Skip to main content

Kickstart your weight-loss journey now—save 50% on a 12-month plan!

​

Boost your confidence with these can-do strategies

You can do it!

By Weight Watchers
Published 7 September 2020
Boost your confidence with these can-do strategies

Weekly technique: boost your confidence

Self-efficacy [ˈself ef·​fi·​ca·​cy] noun The confidence we have in our ability to do something or develop a skill; a powerful force in our WW experience. The more self-efficacy we have in accomplishing a certain goal, the more likely we are to make those first key steps toward it.

3 fast facts

  1. When we’re confident we can accomplish something, we’re more likely to take action. And that self-efficacy grows with every step we take.

  2. Our self-efficacy varies based on different actions or skills. While we may feel confident in our ability to cook a new recipe, we might not feel as confident in our ability to play the guitar.

  3. In one study, people who had higher self-efficacy about choosing healthy foods and exercising from the start of it were more likely to track their food and lose weight!

Try this technique

Think about a goal you want to work toward. Then, increase your self-efficacy with the technique that inspires you the most.

  • Hit small achievements. Mini successes can help develop our confidence, so choose one truly doable step to take this week. If you’re not quite confident in your master chef abilities yet, start by focusing on learning to cook one simple meal.

  • See others succeed. Look for inspiration from people you relate to. Watching others hit accomplishments increases our belief that we can also be successful. Running a 5K? Find inspiration from a friend who started at a similar fitness level - not someone who runs marathons.

  • Feel more balanced. Keep an eye on your emotions. If you’re worried or tense, your brain will interpret it as a lack of confidence. Relieving tension, and building excitement, can help us feel more determined and therefore, more likely to succeed. Try deep breathing or dancing to your favourite amp-up song!

  • Get encouragement. Surround yourself with friends and family you trust who believe in you and your abilities - or try being your own cheerleader! Have a go-to friend on speed-dial you can call on for a confidence boost or try writing yourself a positive note.

Boost your confidence with these can-do strategies | WW UK