The Science of Confidence

Confidence is a feeling, not a behaviour. Confidence is not a fixed attribute; it’s the outcome of the thoughts we think and the actions we take.

Therefore is it influenced by our Neurochemicals. Crucially – Serotonin, Oxytocin and Dopamine.

Serotonin

Serotonin plays so many different roles in our bodies but crucially it helps us with our confidence and helps to decrease stress and helps us to make calm and rational decisions.

To increase serotonin, challenge yourself regularly and pursue things that reinforce a sense of purpose, meaning and accomplishment. This will help you to build self-esteem and make you less insecure and create a loop to build your Serotonin.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that has been directly linked to human bonding and increasing trust and loyalty. It is also tied to optimism and feelings of happiness.

While not always appropriate for the workplace, a hug can give you a good boost. Alternative ways to release oxytocin are close team relationships and group activities such as having a gym or running buddy. It also a great excuse for a bring your dog to work day so that you can have plenty of cuddles.

Dopamine

Finally, Dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for reward-driven behaviour and pleasure-seeking. If you want to get a hit of dopamine, set a goal and achieve it. It can drive you to be curious, explore and to take action.

You can try to increase your levels of dopamine naturally by being a go-getter in your daily life and flooding your brain with dopamine regularly by setting goals and achieving them.