Some people are entirely self-assured and don’t care what anyone thinks of them.
It’s awe-inspiring, really. After all, many of us are riddled with insecurities, and we care a lot about what other people think of us and the decisions we make. However, we also know that’s no way to live. The goal is to feel so confident in yourself and your life choices that you don’t need validation from anyone else. Those who have this skill down pat probably got there because they do these things regularly, too. It might be time to start adopting some of their habits, don’t you think?
1. They don’t explain every decision they make.
Confident people make choices without feeling the need to justify each decision to everyone around them (or anyone at all). Instead of constantly wondering if people approve, they quietly trust their gut and follow through. You might notice they never seem overly concerned if someone questions their decisions, and that’s because they’re confident they’re doing what’s right for them. It’s refreshing to see someone choosing their own path without constantly second-guessing it.
Practising this can be as simple as trusting yourself more, even with small daily decisions. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but gradually you’ll realise it feels great to trust your own instincts.
2. They’re genuinely okay with silence.
These people don’t feel the urge to fill every quiet moment with small talk. They enjoy silence naturally, and they’re okay sitting quietly without feeling awkward or worrying they’re boring someone. Conversations with them never feel forced because they’re comfortable letting moments be what they are. It’s a relaxed, easy-going way of living that’s pleasantly contagious.
Getting comfortable with silence yourself can help you feel more confident in social situations, making you less reliant on anyone else’s approval or validation to feel at ease. Plus, it means no more unnecessary small talk or vapid chatter!
3. They don’t apologise for everything.
You’ve probably noticed some people hardly ever apologise unnecessarily, like when declining an invitation or stating an opinion. They’re considerate but don’t feel the need to soften every sentence with “sorry.” Instead, they’re comfortable stating their needs without apology, which makes them feel genuine and easy to be around.
By cutting down on unnecessary apologies, you’ll quickly find that people appreciate clear, honest communication much more than constant reassurance. Plus, it means when they do say they’re sorry, it’s much more meaningful.
4. They genuinely enjoy their own wins.
These are the friends who celebrate their achievements quietly and happily, without waiting for anyone else’s approval. They don’t rely on anyone else to validate their success or happiness; they feel satisfied by their own progress, no matter how small. Celebrating personal milestones feels natural for them, so they don’t need anyone else to constantly acknowledge their achievements.
Taking the time to privately acknowledge your own successes can help build that same quiet, natural confidence. After all, you work hard and have lots of talent. Why not acknowledge that a bit more often?
5. Comparing themselves isn’t their thing.
They don’t waste energy constantly checking how they measure up to everyone else. Instead of worrying if they’re ahead or behind, they simply enjoy their own path and accept other people doing the same. Because of this relaxed attitude, they’re not easily thrown by someone else’s success, and that makes life easier and more enjoyable.
Focusing on your own journey, rather than keeping track of other people, can help you feel naturally more content and secure. It’s easier said than done, of course, but it’s a skill well worth mastering.
6. Saying “no” feels comfortable to them.
They don’t struggle much when it comes to declining invitations or requests. It’s never rude, but they clearly communicate their boundaries without guilt. Watching someone confidently say “no” can feel inspiring, especially if you find it tricky yourself. It shows that saying no isn’t negative; it’s simply taking care of yourself. Gently practising this skill helps you respect your own needs, making life simpler and less stressful.
7. They’re relaxed about their mistakes.
They openly admit when they’ve messed up, without embarrassment or defensiveness. Because they’re comfortable with who they are, mistakes don’t threaten their sense of self-worth. It’s refreshing to see someone calmly own their slip-ups, rather than hiding or denying them.
Embracing your own mistakes and handling them lightly makes life easier and more enjoyable. Plus, it reduces unnecessary stress in your interactions. We’re all human, and we mess up, so cut yourself a bit more slack sometimes.
7. They don’t ask for advice from everyone.
You won’t find these people polling friends or colleagues every time they make a choice. They trust their instincts first and foremost, and while they appreciate advice, they don’t depend on it. Decisions feel easier for them because they rely more on their inner voice than outside opinions.
Reducing your need for constant reassurance from other people can help you find this easy-going decisiveness yourself. That’s not to say that there’s no value in getting guidance from mentors or people you’re close to, but you should be able to stand on your own two feet.
8. Social media doesn’t control their mood.
They’re typically less driven by likes, comments, or online validation. Social media might still be enjoyable, but it doesn’t dictate their mood or confidence. Instead of constantly chasing approval online, they remain comfortably grounded in real-life experiences. They know they can put their phone down at any point and still feel good about themselves — and they do it often.
Limiting your social media use can help you feel more authentic and less driven by external validation. It’s hard not to engage in mindless scrolling, and we’re all guilty of it sometimes, but try to realise when it’s bringing you down and step away sometimes.
9. They’re at ease being alone.
They genuinely enjoy their own company and don’t rely heavily on constant social interaction to feel satisfied. Being alone isn’t stressful or lonely; it’s just another part of life they fully enjoy. It’s inspiring to see someone genuinely content in their own company without feeling compelled to fill every moment with social plans.
Regularly taking time to enjoy your own company can help you appreciate solitude without feeling isolated or dependent on external approval. If being on your own sends you into a blind panic, you know this is something you need to work on ASAP.
10. Criticism doesn’t shake them deeply.
Criticism rarely affects their confidence in any lasting way. They’re open to feedback, but they don’t take it personally or obsess over negative comments. Instead, they calmly decide what feedback to keep and what to ignore, without letting it affect their self-worth.
Learning to handle criticism with a casual attitude helps build resilience and genuine self-assurance. Not only that, but it helps you grow both personally and professionally. Where’s the downside?
11. They’re not afraid to express their opinions.
These people voice their thoughts naturally and honestly, without fear of upsetting anyone or losing approval. They’re not confrontational or disrespectful; they’re just open and genuine. Conversations feel comfortable because they’re not constantly second-guessing what they say or worrying about reactions.
Expressing your opinions honestly, without feeling anxious about how they’ll be received, can create deeper, more authentic connections with other people. They’ll respect you for your honesty and admire your courage in speaking up, even when it’s not easy.
12. They handle rejection calmly.
Being turned down doesn’t dramatically affect their confidence. They accept rejection calmly, understanding it doesn’t reflect their personal worth. Having such a relaxed attitude toward rejection makes them seem grounded, approachable, and genuinely confident in their interactions.
Approaching rejection casually rather than personally can help you feel more secure and relaxed in various situations. Again, this is much easier said than done, but with a bit of practice, you can turn a negative experience into a positive one.
13. They feel comfortable changing their minds.
Changing their mind isn’t stressful or embarrassing to them; they just accept that opinions evolve naturally. They don’t feel the need to defend their original choices endlessly, which makes them flexible and relaxed about the natural and inevitable changes that happen in life.
Being open to changing your mind without embarrassment creates genuine confidence and adaptability in your life. As you learn and grow in life, your opinions, beliefs, and approaches are bound to change. That’s a good thing, so it’s important to see it that way.
14. They don’t rely heavily on praise.
They enjoy praise when it comes, of course — they’re only human! — but they never feel dependent on it. A compliment is just a pleasant bonus, rather than something necessary for their happiness or confidence. Approaching things in this way makes their self-worth stable and independent of other people’s approval.
Feeling comfortable without constant praise can help you build an easy-going sense of self-confidence that remains steady over time.
15. They trust their feelings and intuition.
They genuinely trust themselves more than they rely on other people. Their intuition guides them comfortably through choices, reducing uncertainty and stress. It’s inspiring to see someone confidently listening to their inner voice rather than constantly seeking reassurance.
Regularly checking in with yourself and learning to trust your intuition can help you achieve this same natural, quiet confidence in your daily life.
