5 Best Activities for Improving Self-Confidence
Salsa / Partner Dancing
The crème de la crème. Trial by fire. This is probably your best bet to swiftly improve your ability to talk to people, be around the opposite gender without seizing up, and make friends or even a potential romantic partner in a matter of months. Salsa, or social dance in general, breaks down a number of social barriers extremely fast. The dance community is welcoming and a lot of fun. In my experience, it tends to attract a wide variety of people, so you're likely to get along with at least one person there. It's also suitable for all ages, so you can quite literally dance 'til you drop!
The magic of social dance is that it breaks down the barrier of physical touch and close proximity in a very natural, non-creepy way. This speeds up how fast people become comfortable with each other ten-fold. This activity forces you to work on multiple social skills simultaneously.
Tip: For introverts, starting can be challenging. Just showing up and following instructions is a win. Everyone feels awkward at first, so you gain instant cool points just by trying. For guys, take things slow with the ladies. Dance with a variety of partners, and try not to focus on finding a girlfriend.
Also, the music bangs. Check out Frankie Ruiz if you get the chance!
Combat Sports (Boxing)
I started boxing about a year ago, and since then, I've stood up straighter, felt more confident, and even become a huge UFC fan. The funny part? I'm not that good at it! Sparring has often left me feeling a bit chumpy, but I'm getting better and stronger. Plus, I can skip rope like a pro now!
Boxing is one of those sports that can transform your psyche. Find a gym with real athletes and serious trainers. Avoid gyms that only offer cardio-based boxing workouts, like a spinning class. Look for a coach who values safety, especially if you're new to the sport. They should gradually introduce you to sparring and ensure you're comfortable before putting you in the ring.
Pro tip: You shouldn't be leaving with regular injuries or headaches. If you are, find a better gym!
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is an awesome sport that not only keeps you fit but also introduces you to a fantastic community. It's undeniably cool to conquer a fear-inducing activity, and while climbing looks dangerous, sport climbing is relatively safe. I became obsessed with it and made great friends while getting into the best shape of my life. The barrier to entry is low, and you can make significant progress in your first year, making it a deeply satisfying sport.
Joining a climbing gym is a great start, but you may need to put in some effort to meet people. When bouldering, it's easy to strike up conversations on the mats. Once you've made a connection, suggest climbing on ropes together, as you’ll need a partner for that.
Pro tip: Check out local Facebook climbing groups to find partners. Posting a simple message like, "Hey, I'm a new climber looking for a partner to get on ropes at the gym," works wonders.
For inspiration, watch Uli Steck's speed ascent of the Eiger in Switzerland. (Note: Alpinism, unlike sport climbing, is very dangerous.)
Volunteering
Few things build confidence like stepping outside your world to help others. Volunteering connects you with people from all walks of life and makes you part of something bigger than yourself. You’ll be putting yourself in situations where you’re interacting with new people, tackling challenges, and honing communication skills—all while doing good for your community. Whether it’s working at a food bank, mentoring kids, or cleaning up local parks, you’ll feel accomplished and gain a sense of purpose. Plus, people generally appreciate volunteers, so you’ll often be met with smiles and gratitude. Who doesn’t feel a little more confident after making a positive impact? Just make sure to pick a cause you care about, and you’ll be golden.
Drinking
When all else fails, the bottle provides. Whether alone or with friends, a good pint of beer or some tequila shots can turn you into a social butterfly in no time. Just don't rely on it, skip the other hard work, or—worse—go overboard!