Success Advice
How to Use Body Language to Turbocharge Your Confidence and Success
If you’ve ever seen the movie Boiler Room, you probably remember Ben Affleck’s character coming into the room saying “motion creates emotion“. He was right. Scientists have proven that body language actually has a profound impact on your blood chemistry.
In fact, social psychologist Amy Cuddy, in collaboration with another researcher Dana Carney, found that simply assuming a dominant body posture for as little as 120 seconds leads to important changes in blood hormone levels. If you assume a dominant posture for as little as two minutes, this is enough to trigger a 20% boost in your blood testosterone levels.
There’s a lot written about the importance of mindset, visualization, affirmations, and psychology for achieving your goals and becoming successful, but in this article, I’ll prove to you how simple changes in body language and posture can literally force you to become more dominant, more powerful, and more authoritative.
The techniques I reveal are very powerful, but they should not be used to portray arrogance and conceit. They should be used to improve your own confidence and self-assurance so that you can perform at your best. Because you can only help others when you feel confident and are performing at the top of your game.
Here are 7 body language hacks you can use to boost your confidence and be more successful:
Body Language Hack #1: Assume a Large, Confident Smile
No matter what’s going on in your life and how you feel, assume a large, confident smile. Dig deep down and make it real. FEEL the happiness, confidence, and courage that takes over your body by simply forcing yourself to smile.
Others will respond to your positivity and confidence and be much more likely to help you achieve your goals. This is why salespeople are told to smile… even when selling over the phone.
Body Language Hack #2: Cock Your Head Back and Keep Your Chin Up
I love this tip because it projects confidence, authority, and control… yet it’s so easy to do. Keeping your chin up gives others the impression that you’re a leader and in charge. It shows that you have mastery of the situation and your emotions and that you are in control. It will also increase your feelings of confidence, self-reliance, and assertiveness.
“I speak two languages, Body and English.” – Mae West
Body Language Hack #3: Curl Up Your Lip in Determination
Curling up your lip (almost as if you’re snarling) is a sign of aggressiveness. It shows that you’re serious about achieving your goals and are determined to accomplish them.
As you work, curl up your lip and notice the sense of seriousness, intensity, and focus that takes over your body. Others will notice your body language and sense the same intensity and focus from you and will naturally follow your lead.
Body Language Hack #4: Squint Your Eyes
Squinting your eyes is a sign of determination. It indicates focus and attention to the task at hand like an animal stalking its prey. Don’t squint when you’re making eye contact with someone, instead, squint when you’re in a meeting or negotiation. Try squinting as you’re thinking about the details being discussed.
Body Language Hack #5: Take Large Strides
Walking in large confident strides tells people that you have nothing to hide and are confident in what you are doing. Occupying large amounts of space, whether when walking, sitting, or standing indicates authority and makes your presence known to others. When you walk, take large strides, keep your head up, make eye contact with people that you come across, and keep your back straight and chin up.
Body Language Hack #6: Keep Your Arms Open
When you’re sitting, pay attention to your arms. Are they crossed? Are they on your lap? Or are they openly resting on a table in front of you? Keeping your arms crossed is a classic sign of vulnerability and defensiveness. Keeping your arms open is the exact opposite. It tells people that you are confident, serious, and optimistic.
“The human body is the best picture of the human soul.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein
Body Language Hack #7: Nod and Smile Expectantly
Nodding is a very powerful body language tool. Whenever you’re nervous, scared, or doubtful, simply nod your head and tell yourself “It’s going to be ok. I’ve got this. This is perfect. I know EXACTLY how to handle this.”
Things don’t always go our way, when this happens we tend to resist. But when you nod your head, you’re accepting the reality and assuring yourself that you’re going to handle it like a champion. It’s a subtle, yet incredibly powerful sign of confidence and positivity.
In fact, that’s why salespeople are taught to say “I’m glad you said that” to every objection they receive. By accepting and acknowledging the situation, they’re able to acknowledge the concern and redirect the prospect back to the sale.