6) Don’t hide your emotions
We live in a society that often tells women to hide their feelings. To be strong, we’re told, is to be stoic. But let’s get real here: that’s a load of rubbish.
Being strong and confident doesn’t mean hiding your emotions. In fact, it’s just the opposite. It’s about owning your feelings, acknowledging them, and expressing them in a healthy way.
Yes, there will be times when you’ll feel vulnerable, and that’s okay. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be angry. It’s okay to be sad. These emotions don’t make you weak; they make you human.
Showing your emotions is a sign of courage and honesty. It means you’re not afraid of being seen as you are, in all your rawness and realness.
So let’s break the stereotype, ladies. Let’s embrace our emotions as part of our strength and confidence. Because real strength lies in being true to who we are—emotions and all.
7) Celebrate your achievements
I used to downplay my achievements, thinking it was a sign of humility. But over time, I’ve come to realize that celebrating our victories is not about being boastful—it’s about acknowledging our hard work and growth.
Strong and confident women aren’t afraid to celebrate their wins, both big and small. They understand that every achievement is a step forward in their journey, and it deserves recognition.
Celebrating your achievements boosts your self-confidence and motivates you to aim higher. It’s a way of affirming to yourself that you’re capable and deserving of success.
Remember what the incomparable Oprah Winfrey said: “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” So let’s take a page out of Oprah’s book and start celebrating our achievements with pride and joy.
8) Stop comparing yourself to others
This one is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s absolutely essential. Comparing yourself to others is a surefire way to sabotage your self-confidence.
Trust me, I’ve been there. Constantly looking at other women’s lives – their successes, their looks, their relationships – and feeling like I was falling short. But here’s the raw truth: Comparison is the thief of joy.
No two journeys are the same. What you see on the outside often doesn’t reflect the struggles and challenges someone might be facing on the inside.
Confident women understand this. They focus on their own growth and happiness instead of comparing themselves to others. They celebrate other women’s successes without feeling threatened or less than.
It’s not easy to stop comparing, but it’s necessary if you want to build true confidence. Remember, you’re on your own unique journey, and you’re exactly where you need to be. So let’s focus on our own paths, ladies, and let’s embrace them with strength and confidence.
There you have it, ladies—eight tiny behaviors that can make a world of difference in how you present yourself and how others perceive you. Remember, confidence isn’t a one-size-fits-all trait, it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth.
And don’t forget, it’s the small, consistent changes that truly make a difference. So go ahead, embrace authenticity, practice assertiveness, maintain positive body language, admit when you’re wrong, harness the power of “No,” don’t hide your emotions, celebrate your achievements, and stop comparing yourself to others.
For more insight on building self-confidence and navigating relationships, do check out my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It’s filled with practical advice that I hope will empower and inspire you.
Stay strong, stay confident, and remember—you got this!
