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Note: The first article is more of a quick-hitter; the second article is much more in depth.(the following is from www.inc.com)5 Ways to Quickly Regain Confidence When You Need It MostNothing saps your confidence faster than creating a big failure where someone else was made a victim. It’s not like you meant to cause trouble for others. Unfortunately, now your error in judgment created anger, concern, and embarrassment.Okay, you apologized — but that's not enough. Somehow you have to shake it off and get back in the game. When the stakes are high, you have to move forward again despite feeling hurt and insecure. It's the hardest time to feel good about yourself and what you're doing, but the show must go on.Here is my take on how to regain your confidence quickly, plus more insights from my Inc. colleagues.1. Talk it through with a friend.When the bad things happen and you feel a little off center, you can't bottle it inside and let it eat you up. Insecurity feeds off stress and isolation. Most likely you will be harder on yourself than anyone else. So give yourself a release. Talk to someone who loves and respects you. Express your frustration and talk through the details of what happened. Take a hug and shake it off so you can go back to being the pro you really are.2. Get back to work.There’s no quick fix. Confidence is like trust: tough to develop, easy to lose. All you can do is put your head down and try to do good work. The only recipe for feeling more confident is success. Improvement breeds confidence. Competence breeds confidence. Success — in your field or sometimes in any field — breeds confidence. So, get back to work and start succeeding again so your confidence will eventually return. Jeff Haden--Owner's ManualWant to read more from Jeff? Click here.3. Celebrate small wins.Confidence is a fragile thing, and a big loss can cause you to lose it for days, weeks, or even months. It’s important to get it back as quickly as you can. Look for quick, easy wins and build on those over the course of a week’s time — going for bigger and bigger wins. Soon you’ll have your confidence back.4. Revisit past successes.We all let others down from time-to-time, and when it happens we usually take it much harder than the person we've disappointed. It's amazing how a thousand wonderful achievements can easily be forgotten when one little failure comes into play. Being hard on yourself only perpetuates your feelings of failure, which does neither party much good. Apologize and move on by reviewing the countless times you've delivered on your word and contributed to making the world a better place.5. Discuss lessons learned.Any person of importance, whether it is a boss or an investor, understands that failure is part of the process. They have made an investment in you and your relationship and won't quickly turn their back on you. Understanding why something didn't work as anticipated and taking responsibility for the mess-up is a sign of your maturity and growth. The key to regaining your confidence is to realize that we all make mistakes. Regain your confidence by admitting, apologizing, and learning from your mistake(the following is from www.wikihow.com)Having self-confidence can lead to greater success and happiness in life. Research has found that having healthy self-esteem, the thoughts, feelings and beliefs we hold about ourselves, can reduce the risk of developing depression.In contrast, having low self-confidence can have a negative effect on our mental health, relationships, and school or career life. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can regain confidence in yourself in general and in specific situations, such when you're in a relationship or at work.Building Confidence in Yourself1 Take stock of yourself. If you chronically lack confidence, it's probably very easy for you to catalogue your faults and failures, but what about acknowledging your positives? For most people, this is a lot more challenging. Researchers have found that self-esteem is comprised of both cognitive factors, such as positive memories you have of yourself and your behavior, and self-evaluation, or how positively you evaluate your current attitudes and behaviors.[2] Make a list of everything you like about yourself - your qualities and skills that make you you.[3] It can help to actually sit down and write out a list as things come to you. Grab a notebook or journal and set a timer for 20-30 minutes. Journaling is a good way to continually maintain and open conversation with yourself about who you are and want to be. It's a way to prompt self-reflection and self-discovery and may help you realize things about yourself that you didn't really know.[4] Think also about some areas you'd like to improve, such as assertiveness or self-confidence. Contemplate not only what you feel, but why you feel the way you do. Begin to understand your true self, and allow it to exist. If you're not as good at handling some things as you are at others—for example, maybe you feel confident and capable until other people are thrown into a situation, such as in a relationship or at work—acknowledging all facets of yourself is the first step to transformation.2 Look back on your life and your accomplishments. Chances are that you are not giving yourself enough credit for everything that you've done throughout your life. Take some time to reflect and look back at your past glories from big to small—things that you've done that you feel proud of. This will help validate your place in the world and the value you bring to the people and society around you and, in this way, build your self-confidence. Research shows that part of building self-esteem is having a solid schema of positive memories about your past accomplishments and abilities. If you begin to accept that you have been a bright, hopeful, confident person in the past, it becomes easier to believe that you can be amazing and do amazing things again.[5][6] During this time, write a list of all of your accomplishments. Keep in mind that everything should be included, from big accomplishments to the little everyday things. Your list can include things like learning how to drive, going to college, moving into your own apartment, making a great friend, cooking a fancy meal, getting a degree or diploma, getting your first "adult" job, and so on. The possibilities are endless! Return to the list periodically to add to it. You'll see that you have lots to be proud of.[7] Scan through old photos, scrap books, yearbooks, trip mementos, or even consider making a collage of your life and accomplishments to date.[8]3 Focus on positive thoughts and beliefs. Rather than get bogged down with negative thoughts, try to focus on positive, encouraging, and constructive thoughts. Remember that you are a special, one-of-a-kind person who is worthy of love and respect - from others and from yourself. Try these strategies:[9][10] Use hopeful statements. Be optimistic and avoid the self-fulfilling prophecy of pessimism. If you expect bad things, they often occur. For example, if you anticipate a presentation going poorly, it just might. Instead, be positive. Tell yourself, "Even though it's going to be a challenge, I can handle this presentation." Focus on "can" and avoid "should" statements. "Should" statements imply that there is something you ought to be doing (that you're not currently doing) and this might cause you to feel pressured if you can't meet these expectations. Instead, focus on what you CAN do. Be your own cheerleader. Give yourself positive encouragement and credit for the positive things you do. For example, you might note that although you're not getting all the exercise you'd like to be getting, you have been doing to the gym one extra day a week. Give yourself credit for making positive changes. For example, "My presentation might not have been perfect, but my colleagues asked questions and remained engaged — which means that I accomplished my goal." Over time, this will help you reframe your thinking to be more confident.4 Set goals and expectations. Write of lists of things you want to accomplish and set out to achieve these goals. For example, you might decide to volunteer more, take up a new hobby, or spend time with friends.Make sure your goals and expectations are realistic. Striving for the impossible will only deflate, not enhance, self-confidence.[11] For example, don't suddenly decide that at age 35, your dream is to play professional hockey or be a principal ballet dancer. This is unrealistic and your self-confidence will likely take a hit once you realize how far away and unattainable that goal is.[12] Instead, set more realistic goals, like deciding to do better in math class, learn how to play the guitar or master a new sport. Setting goals that you can consciously and consistently work towards and eventually meet can help you stop the cycle of negative thinking that reduces your self confidence. You'll see that you can set and meet goals successfully and will attain a sense of fulfillment. You could also set goals that help to you see and feel your own competencies. For example, if you feel like you want to be better informed about the world, decide that you are going to read a newspaper every day for a month. Or, say you want to empower yourself in knowing how to fix your own bike and opt to learn how to do your own tune-up. Meeting goals that address things that help you feel powerful and capable will help you feel better about yourself as a whole.5 Fake it 'til you make it. That old saying actually has some real value to it. Confidence doesn't happen overnight, but now that you have a good sense of who you are and what you want, you can put up a good front that will eventually translate into confidence within as well. The very act of trying to appear confident can actually increase your confidence, as you begin to see how it affects those around you. Use your body language to project confidence. Stand and sit with a straight back. Walk with easy, full strides. Make plenty of eye contact when you meet people, and if you're nervous, smile instead of looking away.[13] Smile more. Studies have shown that the very act of smiling can improve your mood and make you feel more positive.[14] Speak more (rather than less) and with greater confidence. This is especially true for women, who tend to speak less and with reduced assertiveness in social situations with men. Make a concerted effort to have your voice heard in social situations; your opinion matters and you have value to add to a conversation.[15] When you do speak, speak clearly and with precise enunciation; don't mumble or cover your mouth with your hands or fingers.6 Take chances. Remember that you can't control what anyone else thinks, feels, or does; you can only control yourself. Instead of being fearful of all of this uncertainty and your lack of control, try to embrace it. Accept that the world around you is a big and uncertain place by taking a chance on something new. You'll be surprised by how often you succeed when you're proactive – as the old maxim goes, “fortune favours the bold” – and if you fail, you'll be able to see that your life continues on anyway. Whichever way you cut it, taking a few risks and trying new things is one of the best ways to rebuild your lost confidence. Strike up a conversation with someone on the bus, submit a photo or story for publication, or even ask out your secret crush. Choose something that puts you a bit outside of your comfort zone and jump in headfirst with the knowledge that your life will go on no matter the outcome. Experiment with new activities; you might learn about talents or skills you didn't know you possessed. Maybe you take up running track and discover that you are really good at distance running, something you'd never thought of before. This can help increase your self-confidence.[16] Consider taking up artistic activities such as painting, music, poetry, and dance. Artistic endeavors often help people learn how to express themselves and attain a sense of 'mastery' of a subject or skill. Lots of community sentences offer free or reasonably-priced classes.7 Help someone. Research has shown that people who volunteer tend to feel happier and have higher self-esteem. It may seem paradoxical that to feel better about yourself you should help someone else, but science does prove indeed that feelings of social connectedness that accompany volunteering or helping others make us feel more positive about ourselves.[17] There are endless opportunities to help others in the world. Volunteer at a retirement home or a homeless shelter. Get involved with your church or a ministry or a community that helps sick or poor people. Donate your time and service to a humanitarian or animal cause. Be a Big Brother or Big Sister. Clean up a local park on a community-organized occasion. [18]8 Take care of yourself. Putting time into yourself can also help improve your self-confidence in general. The healthier you are in mind and body, the better the possibility that you will be satisfied with your self. This means doing your best to be healthy, whatever that may look like for you individually. Some pointers include:[19][20] Eat at least three meals a day that are based on healthy and nutrient-rich foods, such as whole grains, lean protein (like poultry and fish), and fresh vegetables to keep yourself energized and nourished. Drink water to hydrate your body. Avoid processed, sugary, and caffeinated foods and/or drinks. These can affect your mood and should be avoided if you're concerned about mood swings or negative emotions.[21] Exercise. Research has shown that exercise can give a real boost to self-esteem. This is because exercise causes the body to release the "happy chemicals" called endorphins. This feeling of euphoria can be accompanied by increased positivity and energy. Try to get up to at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise at least three times a week. At the very least, set aside time for a brisk walk every day.[22] Reduce stress. Make a plan to reduce the stress of your everyday life by designating time for relaxation and activities that you enjoy. Meditate, take a yoga class, garden, or do whatever activity makes you feel calm and positive. Note that being stressed can sometimes make it easier for people to overreact or let negative feelings dominate.[23][24]9 Let go of the idea of perfection. Perfection is an artificial notion created and proliferated by society and the media and it does a great disservice to most of us by suggesting that perfection IS attainable and the problem is simply that we're not up to snuff.Nobody is perfect. Make that your new mantra. You're never going to have the perfect life, the perfect body, the perfect family, the perfect job, and so on. Neither will anyone else.[25] Focus on effort rather than the desire for perfection. If you don't try something because you're afraid you won't do it perfectly, then you don't stand a chance in the first place. If you never try out for the basketball team because of your lack of confidence, it's a guarantee that you won't make the team. Don't let the pressure to be perfect hold you back.[26] Accept that you are a human being and that human beings are fundamentally imperfect and make mistakes. In fact, our imperfections are what make us human and enable us to grow and improve. Maybe you didn't get into your top college or were rejected from a job. Instead of berating yourself for your errors, view them as opportunities to learn and grow and as things that you can rectify in the future. Maybe you'll realize that you need to think more about your future educational path or that you need to learn how build job interview skills. Forgive yourself and move forward; this isn't easy but it's key to avoiding that cycle of self-pity and low self-confidence.10 Be persistent. Building confidence takes time, because each rush of confidence you achieve is temporary at first. You've got to keep at projecting confidence and taking chances in order to build up a real sense of self-confidence. Remember that self-confidence isn't a thing you achieve, it's a process. Throughout your life, you will constantly be working to build and rebuild your self-confidence as life throws its surprises and obstacles your way. You are constantly evolving, and so will your confidence.Method2Regaining Confidence in Relationships1 Take care of yourself. The only way you can have confidence in relationships is if you have in yourself first and foremost. Follow the steps in Part 1 and try to build your own self-confidence. If you believe in your own self-value, that's part of the journey to building more confidence in your relationships. In addition, try spending constructive time alone with yourself and finding satisfaction and fulfillment in that; read a book, go for a walk, or do some exercise. You'll tap more into yourself and what you want and can then bring this into your relationships with others. Remember that developing healthy self-esteem is an important part of having a successful romantic relationship. In a study of 287 young adults, researchers found that those with higher self-esteem, which includes confidence in one’s appearance and personality, were more likely to have successful romantic relationships.[27] If your confidence has recently taken a hit due to a bad relationship or breakup, take time to recover. Many studies have been reported that divorce and separation can have an adverse effect on your mental and physical health, including heightened stress and anxiety as well as the increased likelihood of developing alcohol abuse problems, diabetes, and heart conditions. It's not easy when relationships end, but you can recover from an ended relationship by taking time to emotionally work through it and move forward.[28]2 Reflect on your past. We can't change the past; however, we can change how we view the past, both its good and bad components. Try to think about your past relationships and how these might affect your present outlook. This will help you learn to cope with your romantic past without letting it define you.[29] For example, maybe you had an ex who cheated on you in the past. Rather than blame yourself or carry the burden of the relationship on your shoulders for forever, instead think about how this experience has reduced your ability to trust potential partners easily and how you're always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Simply knowing about the relationship areas in which you lack confidence will help you overcome them.3 Maintain perspective. Once you've "mourned" a prior relationship and have taken time to regroup and recover, you'll be better able to show some perspective and see that one end is another beginning. Think about that whole wide world of people out there; this is an opportunity, rather than something to be afraid of. There really are plenty of fish in the sea.[30] You'll also realize that your romantic past isn't a reflection of who you are, but of bigger situations involving other people and factors (such as third-parties, long-distance, incompatibility, etc.). Relationships are not who you are, but something you engage in. When things don't work out, though you may feel to blame at the time, a little time and perspective will help you realize that there are lots of reasons things didn't work out and that you are not fundamentally at fault.4 Take chances. Try something new to meet new people and build your confidence. Sign up for a free online dating service or just go out and try to meet people at parties, events, markets, and classes. Be confident and don't fear rejection. You might be surprised at how easy it is to strike up a conversation with someone you've just met. It's particularly scary for many women to approach men because this isn't traditionally how relationships were initiated. However, this is the twenty-first century! If you're a woman who's scoffing at the idea of initiating, don't. This is a chance to increase your romantic confidence; you should take it, and you might be surprised with the results! Remember, if you'd don't try, you'll never know how things may have turned out. You don't have to date everyone or try everything. Instead, be selective. Enjoy the company and affections of people you're attracted to and interested in, and to remind yourself that you still bring a lot to the table in a relationship.5 Let down your guard. Don't pretend to be someone you're not and put on a show for others of being something like you're really not. Everyone is human and has vulnerabilities and flaws. Let these shine through in your interactions with others and strip away any pretenses. For example, if you like someone, don't pretend to "play it cool" by being hard to get and not expressing interest. Instead, put yourself out there and tell the person that you're really excited to be there with them. Being real, genuine, and letting down your guard is REAL confidence. In turn, this will help you open yourself up to real connections with people.[31] In addition, learn how to express concerns and insecurities. When trying to deal with and combat the insecurities that seep into a relationship, you should always be honest with yourself and then with your partner. Honesty really is the best policy. Put a name on and verbalize what you're feeling. Being open IS being confident.[32]Method3Regaining Confidence at Work1 Look at all the facts. When something negative happens in our professional lives, it can be hard to focus on anything else or anything that came before or that is yet to come. Anger, resentment, and self-doubt tend to take over. When this happens, try to take a step back and evaluate the situation from a less emotional place. For instance, if someone else was promoted instead of you, think about the facts of the situation, rather than reducing it to a matter of "My boss hates me" or "I made a mistake and so not getting advanced is my fault." Instead, think about why the other person was a good fit for the job and how you can improve to ensure that next time you don't get passed over. Always maintain a panoramic view. Instead of getting caught up in the heat of the moment when someone seems to be insulting or dismissive of you at work, try to think about why they might be speaking that way. Get away from the notion that it's always something you did, and take things like stress and ego into account. Recall as well the facts of your own past successes. For example, if you've been promoted or praised at work somewhat recently, remind yourself of this and why you were tapped in the first place. This can help boost your self-confidence without relying on a pre-packaged pep talk; instead you're using your own experiences and abilities to motivate and instill confidence in yourself![33]2 Refocus on the work itself. Sometimes, workplace politics or interpersonal drama can result in your self-confidence at work taking a hit. Maybe you were chewed out by a petty boss; maybe you were demoted or had your hours (or pay) cut. Whatever the case, the best way to begin to move forward again is to maintain a focus on your work; this is why you were hired in the first place and what you're good at in this context. Ignore gossip and rumors, stay on task, and don't waste time. Not only are you demonstrating to the business that you're a valuable commodity; you're reminding yourself of the same thing. If the humiliation or difficulty you're dealing with at work is abusive or illegal, keep an incident log and get in touch with Human Resources or outside authorities (depending on the situation). You have the right to work without being harassed in any form by other members of the workforce.3 Engage in professional development. Do what you can to work where you perform most strongly on the job. Never lose sight of the fact that you have strengths that are important and useful to the business and your career. Training can go a long way when it comes to building confidence at work. The more knowledgeable you are about your work and about management, the more confident you can be in your ability to do your work well.[34] As long as you stay focused, you can make some headway in your profession, which should increase your workplace confidence significantly. If you level off for too long and keep doing the same thing, you'll get bored and feel stagnant. Instead, branch out![35] There are many free resources available to working professionals that you can utilize to learn and grow in new areas of your business. There are books and free online courses available where you can read up on your work and learn different occupational skills, such as management and teamwork. Your human resources department should also have access to free training and support materials and could be a good place to get started in working on your professional development. Ultimately, you should use your resources to learn and grow. Just the simple act of taking action towards growth can help improve your confidence.4 Build new skills. Focus on competence; instead of focusing on your interior self, think about competencies, which are more task-oriented, rather than self-oriented. Learn and build new skills, even if you're initially uncertain or fearful of them. Acknowledge your professional weaknesses and try to improve them. Fear is a truly formidable adversary and the only way to get over it and become confident at work is to do the very thing that you are afraid of and in this way build resilience.[36][37] Maybe you're nervous about giving oral presentations in a professional atmosphere. Work with your boss and co-workers to enhance these skills in an encouraging, non-threatening environment. Once you can give an oral presentation without being cripplingly nervous, you'll build that professional confidence.5 Project confidence. It's only thing to feel confident, but it's another to exude that confidence in the workplace. Consider your appearance at work and take care to dress professionally (in a manner appropriate to your profession) and look polished; these are quick fixes that can help you feel more confident, powerful and ready to take the day.[38] Consider as well how you perform in meetings. Are you maintaining eye contact and looking alert? Are you just sitting there or do you try to show engagement by nodding or asking a question at an appropriate moment. Make an effort to look eager and engaged and maintain an open posture (e.g., don't cross your arms) to show others that you're confident and excited about your job. Avoid apologizing all the time, especially when something isn't your fault; this tells others that you lack confidence and rely on others for validation.

(the following is from www.wikihow.com)wikiHow to Regain ConfidenceHaving self-confidence can lead to greater success and happiness in life. Research has found that having healthy self-esteem, the thoughts, feelings and beliefs we hold about ourselves, can reduce the risk of developing depression.In contrast, having low self-confidence can have a negative effect on our mental health, relationships, and school or career life. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can regain confidence in yourself in general and in specific situations, such when you're in a relationship or at work.Building Confidence in Yourself1 Take stock of yourself. If you chronically lack confidence, it's probably very easy for you to catalogue your faults and failures, but what about acknowledging your positives? For most people, this is a lot more challenging. Researchers have found that self-esteem is comprised of both cognitive factors, such as positive memories you have of yourself and your behavior, and self-evaluation, or how positively you evaluate your current attitudes and behaviors.[2] Make a list of everything you like about yourself - your qualities and skills that make you you.[3] It can help to actually sit down and write out a list as things come to you. Grab a notebook or journal and set a timer for 20-30 minutes. Journaling is a good way to continually maintain and open conversation with yourself about who you are and want to be. It's a way to prompt self-reflection and self-discovery and may help you realize things about yourself that you didn't really know.[4] Think also about some areas you'd like to improve, such as assertiveness or self-confidence. Contemplate not only what you feel, but why you feel the way you do. Begin to understand your true self, and allow it to exist. If you're not as good at handling some things as you are at others—for example, maybe you feel confident and capable until other people are thrown into a situation, such as in a relationship or at work—acknowledging all facets of yourself is the first step to transformation.2 Look back on your life and your accomplishments. Chances are that you are not giving yourself enough credit for everything that you've done throughout your life. Take some time to reflect and look back at your past glories from big to small—things that you've done that you feel proud of. This will help validate your place in the world and the value you bring to the people and society around you and, in this way, build your self-confidence. Research shows that part of building self-esteem is having a solid schema of positive memories about your past accomplishments and abilities. If you begin to accept that you have been a bright, hopeful, confident person in the past, it becomes easier to believe that you can be amazing and do amazing things again.[5][6] During this time, write a list of all of your accomplishments. Keep in mind that everything should be included, from big accomplishments to the little everyday things. Your list can include things like learning how to drive, going to college, moving into your own apartment, making a great friend, cooking a fancy meal, getting a degree or diploma, getting your first "adult" job, and so on. The possibilities are endless! Return to the list periodically to add to it. You'll see that you have lots to be proud of.[7] Scan through old photos, scrap books, yearbooks, trip mementos, or even consider making a collage of your life and accomplishments to date.[8]3 Focus on positive thoughts and beliefs. Rather than get bogged down with negative thoughts, try to focus on positive, encouraging, and constructive thoughts. Remember that you are a special, one-of-a-kind person who is worthy of love and respect - from others and from yourself. Try these strategies:[9][10] Use hopeful statements. Be optimistic and avoid the self-fulfilling prophecy of pessimism. If you expect bad things, they often occur. For example, if you anticipate a presentation going poorly, it just might. Instead, be positive. Tell yourself, "Even though it's going to be a challenge, I can handle this presentation." Focus on "can" and avoid "should" statements. "Should" statements imply that there is something you ought to be doing (that you're not currently doing) and this might cause you to feel pressured if you can't meet these expectations. Instead, focus on what you CAN do. Be your own cheerleader. Give yourself positive encouragement and credit for the positive things you do. For example, you might note that although you're not getting all the exercise you'd like to be getting, you have been doing to the gym one extra day a week. Give yourself credit for making positive changes. For example, "My presentation might not have been perfect, but my colleagues asked questions and remained engaged — which means that I accomplished my goal." Over time, this will help you reframe your thinking to be more confident.4 Set goals and expectations. Write of lists of things you want to accomplish and set out to achieve these goals. For example, you might decide to volunteer more, take up a new hobby, or spend time with friends.Make sure your goals and expectations are realistic. Striving for the impossible will only deflate, not enhance, self-confidence.[11] For example, don't suddenly decide that at age 35, your dream is to play professional hockey or be a principal ballet dancer. This is unrealistic and your self-confidence will likely take a hit once you realize how far away and unattainable that goal is.[12] Instead, set more realistic goals, like deciding to do better in math class, learn how to play the guitar or master a new sport. Setting goals that you can consciously and consistently work towards and eventually meet can help you stop the cycle of negative thinking that reduces your self confidence. You'll see that you can set and meet goals successfully and will attain a sense of fulfillment. You could also set goals that help to you see and feel your own competencies. For example, if you feel like you want to be better informed about the world, decide that you are going to read a newspaper every day for a month. Or, say you want to empower yourself in knowing how to fix your own bike and opt to learn how to do your own tune-up. Meeting goals that address things that help you feel powerful and capable will help you feel better about yourself as a whole.5 Fake it 'til you make it. That old saying actually has some real value to it. Confidence doesn't happen overnight, but now that you have a good sense of who you are and what you want, you can put up a good front that will eventually translate into confidence within as well. The very act of trying to appear confident can actually increase your confidence, as you begin to see how it affects those around you. Use your body language to project confidence. Stand and sit with a straight back. Walk with easy, full strides. Make plenty of eye contact when you meet people, and if you're nervous, smile instead of looking away.[13] Smile more. Studies have shown that the very act of smiling can improve your mood and make you feel more positive.[14] Speak more (rather than less) and with greater confidence. This is especially true for women, who tend to speak less and with reduced assertiveness in social situations with men. Make a concerted effort to have your voice heard in social situations; your opinion matters and you have value to add to a conversation.[15] When you do speak, speak clearly and with precise enunciation; don't mumble or cover your mouth with your hands or fingers.6 Take chances. Remember that you can't control what anyone else thinks, feels, or does; you can only control yourself. Instead of being fearful of all of this uncertainty and your lack of control, try to embrace it. Accept that the world around you is a big and uncertain place by taking a chance on something new. You'll be surprised by how often you succeed when you're proactive – as the old maxim goes, “fortune favours the bold” – and if you fail, you'll be able to see that your life continues on anyway. Whichever way you cut it, taking a few risks and trying new things is one of the best ways to rebuild your lost confidence. Strike up a conversation with someone on the bus, submit a photo or story for publication, or even ask out your secret crush. Choose something that puts you a bit outside of your comfort zone and jump in headfirst with the knowledge that your life will go on no matter the outcome. Experiment with new activities; you might learn about talents or skills you didn't know you possessed. Maybe you take up running track and discover that you are really good at distance running, something you'd never thought of before. This can help increase your self-confidence.[16] Consider taking up artistic activities such as painting, music, poetry, and dance. Artistic endeavors often help people learn how to express themselves and attain a sense of 'mastery' of a subject or skill. Lots of community sentences offer free or reasonably-priced classes.7 Help someone. Research has shown that people who volunteer tend to feel happier and have higher self-esteem. It may seem paradoxical that to feel better about yourself you should help someone else, but science does prove indeed that feelings of social connectedness that accompany volunteering or helping others make us feel more positive about ourselves.[17] There are endless opportunities to help others in the world. Volunteer at a retirement home or a homeless shelter. Get involved with your church or a ministry or a community that helps sick or poor people. Donate your time and service to a humanitarian or animal cause. Be a Big Brother or Big Sister. Clean up a local park on a community-organized occasion. [18]8 Take care of yourself. Putting time into yourself can also help improve your self-confidence in general. The healthier you are in mind and body, the better the possibility that you will be satisfied with your self. This means doing your best to be healthy, whatever that may look like for you individually. Some pointers include:[19][20] Eat at least three meals a day that are based on healthy and nutrient-rich foods, such as whole grains, lean protein (like poultry and fish), and fresh vegetables to keep yourself energized and nourished. Drink water to hydrate your body. Avoid processed, sugary, and caffeinated foods and/or drinks. These can affect your mood and should be avoided if you're concerned about mood swings or negative emotions. Exercise. Research has shown that exercise can give a real boost to self-esteem. This is because exercise causes the body to release the "happy chemicals" called endorphins. This feeling of euphoria can be accompanied by increased positivity and energy. Try to get up to at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise at least three times a week. At the very least, set aside time for a brisk walk every day.[21] Reduce stress. Make a plan to reduce the stress of your everyday life by designating time for relaxation and activities that you enjoy. Meditate, take a yoga class, garden, or do whatever activity makes you feel calm and positive. Note that being stressed can sometimes make it easier for people to overreact or let negative feelings dominate.[22][23]9 Let go of the idea of perfection. Perfection is an artificial notion created and proliferated by society and the media and it does a great disservice to most of us by suggesting that perfection IS attainable and the problem is simply that we're not up to snuff.Nobody is perfect. Make that your new mantra. You're never going to have the perfect life, the perfect body, the perfect family, the perfect job, and so on. Neither will anyone else.[24] Focus on effort rather than the desire for perfection. If you don't try something because you're afraid you won't do it perfectly, then you don't stand a chance in the first place. If you never try out for the basketball team because of your lack of confidence, it's a guarantee that you won't make the team. Don't let the pressure to be perfect hold you back.[25] Accept that you are a human being and that human beings are fundamentally imperfect and make mistakes. In fact, our imperfections are what make us human and enable us to grow and improve. Maybe you didn't get into your top college or were rejected from a job. Instead of berating yourself for your errors, view them as opportunities to learn and grow and as things that you can rectify in the future. Maybe you'll realize that you need to think more about your future educational path or that you need to learn how build job interview skills. Forgive yourself and move forward; this isn't easy but it's key to avoiding that cycle of self-pity and low self-confidence.10 Be persistent. Building confidence takes time, because each rush of confidence you achieve is temporary at first. You've got to keep at projecting confidence and taking chances in order to build up a real sense of self-confidence. Remember that self-confidence isn't a thing you achieve, it's a process. Throughout your life, you will constantly be working to build and rebuild your self-confidence as life throws its surprises and obstacles your way. You are constantly evolving, and so will your confidence.Regaining Confidence in Relationships1 Take care of yourself. The only way you can have confidence in relationships is if you have in yourself first and foremost. Follow the steps in Part 1 and try to build your own self-confidence. If you believe in your own self-value, that's part of the journey to building more confidence in your relationships. In addition, try spending constructive time alone with yourself and finding satisfaction and fulfillment in that; read a book, go for a walk, or do some exercise. You'll tap more into yourself and what you want and can then bring this into your relationships with others. Remember that developing healthy self-esteem is an important part of having a successful romantic relationship. In a study of 287 young adults, researchers found that those with higher self-esteem, which includes confidence in one’s appearance and personality, were more likely to have successful romantic relationships.[26] If your confidence has recently taken a hit due to a bad relationship or breakup, take time to recover. Many studies have been reported that divorce and separation can have an adverse effect on your mental and physical health, including heightened stress and anxiety as well as the increased likelihood of developing alcohol abuse problems, diabetes, and heart conditions. It's not easy when relationships end, but you can recover from an ended relationship by taking time to emotionally work through it and move forward.[27]2 Reflect on your past. We can't change the past; however, we can change how we view the past, both its good and bad components. Try to think about your past relationships and how these might affect your present outlook. This will help you learn to cope with your romantic past without letting it define you.[28] For example, maybe you had an ex who cheated on you in the past. Rather than blame yourself or carry the burden of the relationship on your shoulders for forever, instead think about how this experience has reduced your ability to trust potential partners easily and how you're always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Simply knowing about the relationship areas in which you lack confidence will help you overcome them.3 Maintain perspective. Once you've "mourned" a prior relationship and have taken time to regroup and recover, you'll be better able to show some perspective and see that one end is another beginning. Think about that whole wide world of people out there; this is an opportunity, rather than something to be afraid of. There really are plenty of fish in the sea.[29] You'll also realize that your romantic past isn't a reflection of who you are, but of bigger situations involving other people and factors (such as third-parties, long-distance, incompatibility, etc.). Relationships are not who you are, but something you engage in. When things don't work out, though you may feel to blame at the time, a little time and perspective will help you realize that there are lots of reasons things didn't work out and that you are not fundamentally at fault.4 Take chances. Try something new to meet new people and build your confidence. Sign up for a free online dating service or just go out and try to meet people at parties, events, markets, and classes. Be confident and don't fear rejection. You might be surprised at how easy it is to strike up a conversation with someone you've just met. It's particularly scary for many women to approach men because this isn't traditionally how relationships were initiated. However, this is the twenty-first century! If you're a woman who's scoffing at the idea of initiating, don't. This is a chance to increase your romantic confidence; you should take it, and you might be surprised with the results! Remember, if you'd don't try, you'll never know how things may have turned out. You don't have to date everyone or try everything. Instead, be selective. Enjoy the company and affections of people you're attracted to and interested in, and to remind yourself that you still bring a lot to the table in a relationship.5 Let down your guard. Don't pretend to be someone you're not and put on a show for others of being something like you're really not. Everyone is human and has vulnerabilities and flaws. Let these shine through in your interactions with others and strip away any pretenses. For example, if you like someone, don't pretend to "play it cool" by being hard to get and not expressing interest. Instead, put yourself out there and tell the person that you're really excited to be there with them. Being real, genuine, and letting down your guard is REAL confidence. In turn, this will help you open yourself up to real connections with people.[30] In addition, learn how to express concerns and insecurities. When trying to deal with and combat the insecurities that seep into a relationship, you should always be honest with yourself and then with your partner. Honesty really is the best policy. Put a name on and verbalize what you're feeling. Being open IS being confident.[31]Regaining Confidence at Work1 Look at all the facts. When something negative happens in our professional lives, it can be hard to focus on anything else or anything that came before or that is yet to come. Anger, resentment, and self-doubt tend to take over. When this happens, try to take a step back and evaluate the situation from a less emotional place. For instance, if someone else was promoted instead of you, think about the facts of the situation, rather than reducing it to a matter of "My boss hates me" or "I made a mistake and so not getting advanced is my fault." Instead, think about why the other person was a good fit for the job and how you can improve to ensure that next time you don't get passed over. Always maintain a panoramic view. Instead of getting caught up in the heat of the moment when someone seems to be insulting or dismissive of you at work, try to think about why they might be speaking that way. Get away from the notion that it's always something you did, and take things like stress and ego into account. Recall as well the facts of your own past successes. For example, if you've been promoted or praised at work somewhat recently, remind yourself of this and why you were tapped in the first place. This can help boost your self-confidence without relying on a pre-packaged pep talk; instead you're using your own experiences and abilities to motivate and instill confidence in yourself![32]2 Refocus on the work itself. Sometimes, workplace politics or interpersonal drama can result in your self-confidence at work taking a hit. Maybe you were chewed out by a petty boss; maybe you were demoted or had your hours (or pay) cut. Whatever the case, the best way to begin to move forward again is to maintain a focus on your work; this is why you were hired in the first place and what you're good at in this context. Ignore gossip and rumors, stay on task, and don't waste time. Not only are you demonstrating to the business that you're a valuable commodity; you're reminding yourself of the same thing. If the humiliation or difficulty you're dealing with at work is abusive or illegal, keep an incident log and get in touch with Human Resources or outside authorities (depending on the situation). You have the right to work without being harassed in any form by other members of the workforce.3 Engage in professional development. Do what you can to work where you perform most strongly on the job. Never lose sight of the fact that you have strengths that are important and useful to the business and your career. Training can go a long way when it comes to building confidence at work. The more knowledgeable you are about your work and about management, the more confident you can be in your ability to do your work well.[33] As long as you stay focused, you can make some headway in your profession, which should increase your workplace confidence significantly. If you level off for too long and keep doing the same thing, you'll get bored and feel stagnant. Instead, branch out![34] There are many free resources available to working professionals that you can utilize to learn and grow in new areas of your business. There are books and free online courses available where you can read up on your work and learn different occupational skills, such as management and teamwork. Your human resources department should also have access to free training and support materials and could be a good place to get started in working on your professional development. Ultimately, you should use your resources to learn and grow. Just the simple act of taking action towards growth can help improve your confidence.4 Build new skills. Focus on competence; instead of focusing on your interior self, think about competencies, which are more task-oriented, rather than self-oriented. Learn and build new skills, even if you're initially uncertain or fearful of them. Acknowledge your professional weaknesses and try to improve them. Fear is a truly formidable adversary and the only way to get over it and become confident at work is to do the very thing that you are afraid of and in this way build resilience.[35][36] Maybe you're nervous about giving oral presentations in a professional atmosphere. Work with your boss and co-workers to enhance these skills in an encouraging, non-threatening environment. Once you can give an oral presentation without being cripplingly nervous, you'll build that professional confidence.5 Project confidence. It's only thing to feel confident, but it's another to exude that confidence in the workplace. Consider your appearance at work and take care to dress professionally (in a manner appropriate to your profession) and look polished; these are quick fixes that can help you feel more confident, powerful and ready to take the day.[37] Consider as well how you perform in meetings. Are you maintaining eye contact and looking alert? Are you just sitting there or do you try to show engagement by nodding or asking a question at an appropriate moment. Make an effort to look eager and engaged and maintain an open posture (e.g., don't cross your arms) to show others that you're confident and excited about your job. Avoid apologizing all the time, especially when something isn't your fault; this tells others that you lack confidence and rely on others for validation.(the following is from www.psychologytoday.com)Building Confidence and Self-Esteem17 simple suggestions for building confidence and self-esteem.Low self-esteem can be deeply rooted, with origins in traumatic childhood experiences such as prolonged separation from parent figures, neglect, or emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. In later life, self-esteem can be undermined by ill health, negative life events such as losing a job or getting divorced, deficient or frustrating relationships, and a general sense of lack of control. This sense of lack of control may be especially marked in victims of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, or victims of discrimination on the grounds of religion, culture, race, sex, or sexual orientation.The relationship between low self-esteem and mental disorder and mental distress is very complex. Low self-esteem predisposes to mental disorder, which in turn knocks self-esteem. In some cases, low self-esteem is in itself a cardinal feature of mental disorder, as, for example, in depression or borderline personality disorder.People with low self-esteem tend to see the world as a hostile place and themselves as its victim. As a result, they are reluctant to express and assert themselves, miss out on experiences and opportunities, and feel powerless to change things. All this lowers their self-esteem still further, sucking them into a downward spiral.If you feel that you suffer from poor self-esteem, there are a number of simple things that you can do to boost yourself and, hopefully, break out of the downward spiral. You may already be doing some of these things, and you certainly don’t need to be doing them all. Just do those that you feel most comfortable with.1. Make two lists: one of your strengths and one of your achievements. Try to get a supportive friend or relative to help you with these lists, as people with depression are not usually in the most objective frame of mind. Keep the lists in a safe place and read through them every morning.2. Think positively about yourself. Remind yourself that, despite your problems, you are a unique, special, and valuable person, and that you deserve to feel good about yourself. You are, after all, a miracle of consciousness, the consciousness of the universe. Identify and challenge any negative thoughts about yourself such as ‘I am loser’, ‘I never do anything right’, or ‘No one really likes me’.3. Pay special attention to your personal hygiene: take a shower, brush your hair, trim your nails, and so on.4. Wear clean clothes that make you feel good about yourself. All things being equal, wear an ironed shirt rather than a crumpled T-shirt, you get the idea.5. Eat good food as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Make meals a special time, even if you are eating alone. Turn off the TV, set the table, light a candle, and make a moment to feel grateful.6. Exercise regularly. Go for a brisk walk every day, even if it is cold or rainy, and take more vigorous exercise (exercise that makes you sweat) three times a week.article continues after advertisement7. Ensure that you’re getting enough sleep. See my article Better Sleep in 10 Simple Steps.8. Reduce your stress levels. If possible, agree with a friend or relative that you will take turns to massage each other on a regular basis. For other suggestions, see my article Managing Stress.9. Make your living space clean, comfortable, and attractive. Whenever I clean my windows or just water my plants I seem to feel much better. Display items that remind you of your achievements and the special times and people in your life.10. Do more of the things that you enjoy. Go ahead and spoil yourself. Do at least one thing that you enjoy every day.11. Perform some art. Activities like painting, music, poetry, and dance enable you to express yourself, interact positively with others, and reduce your stress levels. You might even impress yourself! Find a class through your local adult education service or community centre.12. Set yourself a challenge that you can realistically complete. For example, take up yoga, learn to sing, or throw a small dinner party for some friends. Just go for it!13. Do some of the things that you have been putting off, such as filing the paperwork, repainting the kitchen, or clearing out the garden.14. Be nice to people, and do nice things for them. For instance, strike up a conversation with the postman or shopkeeper, invite a neighbor round for tea, visit a friend who is sick, or get involved with a local charity. Putting a smile on someone’s face is bound to put a smile on yours.article continues after advertisement15. Get others on board. Tell your friends and relatives what you are going through and ask for their advice and support. Perhaps they too have similar problems, in which case you might be able to band together and form a support group. Don’t be overly shy or reserved: most people do want to help!16. Spend more time with those you hold near and dear. At the same time, try to enlarge your social circle by making an effort to meet and befriend people.17. Avoid people and places that treat you badly or make you feel bad about yourself. This could mean being more assertive. If assertiveness is a problem for you, ask a health professional about assertiveness training.(the following is from www.lifehack.org)7 Ways Successful People Regain Their Self-Confidence After Major SetbacksWe are all sensitive souls. No matter how successful or talented we are, an unexpected setback can directly impact our self-confidence. When things have been going well and then suddenly take a turn for the worse, rebounding can take some concerted effort.Successful people understand this and deploy impressive tactics to bounce back after huge setbacks and rebuild their self-confidence.1. They reaffirm themselvesOne thing most successful people know is that failure happens to the best of us. It’s nothing personal. If you haven’t failed at something before, it means you’ve never tried anything. Just because you failed doesn’t mean that you are a failure. Successful people visualize their desired situation and reaffirm that their dreams and goals are credible. When the momentary negative feelings of “I can’t do it” arise, they assert: “Yes I can.”By using this strategy consciously and intently, they influence their subconscious mind, bringing it back to center, transforming their behavior, and reshaping their attitude and reactions. After all, there’s a lot of truth in the words, “Who you are inside is what helps you make and do everything in life.”2. They take a break and do other activities that they enjoySuccessful people often take some time out to de-stress after major setbacks. This gives them a reprieve from the failure, soothes their ego, stirs their creativity, and helps them get a sense for what truly matters in life. They surround themselves with positive, supportive people and make time for simple pleasures like fishing, reading, organizing charities, or just hanging out with their family.Bill Gates and Arianna Huffington are among the many successful people who love to unplug from technology and read a book. They say it helps them unwind and take the edge off after a particularly busy or stressful day. Bungled attempts, lost business, and negative feedback seem to have less of a toll after this.3. They reflect on their past successes and failuresSuccessful people like to reflect not only on their success stories, but also on their failures. That’s because both bring learning opportunities. By reflecting on these experiences, you become much more aware of your strengths and weaknesses. You become conscious of your personal quirks, your blind spots, and are better able to explain your insecurities — informing your best course of action going forward.Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job as an anchor in Baltimore. While reflecting on her experience, she came to the conclusion that she needed to create her own TV channel, which paid off magnificently. Today, she is a household name and a self-made billionaire in the media industry.4. They forgive themselvesA growing body of research, including new studies by Berkeley’s Juliana Breines and Serena Chen, suggests that the ability to forgive yourself and learn from your mistakes is the key driver of success. Many successful people know this and practice self compassion. They don’t beat themselves up too much after making a mistake. That’s because they know that being too harsh on yourself does nothing but dent your confidence further and make it harder for you to bounce back to winning ways.Truly successful people learn and move on precisely because they know how to forgive themselves first. It’s just as bad to be mean to yourself as it is to be mean to others. The moment you realize this and learn to forgive yourself is the moment you give yourself permission to rise again and make things happen.5. They manage their self doubtWhen successful people make a mistake or suffer a major setback, they analyze what they are feeling and frame strong arguments to tame negative self-talk and doubt. Many write down their fears and concerns as clearly and succinctly as possible and challenge them calmly and rationally. If their worries and doubts dissolve under scrutiny, that’s great. However, if the worries are based on genuine risks, they set additional measures to manage these appropriately.There’s something about this approach that boosts confidence and makes the worst of setbacks seem surmountable. It was Confucius who observed that, “Those who think they can and those who think they can’t are both usually right.” As you think, so shall you become.6. They re-create their approachInsanity is defined as trying the same thing again and again but expecting different results every time. Successful people know better than that. They constantly recreate their approach and deploy new ways of doing things based on what they’ve learned in the past. This means the best, clearly-thought out plan, solution, program, or system possible to boost confidence and propel them to success.Thomas Edison would not have become one of America’s most renowned inventors were it not for his exemplary attitude toward failure, unwavering persistence, and willingness to recreate and try new ways to achieve his goals. He is famously quoted saying, “I have not failed; I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” That was the secret to his success as a standout inventor and businessman who developed many life-changing devices, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb.7. They get back up on their feet and commit themselves to successAfter all is said and done, successful people get back up on their feet and continue with the journey. They don’t stay down. They might start over a bit more cautiously after huge setbacks, but they start. Then, they accelerate towards success as their confidence is reborn. The simple act of starting and making small, steady steps forward, armed with lessons learned from past setbacks, rebuilds and rejuvenates their self belief. They eventually begin to stretch themselves, make the goals a little bit bigger along the way.Musical artist Bob Marley was shot in his own hometown two days before a major public performance. What did he do? He defiantly walked out on stage anyway. His reason for doing so was simple, yet powerful: “The people who are trying to make the world worse never take a day off. Why should I?”That was arguably the point at which he became a legend. Every step you take after a huge setback is a testament to your resolve. Every win is a reward for your commitment.(the following is from www.tinybuddha.com)Gaining Strength, Courage, and Confidence from Failure“He is able who thinks he is able.” ~BuddhaAt any point of time every person has:A set of things s/he wants to change but cannot (plans)A set of things s/he tried to change but could not (helplessness)A set of things s/he could have changed and did not (guilt)A fear of the unknown, anxiety about the future, and worry about decisions to be taken (fear)Too many plans and associated what-ifs (anxiety)I have experienced all of the feelings listed above and have tried hard to ease myself from what I went through. Many times, I was unsuccessful.After contemplating on all the above, I realized something: If someone can change something in my life, it’s me!The normal path we all choose is: plan -> effort-> outcome.And the outcome is usually one of the three:Best effort -> success -> acceptableWeak effort -> failure -> acceptableRepeated best efforts -> unforeseen factors -> failure -> not acceptableThere are plans and then there is effort to work on those plans, and then on top of everything is the result—which, most of the time, is directly proportional to the effort, until there’s a mystery factor, like luck or unforeseen circumstances involved.I’ve been unemployed for two years now.I got married two years ago and my husband had a job in another country. After we got married, I had the choice of quitting my job and relocating with him, or hanging onto my job and persuading my company to give me an intra-company transfer. I tried the latter, but it didn’t work out.So I quit my job and relocated with my husband. I was pleased with my decision, and so was most of my family. With a strong job profile, I was confident that I could nail a job in any country, any time I wanted.But that was not the case. I tried to get a job, but I couldn’t. There was failure at every step. I slowly lost all the self-confidence I had. My personality just faded away.I use to sit blankly, not knowing what was going on around me. I was slowly heading toward depression. I couldn’t tell anyone what I was going through because no one around me thought it was a big deal.Take a break, its fine; have a baby, it will be fine; enjoy the honeymoon period—this is the type of advice I received. Yet, I knew deep down that my career mattered to me, and I felt that I had ruined it.Despite all my effort, I couldn’t get a job. This was the first phase, when I told myself that maybe the effort was not enough.So I put in more effort, everything that I could put in, from studying for interviews to networking and beyond. Eventually I got an offer, and I was excited to have finally made it. But, being an international employee, I needed a work permit—and the government rejected me for these jobs.This was phase two. I was hurt and spiraling into depression. I was just numb. I didn’t have answers. I reached a low with my self-esteem. I lost self-respect, self-dignity, and the ability to trust my decisions.Then recently, there was a change, a wave of change that I forced myself into. I decided that I would embrace life and face every fear. I wanted to never feel that low again.I decided right then that whatever happens in life, I will never again question, “Why me?”This one decision to let go of my self-pity brought me back to life.I realized that I am here because of my own decisions, actions, and effort. I decided to quit my job, I was the one who did not have a backup plan, and I was the one who wasn’t mentally prepared.It was me, and I took responsibility to change how I look at myself and my life. If I fail, I shall try harder, in new ways. If unforeseen circumstances come into play, I shall embrace them and try something else.Everything suddenly seems brighter, better, and achievable. I have learned to see the silver lining in the cloud.Slowly I improved myself, externally and internally. I started walking, even if it was just 10 minutes each day. I groomed my looks in whatever way I could. I started working for my entrance exam to join school.I had a backup plan if this didn’t work. I made measurable goals—as small as wake up 30 minutes early tomorrow, read two chapters, or learn one thing new in my field of work.I had let my fears overpower me until I decided to take charge. And I’m a much better person than I was—an organized, positive person who can face life and my fears.If you’ve experienced repeated failures and have struggled to get back on your feet, don’t lose hope! Allow your fear to surface up, and see all your failures as experiences that have given you more strength, courage, and confidence.The only danger is in refusing to face your fear and letting it hold you down.

In a world of rapid change, young people need the right mix of skills to thrive. Access to information is increasing, and memorizing facts is less important today than in the past. Although academic skills remain important, they are not sufficient to foster thoughtful, productive, and engaged citizens. Young people everywhere need to develop a greater breadth of skills to evaluate and apply knowledge in ways that meet the new demands of our changing social and economic landscape.Skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and flexibility have always been important for work and life. But they will be even more crucial for future generations. Rapid advances in technology are transforming the world of work, and by 2020 an estimated 83 million jobs around the world will go unfilled due to lack of skills. We are also more connected than ever beforeHi, and complex global challenges such as climate change and health epidemics call for leaders and citizens who are able to collaborate with diverse groups to solve problems.As the fastest growing economy today, India is home to a fifth of the world's youth(I'm always proud of this :D). Half of its population of 1.3 billion is below the age of 25, and a quarter is below the age of 14. India’s young population is its most valuable asset and most pressing challenge. It provides India with a unique demographic advantage. But this opportunity will be lost without proportionate investment in human capital development. At the same time, the world today is more dynamic and uncertain than ever before. As India undergoes rapid and concurrent economic, demographic, social and technological shifts, it must ensure that its growth is inclusive and is shared by all sections of the society. India will not be able to realize its true growth potential its youth is not able to participate adequately and productively in its economy.In order to understand which skills and jobs India’s young people want, and assess whether the current education system meets these aspirations, the World Economic Forum and the Observer Research Foundation collaboratively conducted a survey of more than 5,000 youth in India.The results indicate that young Indians are ambitious and show greater autonomy in their career decisions. They acknowledge changing skill requirements and are eager to pursue higher education, undergo additional training and enrol in skill development programmes. At the same time, various factors are blocking their ambitions and preventing them from adapting effectively to the changing nature of work. The survey’s insights can inform policies and strategic action to ensure that India’s young people transition smoothly from from education to economic activity. Here are some key findings:1. Indian youth are independent, optimistic and open to a changing labour marketThe influence of family and peers on the career and educational choices of India's youth is in decline. Young people are increasingly seeking productive employment opportunities and career paths that reflect their individual aspirations. Around half of the respondents cite interest in their field of study as the primary reason for their choice, while 19% report being influenced by their families. Moreover, a third of the respondents report being interested in entrepreneurship, and 63% report being highly or moderately interested in supplementing their income with gig work. This shows a degree of openness towards alternative forms of employment.2. Indian youth need more guidance and career counsellingMany youth report to facing multiple barriers to finding desirable and suitable job opportunities. Factors like information asymmetries on jobs and skills, and lack of guidance for setting realistic career goals and making professional choices, are holding back young Indians. 51% of respondents report that a lack of information about available job opportunities that match their skill sets is a significant barrier. Around 30% report a lack of access to any kind of counselling or mentoring opportunities. 44% of respondents view this as the most important factor in the demand-supply mismatch.Greater access to career counselling and mentoring services can help to address these misalignments between skills and aspirations, and improve young Indians’ career choices.3. Young Indians are interested in pursuing higher education and skills development84% of respondents consider a post-graduate degree as a requirement for their ideal job, while 97% aspire to a degree in higher education. They are also keen on other forms of ongoing education, with 76% of youth reporting that they are very interested in participating in a skills development programme. Increased employment opportunities and higher wages are the main motivators for this goal.This contrasts with the fact that less than 3% of the country’s total working population is vocationally or professionally trained, compared to between 60-70% among developed countries. India must leverage the optimism of its youth and support the proliferation of high-quality education and training opportunities. At present, there is an acute lack of awareness of available government-run skill development programmes. There is also significant scepticism about their quality and relevance. In order to enhance the uptake of existing programmes, it is critical to make them relevant, affordable and accessible.4. The private sector must do more to bridge the skills gapThe private sector needs to play a more active role in enhancing the capabilities and skills of India’s youth. India is faced with a paradox: there is significant youth unemployment, and yet the private sector bemoans a lack of adequately skilled and market-ready workers. Notwithstanding the government’s role in providing basic education and training, there is a significant need for greater private sector involvement. This will ensure that training initiatives are demand-driven and impart skills that match industry requirements.These programmes can be supplemented with career guidance activities with industry professionals, such as talks, seminars and workplace visits.5. India's socio-cultural norms add further complexity34% of the surveyed youth report that discriminatory and personal biases related to their marital status, gender, age or family background are a major barrier when looking for a job. 82% of female respondents said their ideal employment would be full-time, disproving the stereotype that women prefer part-time jobs. Similarly, despite the persistent view that household work and unpaid work are suitable and desirable for women, only 1% of surveyed female youth report this as being a desirable option for them.As the nature of work changes with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, existing gender-based biases are likely to widen if dedicated policies and initiatives are not implemented to address them. Efforts are needed to reduce rather than replicate the biases of today in the future workspace.6. Social Media and the internet can play a bigger role in effective job-hunting81% of survey respondents rely on media and internet sources for obtaining information about employment opportunities. This is particularly insightful in light of the finding from the Future of Work, Education and Skills Survey which reveals that just 14%t of surveyed firms reported using online recruitment channels.The prevalence of social media and internet use among India’s youth presents an opportunity to expand their awareness about education pathways, employment opportunities, skill needs, and available skill development programmes.For 63% of the respondents, a good salary is the most important criteria for choosing a job. The perception of higher pay and job security is consequential in a majority of Indian youth preferring to work in the public sector and exhibiting scepticism for unconventional employment options like gig work and self-employment. More information on the changing labour market and emerging job roles through internet can help break these stereotypes and boost Indians’ appetite for diverse professional and educational pursuits.There are steps in the right direction, such as the Indian government’s Start Up India initiative to boost entrepreneurship; the launch of the Skill India mission; the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; the establishment of industry-led sector skills councils, and the overhaul of the Industrial Training Institutes.While these initiatives indicate the Indian government’s commitment to skilling initiatives, it is imperative to devise specific strategies that address the schism between youth employment preferences and labour market realities. As the nature of jobs and work changes with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this gap is likely to widen. Moving forward, collaborations between various government agencies and ministries, the private sector, academic experts, training organizations, civil society and youth themselves will be critical for enhancing young India’s potential. Our ability to meet the next generation’s aspirations is crucial in boosting labour productivity and driving inclusive growth.