Try to mentally elevate and venerate the things you’re good at while giving little importance to the things you’re bad at. Are you a great student but a bad athlete? Then think like this: “I’m the smartest person I know. I’m going to land a sweet job one day. Who cares about these meat-head jocks that people seem to like so much? Sports aren’t important - these guys will be washing my car in just a few years. "
For instance, let’s say a cocky person has just arrived at a party. She sees a semi-close acquaintance having a conversation with someone in the corner. The cocky person might, without hesitation, wordlessly sneak up on her acquaintance, remaining just out of his line of sight, then chime in to the conversation unexpectedly as a shocking, funny prank. The assumption of familiarity is crucial - a less cocky person might have simply walked up to her acquaintance, made an awkward, stilted introduction, then excused herself from the conversation. Sincerity is key here. People naturally look to others for social cues, so the more you sincerely believe that you’re the center of attention, the more other people will too.
On the other hand, a cocky person won’t ever embarrass himself by getting too emotionally invested in an argument. He feels no need to waste energy yelling or resorting to personal insults. After all, he’s right-, so why would he need to? A cocky person won’t refrain from correcting someone out of politeness. [1] X Research source Let’s say his history teacher mistakenly says that East and West Germany reunited in 1989, not 1990. He will raise his hang and politely (but firmly) explain the teacher’s mistake: “Excuse me, I think Germany was formally reunited in 1990. My Grandma was there. "
Truly cocky people exude an air of easy confidence, so even if you’ve put a great deal of effort into your appearance or behavior, act as if it’s effortless. If complimented on a bold style choice, say “Oh this? Just something I found in the closet” rather than “It took me four hours to put together, so I sure hope it looks good!”
Haters often are aiming to get a reaction out of you. Don’t give haters what they want by letting them get you angry or flustered. Casually dismiss them with a line like, “You’re just jealous because you share my impeccable taste in everything. "
If you’re not confident, there’s no magic way to become so overnight, However, to start down the path towards confidence, begin by working towards achievements that make you proud. The good feeling you get from making these achievements will fuel you make bigger achievements, and, ultimately, become more skilled, experienced, and confident.
For example, if your friends are discussing last weekend’s big soccer game, you might say, “Yeah, Beckham’s goal was alright, but his passing game was pretty sloppy. When I played club soccer, I wouldn’t have let the ball get away from me so often. " When you’re in a competition against someone, it’s very cocky to engage in a little trash talk. If you’re competing against a romantic interest, it can even be a little flirtatious. Just make sure to keep away from low blows - if you’re really cruel, you can get penalized or ejected.
Be warned - rubbing an opponent’s nose in his or her failure is not good cocky behavior. It’s embarrassing for everyone involved, especially you. Being a sore winner reeks of low confidence - cocky people know they’re going to win ahead of time, so they’re not hard on their opponents when their prediction comes true.
Cocky touching is great for flirting as long as it’s used within reason. Adjust your body language to suit your partners’ - if at any point s/he seems uncomfortable or creeped out, ease off on your shows of affection.
Cockiness is partly self-deception. [3] X Research source Cocky people create idealized visions of themselves in their mind and act as if these “perfect” visions are the reality, when in fact, they are not. Temporary difficulties are great opportunities for self-reflection. Ask yourself questions like “In what ways have I had an unrealistic image of myself?” and “Have I been too cocky?” Life’s difficulties can act as checks on out-of-control egos and keep us from becoming insufferable narcissists.
Cockiness is partly self-deception. [3] X Research source Cocky people create idealized visions of themselves in their mind and act as if these “perfect” visions are the reality, when in fact, they are not. Temporary difficulties are great opportunities for self-reflection. Ask yourself questions like “In what ways have I had an unrealistic image of myself?” and “Have I been too cocky?” Life’s difficulties can act as checks on out-of-control egos and keep us from becoming insufferable narcissists.
These relatively small changes to your expression can cause significant changes in your behavior. Pretending to feel a certain way can actually make you feel that way, which will make your cockiness seem all the more natural.
Ideally, you want to create the impression that everything you do is important, so walk as if you need to make an important appointment. Most people will naturally assume that you are important.
Don’t appear defensive during confrontations. For instance, if you’re engaged in an argument or debate, don’t cross your arms and look away. Instead, point your body directly at your opponent and look him or her in the eye. Make gestures with confidence. If someone asks you which way is North, instead of feebly pointing with a finger held close to your body, extend your entire arm.
