The first step in developing your self confidence is to conduct an intelligent self-examination.

Poor self confidence is a like a disease, to be diagnosed as carefully as any other sickness. Poor self confidence arises largely from allowing your mind to habitually dwell upon negative thoughts of doubt, failure, and inefficiency. This negative power can become so great, that it affects almost every aspect of your life.

However, when you have a firm, decisive, and positive disposition, you will see how the space clears around you, and leaves you room and freedom.

Confidence begets confidence! A strong self confidence will often safeguard your interests and give you an abiding sense of security. It makes you feel equal to almost any undertaking, however difficult, leading you to think and believe that, "I can conquer if I believe that I can."

Indecision is a frequent cause of the poor self confidence. Many people hesitate to take a step one way or the other lest they do the wrong thing, and this spirit of irresolution and hesitation often leads them into the very mistakes they would avoid.

"He who hesitates is lost," while he or she who develops self confidence grows great and puts on "the dauntless spirit of resolution." The world generally accepts you at you own valuation. If you give an impression that you aren't confident, you will be imposed upon and taken advantage of at almost every turn.

Let me illustrate...

The other day I saw a dog leisurely pass a cat on the street, and to all appearance there was no ill feeling on either side. The cat looked him straight in the eye as he approached, and the dog returned her confident glance and quietly passed on.

Then the cat, seeing a good chance for escape, bolted across the street, but the instant the dog saw her running he turned and followed in hot haste. It was cat and dog for some yards, when suddenly the cat stopped, humped her back and looked defiantly at her adversary. He stopped, caught his breath, blinked uncertainly, turned up his nose, and walked off.

As long as the cat showed fear and ran, the dog chased her; but the moment she took her stand, he respected her. When you stand up boldly and self confidently for your rights, fear slinks trembling into the shadows.

When you enter upon a study of self confidence, resolve to follow it to completion with bulldog tenacity. Realize that no weak-hearted, intermittent efforts will achieve your desired purpose. Hold before you the supreme assurance that you can and will achieve this indispensable power, and great will be the reward of your energy and perseverance.

The building of self confidence is not difficult, but it requires patience and intelligent effort. By reading this article, you have taken that all important first step!