We’ve all heard the phrase “fake it ‘til you make it,” and while confidence is essential for personal and professional growth, true confidence doesn’t come from pretending. It comes from a deep sense of self-trust — a trust that you build from the inside out. And that foundation starts in your body.

Many women are taught that confidence is something you have to “perform” in the workplace: stand tall, speak loudly, and show no vulnerability. But the truth is, authentic confidence is felt. It’s the quiet strength that comes from knowing who you are, honoring your body’s wisdom, and trusting that you have everything you need to succeed.

I’ll walk you through several embodiment exercises that have helped me develop my own sense of confidence and self-assurance. From body scans to posture adjustments, these simple practices can shift how you show up in meetings, presentations, and everyday interactions. Because when you lead from a place of inner confidence, everything else falls into place.

Confidence isn’t a personality trait — it’s a state of being. It lives in your posture, your breath, your voice, and your presence. When we feel unsure or self-critical, the body contracts. Shoulders slump, voice tightens, energy hides. But when we feel grounded, upright, and open — we radiate self-assurance.

That’s why the body is the gateway to confidence. Through embodiment practices, you can shift your internal state and begin to feel confident, instead of just “looking” confident. When your body feels supported and aligned, your mind follows.

Somatic Practice: Power Pose With Breath
Purpose: To activate the body’s sense of confidence and openness before a meeting, presentation, or challenging conversation.

Step-by-Step:

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart, spine tall, shoulders relaxed.
   
   
2. Gently lift your chest and let your arms open slightly away from your sides.
   
   
3. Take 5 deep belly breaths — inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth with a soft sigh.
   
   
4. On each exhale, gently repeat the phrase: “I belong here. I trust myself.”
   
   
5. Hold the posture for 1–2 minutes, eyes softly focused or closed.
   
   

This practice signals safety and power to your nervous system, helping you embody calm, confident leadership in the moment.