How to Be a Confident Woman & Live a BIG Life
Confidence is a powerful trait. It commands respect, opens doors, and allows us to show up as the best versions of ourselves in every area of life. Yet, cultivating confidence isn’t always easy. For many women, societal pressures, limiting beliefs, and the demands of daily life make stepping into their power feel like an uphill battle.
If you’ve been looking for ways to build your confidence and live life on your own terms, Joan Burge’s book, Give Yourself Permission to Live a BIG Life, provides incredible insights. Joan is a visionary who believes every woman has the ability to own her power and make bold moves toward the life she truly deserves.
Here, we’ll explore actionable strategies pulled from Joan’s teachings to help you discover how to be a confident woman, one who not only embraces challenges but thrives because of them.
Why Confidence Matters
Confidence is often misunderstood, surrounded by myths and antiquated ideas that can hinder personal growth.
One common misconception is that confidence is an inherent trait—you either have it or you don’t. This outdated belief can discourage people, especially women, from pursuing development, as it ignores the fact that confidence is cultivated through experience and self-awareness.
Another myth is that confidence equates to arrogance or dominance, but true confidence is not about overshadowing others or being the loudest in the room. Real confidence is a quiet self-assurance rooted in authenticity and a clear sense of self-worth.
Dismantling these misconceptions is crucial to understanding that confidence isn’t about perfection or pretending to be fearless. It’s about resilience, learning from failures, and stepping into your power with grace and purpose. Confidence reflects how you see yourself and how you handle the world around you. Confidence allows you to take risks, put yourself out there, and grow from your experiences.
Habits of Confident Women
For women, confidence plays a unique and powerful role in breaking boundaries and achieving personal and professional goals. It’s the driving force behind taking bold steps, whether it’s advocating for a long-overdue promotion, pitching a groundbreaking idea, or walking into a room full of unfamiliar faces and owning the space.
Confidence reinforces your sense of self-worth, allowing you to push past doubts and tackle challenges head-on. It’s a skill that grows with practice, empowering women to challenge societal norms, speak up with authority, and pave the way for future opportunities.
If you’ve been feeling less than confident lately, don’t worry. Confidence is something you build. It grows through daily actions, and developing healthy habits is one of the most effective ways to nurture it.
Joan Burge emphasizes the importance of habits that align with your values and big-picture goals. Here are a few to consider adopting today:
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Start With Intentional Mornings
Confident women start their days with purpose. Instead of snoozing the alarm or rushing through the morning, create a routine that sets a positive tone—perhaps journaling, practicing gratitude, or doing a quick yoga flow. Taking ownership of your morning sets a confident tone for the entire day. -
Eliminate Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk is one of the biggest confidence killers. Joan advocates replacing self-defeating thoughts with empowering affirmations. For example, swap “I’m not good enough” for “I am fully capable of this.” Write your affirmations somewhere visible and repeat them daily. -
Prioritize Self-Care
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Schedule time each week for activities that recharge you—whether it’s reading, a spa night, or simply saying “no” to extra commitments. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a commitment to your well-being. -
Practice Daily Wins
Set small, achievable goals every day—like finishing a workout or tackling one item on your to-do list. Each win, no matter how small, reinforces your competence and builds momentum for bigger challenges. Celebrate your progress as you go!
The Role of Body Language
Your body language speaks volumes, often before you say a word. Joan highlights the impact of nonverbal cues in creating a confident presence. Even if you’re feeling uncertain, adopting confident body language can shift your mindset and how others perceive you.
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The Power of Posture
Stand tall—with shoulders back and chin lifted. Good posture makes you look more self-assured and even triggers confidence internally. -
Use Open Gestures
Avoid crossing your arms or hunching. Keep hands relaxed and visible, and maintain natural eye contact to build trust. -
Smile With Purpose
A genuine smile radiates warmth, builds rapport, and shows you’re comfortable in your own skin. -
Master the Confident Walk
Move with intention—take steady, purposeful steps rather than rushing or shuffling. A confident stride makes a lasting impression.
How to Build Confidence in Everyday Life
Confidence, like many soft skills, is a powerful tool that can elevate both your professional and personal life. Developing confidence can help you communicate effectively, take on challenges, and seize opportunities in the workplace.
Strengthening your confidence in everyday situations can improve your relationships, foster resilience, and encourage personal growth. By building confidence in one area, you create a positive ripple effect, enhancing every aspect of your life.
Building confidence doesn’t require dramatic changes. Sometimes, the simplest steps can have the biggest impact.
Here’s how you can bring Joan’s philosophy on confidence into your daily life:
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Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Growth happens when you stretch beyond what feels safe. Challenge yourself to take on projects that intimidate you, attend events where you don’t know anyone, or advocate for yourself in a way that feels bold. Each small step outside your comfort zone reinforces your ability to handle whatever comes your way. -
Seek Out Mentors and Supportive Networks
Navigating the path to confidence is easier when you surround yourself with positive influences. Joan emphasizes the value of strong communities that challenge, support, and inspire you. Participate in women’s groups, mastermind sessions, or mentorship programs to gain fresh perspectives and encouragement.
- Learn to Say No Saying “yes” to every request can leave you overextended and resentful. Confident women understand the power of saying “no” to protect their energy and align their priorities. When faced with requests that don’t serve your long-term goals, practice politely declining without guilt.
- Celebrate Failures as Lessons No one is confident 100% of the time, and that’s okay. Failures and missteps are part of the process. In fact, failure is one of the key foundations upon which confidence is built. Confident women don’t dwell on mistakes. They reflect on them, extract key lessons, and move forward stronger and wiser.
Joan Burge’s Transformative Philosophy
At the heart of Joan’s teachings is the belief that every woman deserves to live a BIG life. This is about fully stepping into your potential, boldly pursuing your goals, and owning your worth. Confidence is the fuel that powers that BIG life.
Her Give Yourself Permission to Live a BIG Life framework offers a roadmap for how to be a confident woman by overcoming self-doubt and unlocking your inner strength. From adopting empowering habits to redefining your relationship with failure, Joan provides the tools to transform aspirations into achievements.
Your Big, Bold Next Step
Confidence is a muscle. The more you work at it, the stronger it becomes. No matter where you are on your confidence journey, know that it’s never too late to grow, transform, and boldly chase the life you’ve always imagined.
