Happy International Women’s day. Perhaps one of my favourite quotes which are very relevant for today is '“A woman with a voice, is, by definition, a strong woman”.

As a women's online coach, women’s personal trainer and postpartum specialist this topic are very close to me and something I am very passionate about.

As women, it is still frowned upon to speak out, step into your power, know what you want and be the leader. I think this is one of the reasons so many of us are scared to step into what we truly desire due to feeling scared of what others will think. We don't want to be known as the 'outspoken and overconfident woman'. 

You see this all comes back to self-confidence. 

So what is confidence? The feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on something or someone. Not having to change shape to fit in, being out true authentic self. 

I have been on my own journey to develop my self-confidence, this has started with developing my self-awareness. If you have access to spending time and money on your mindset and personal development is such a valuable exercise. If you do not have access to this, here are a few of my top tips for building confidence;

1. Don’t let what other people think stop you. We all remember at school everyone wanted to look and do what the ‘popular kid’ did. I myself used to change shape all the time to just fit in. However, it takes real confidence and courage to go against the grain and step into your power. Living for the approval and validation of others is exhausting. Real confidence recognises that there will always be judgement when you step into your power and shine your light. Not everyone is going to like you, and that’s ok.

2. Self-awareness leads to confidence. There is power in understanding your strengths and weaknesses. As you become to understand the areas you need to develop and learn, this is how you grow.

3. Be unapologetically yourself Express your truth with compassion, empathy and care.

4. Don’t judge others. Ever been around someone who talks negatively about others to bring themselves up. That isn’t confidence, that is arrogance and ego. Rather than dragging others down, build others up, this is how you build confidence. Keep working on your mindset, this will build confidence.

5. You are the result of the 5 people you spend your most time with. Spend time with those who lift you up and challenge you. You need people around you who build you up and create a safe place to be yourself. You also need people who challenge you, who give you the chance to be pushed out of your comfort zone.

When working with me on my 8-week programme not only will you develop your health and fitness, you will develop your mindset and body confidence. Click here to find out more.