‘How do I improve my confidence?’ is definitely one of the questions I get asked the most. I’ve trained as a dancer and an actress, both professions in which self-confidence is key, but I’m not going to lie, I’ve most definitely had those wobbly moments when I haven’t felt 100% sure of myself. It’s totally natural to have times of self-doubt, but I’ve learnt how to overcome them and remind myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. And so can you! Over the years of developing Turn’d Up Fitness I’ve learnt some tricks to give my confidence a boost and I want to share them with you. Here are my tips to help to develop your self-confidence, so that you can achieve anything:

1. Have a definite goal and know what you want

Having a strong goal can pull you out of any storm, it’s like a magnet. Whatever this goal might be, it has to be strong enough to pull you through and keep you going when life gets in the way. Having a goal to aim for will build your resilience and develop your self-confidence because you will know that you’re going to get there and you CAN do it.

No matter what your goal is: being a good dancer, having a nice body, or becoming a Turn’d Up Fitness instructor, focus on it and lock it down. Write it on a piece of paper, or use an online checklist like Base Camp. Plot the steps you need to take to achieve your goal and then tick them off as you work your way through. It’s so satisfying seeing yourself getting closer to your goal and achieving loads along the way.

If you’re an ideas person, like me, with a million thoughts racing through your mind, fix your goal by writing it down on a piece of paper and leave it by your bed. Check in with your goal every morning and night. Once you’ve got a plan in mind and you start going places, your self-confidence will soar.

2. Comparison is the thief of joy

Whoever said that was most definitely on to something! The day you stop comparing yourself to others, is the day you will REALLY start to develop your self-confidence and move to the next level. In my line of work, there’s always a competitor coming up behind, but I never let it pull me back. I’ve got a strong vision and don’t pay attention to others.

We’re all in this rat-race together and looking for the same thing, fulfillment and happiness. Everyone is the same deep down and we all want the best for ourselves, so stop focusing on others and concentrate on you instead.

The only person that can really ever hold us back is ourselves, so focus on building yourself up, rather than worrying what everyone else thinks. You’ll soon start to believe in yourself and build your self-confidence. Then I promise you’ll go all the way.

3. Be prepared

Nothing makes me feel more confident than getting organised. Whether you want to develop your self-confidence to ace that job interview, impress in a work meeting, or wow that hot date, putting in the work and time in beforehand will make you feel so great.

Whenever I’ve got a meeting, I make sure I do my research beforehand: Who am I meeting, what do they do, how can we work together? Then I make a list of what I want from the meeting. You can keep the list on your phone on apps like Evernote and Googlekeep, so you have it to hand. A list helps me concentrate and overcome any nerves. Once you know what you want and you pin it down, you can go into any situation full of confidence. You‘ve got this  and no-one can get in your way.

Do your research first and you’ll know you’ve worked hard and given it your best shot. There’s no better confidence boost than knowing that you’ve tried your hardest.

4. Look after YOU

Taking care of yourself is absolutely crucial to develop your self-confidence. You can’t do well in life if you aren’t feeling your best. I’m a firm believer in starting from the inside, out, so diet is HUGE in feeling healthy and confident in yourself. Putting the right foods in your body will help you feel energised and like you can take on the world.

I always start the day with a green juice and it’s so easy to make. Blend a handful of spinach, half an avocado, one apple and one spoon of organic spirulina with water. It’s delicious and will give you all the vitamins and nutrients you need to start the day full of energy and feeling lush. It’s also really good for your skin and gives it a nice dewy feel. So you’ll be glowing inside and out!

You can read more about my relationship with food here.

5. Just say no