Hi, everyone! I feel terrible for not vlogging all summer, but hey, life happens. I’m so glad to be back. This seriously fills a void in my life. But down to business: I got a comment from Bobby Bob on YouTube asking for advice on confidence and social anxiety. Since I’ve got way too much to say about these subjects, I’m splitting this into two series: Part 1 on Confidence and Part 2 on Social Anxiety.

On confidence, I’m a big believer in “fake it ‘til you make it”. But don’t get me wrong – I am not encouraging you to be a fake or cocky! I’m simply suggesting to fake your confidence. Pretend to be confident and eventually the act will turn into the real deal. Here are three ways I “fake it” if I need a confidence boost (watch the vlog for details):

1. A firm handshake
2. An open stance (http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are?language=en)
3. Project your voice

Of course the best way to be confident is to be completely prepared for whatever is making you nervous. But if you are overly prepared and are still feeling nervous, just “fake it ‘til you make it”!

❤ Isabel