Being confident undoubtedly affects every aspect of our lives. While women have made strides in nearly every profession, sport and industry, even the most accomplished woman can lack self-confidence in certain areas.

In a recent YWCA online survey, a whopping 62 percent of respondents cited not feeling attractive or good about their appearance as their top confidence-shaker. By contrast, not excelling in their chosen career or not doing a good job affected the self-esteem of less than half of the women (46 percent), while feeling unaccepted or like an outcast troubled just 40 percent.

To get a jump start on ways to build your confidence in a variety of areas, ranging from style and health to career, personal finance and diversity, here are a few helpful tips and resources:

* Confidence Style: Dress for Success – Dressing the part can help win attention and gain respect from a peer or potential employee, so it is important to look pulled together. If it’s not in your budget to buy something new, seek help from services in your community. Don’t forget that looking good starts from the inside: a solid foundation will make your clothing fit better and can help with posture and back health. Yet, almost 80 percent of women wear the wrong bra size! Take advantage of free services of fit experts to make sure you’re wearing the right size. For more information on how to determine your correct bra size, log onto www.curvation.com/fitting_room.php.

* Career Confidence: Be Your Own Advocate – Asking for a salary increase or negotiating a salary offer for a new job can be intimidating, but being prepared will help. Know what the market salary is for the job and identify your desired range, including the minimum you need to comfortably pay your bills and your ideal salary that will allow you to enjoy a little more freedom. For more helpful tips on how to negotiate your salary, log onto www.womenwork.org.

* Financial Confidence: Seek an Expert for Help – Getting control of your finances can decrease the stress in your life and make you feel more in control. Determine what you spend your money on, from bills to entertainment. Set a monthly budget and stick to it. If needed, turn to free or low-cost financial counseling service for advice. One resource is the LSS Financial Counseling Service at (800) 388-2227 or www.cccs.org.

To help women across the country build confidence and self-esteem in the new year, the YWCA USA and Curvation this year launched the Project Confidence Outreach Program. Unveiled on National Women’s Confidence Day, the program, includes online confidence tips and a free nine-month confidence curriculum to be piloted in select cities nationwide.

“While there are a few existing programs that address confidence-building for young girls, there seemed to be a lack of such programs for women. I am extremely proud to be taking on this challenge along with the YWCA and Curvation,” says Queen Latifah, the Curvation brand spokesperson and creative advisor. Whether it means dressing for success, taking control of your finances or stepping up to the challenge of community change, our goal is to educate, inspire and hopefully influence the lives of countless women.”

To learn more about the Project Confidence Outreach Program or for additional confidence-building tips, log onto www.YWCA.org or www.curvation.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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