Confidence doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes, it has to be built over time, often by conquering common fears head-on. While fear can feel paralyzing, learning how to manage and overcome it is a key step toward becoming a more confident version of yourself.

The more you practice, the more you can boost your self-esteem. And while it may take some time, there are 5 handy tips that can make the process much smoother. Let’s take a look:

1. Understand Your Fears

Before you start to tackle your fear, it is first important to understand what may be causing it. Is it the fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, or fear of failure?

When you know the root of your fears, you become better equipped to cope with them. Consider writing down your thoughts in a journal to find patterns that will lead to the root cause. Eventually, you can break down even your biggest fears into manageable pieces.

2. Take Small Steps

Confidence building isn’t an overnight process. You don’t have to leap outside your comfort zone all at once. Start with something small that you feel you can easily achieve. For example, if public speaking terrifies you, consider speaking in front of a small group first. The small victories will build momentum and make your fears feel less daunting with time.

3. Focus on Your Strengths

Everybody has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Spend some time finding your unique strengths. Are you a great listener? A creative thinker? Good at solving problems?

Reminding yourself of the things you’re good at serves as an excellent self-esteem improvement technique.

4. Reframe Negative Thoughts

Fear often stems from negative self-talk. Thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’ll mess this up,” can spiral into a lack of confidence. Instead of letting those thoughts take over, reframe them. For example, replace “I can’t do this” with “I’m learning, and I’ll get better with practice.” Shifting your mindset from self-doubt to self-compassion can make a huge difference.

5. Surround Yourself with Positive People

The people around you have a significant impact on how you see yourself. Spend time with people who uplift and encourage you rather than those who bring you down. Positive influences inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and adopt a fearless mindset.

Become Fearless

Becoming confident doesn’t erase your fears; it just means you’re mentally capable of taking action despite the fears. Eventually, you lead a more courageous and fuller life.

To learn more personal development tips, read From Fear to Fearless by Christine Jones-Barclay. The book offers all the practical strategies you need to become fearless and confident.