By 
Ever wonder why some dudes just seem super confident all the time?
Like they walk into a room and it’s like they own it?
Well, good news.
Confidence isn’t magic—it’s something you can work on.
But sometimes, the stuff you’re doing right now is actually making you less confident.
Want to be a more confident guy?
Then it’s time to ditch these seven bad habits that are holding you back.
1. Seeking Approval from Others
Posting that picture on social media and then constantly checking to see how many likes it’s gotten.
Or asking five friends what they think about your new outfit or job choice.
While it’s normal to want a little pat on the back, always seeking approval from others can mess with your self-esteem big time.
Here’s the deal: confident men don’t need someone else to tell them they’re awesome—they know it.
It doesn’t mean they think they’re perfect, but they’re cool with who they are, flaws and all.
So, the next time you catch yourself looking for a thumbs-up from someone else, take a step back.
Ask yourself why you need their approval. And remember, the only approval that truly matters is your own.
Ditching the constant need for validation is the first step toward real, rock-solid confidence.
2. Comparing Yourself to Others
I remember scrolling through Instagram, seeing friends vacationing in exotic places or flexing their six-pack abs, and thinking, “Man, I wish that was me.”
Sound familiar?
It’s natural to measure ourselves against others, but believe me, all that does is fuel your own self-doubt.
Confident men understand that life’s not a competition with anyone else but themselves.
They’re too busy focusing on their own growth and accomplishments to waste time sizing up against someone else.
Sure, it’s easier said than done, especially when social media is basically a highlight reel of everyone else’s life.
But when you catch yourself going down that comparison rabbit hole, hit the brakes.
Ask yourself: “What’s something awesome I’ve done recently?” or “What’s a goal I’m working toward?”
Shift the focus back to you and your journey. Because at the end of the day, the only person you should be better than is the person you were yesterday.
3. Avoiding Difficult Conversations and Confrontations
Ever found yourself nodding along in a conversation or situation just because you didn’t want to rock the boat?
Maybe someone cracked a joke that rubbed you the wrong way, but you laughed anyway.
Or perhaps you didn’t stand up for yourself when you were overlooked at work.
Guess what?
Dodging difficult conversations isn’t doing your confidence any favors. In fact, it’s eating away at it, bit by bit.
Let’s be real: confrontation sucks. No one likes it. But sometimes, it’s necessary.
Confident men don’t shy away from tough chats; they lean into them.
Why?
Because they know that standing up for what they believe in—even when it’s uncomfortable—is crucial for self-respect.
And man, nothing boosts your confidence like knowing you had the guts to speak your truth, even when your voice was shaking.
4. Acting Overconfident or Arrogant
There’s a fine line between genuine self-assurance and putting on an arrogant show.
You might think that talking yourself up or dominating every conversation shows how confident you are.
But honestly? It often does the opposite—revealing insecurity and a need for attention.
Truly confident men don’t need to broadcast their awesomeness. They let their actions speak for them.
They’re great listeners, not just great talkers. They’re interested in learning from others, not just showcasing their own knowledge or skills.
They’re cool with sharing the spotlight because they don’t need constant validation.
You don’t have to puff up your chest and act like Mr. Know-It-All to be confident.
Real confidence is more subtle, more balanced. It’s a quiet strength that people can sense when they’re around you.
5. Overthinking and Second-Guessing Yourself
Ah, the classic overthinking spiral.
Been there, done that.
I used to lie in bed replaying conversations in my head, wondering if I said the right thing, or if I should’ve done something differently.
Raise your hand if you’ve been in that boat—metaphorically, of course.
Overthinking doesn’t just rob you of sleep; it steals your confidence, too.
Listen, confident men make mistakes—just like everyone else.
The difference?
They don’t dwell on them. They make a decision, own it, learn from it if it doesn’t pan out, and move on.
No endless pondering, no what-ifs, no self-inflicted guilt trips.
The next time you find yourself stuck in an overthinking loop, take a step back. Ask yourself, “Will this matter in a week? A month? A year?”
Most of the time, the answer will be a resounding “no.”
Give yourself the freedom to make choices without agonizing over them. And if you do mess up? Own it and grow from it. That’s what real confidence is about.
Remember, life’s too short to spend it second-guessing yourself. Take action, adjust if needed, and keep moving forward.
6. Playing It Safe and Avoiding Risks
How many times have you stood on the edge of something great, only to back away because it felt too risky, too uncertain?
Maybe it was asking someone out, applying for that dream job, or even something as simple as sharing your real opinions in a group setting.
Whatever it was, you opted for the safe, comfortable route.
And let me guess: you told yourself you were being “practical” or “realistic,” right?
Here’s the hard truth: playing it safe is a confidence killer. It’s a life of “what-ifs” and regrets, and it’s as far away from true confidence as you can get.
Confident men take risks. Not recklessly, but calculated ones where they weigh the options, then go for it.
They understand that failure isn’t a dead-end; it’s a detour, a lesson, a stepping stone to something greater.
And even when they crash and burn, they come out the other side with more wisdom and a thicker skin.
So stop hedging your bets. Stop waiting for the “perfect” moment or the “sure thing,” because spoiler alert: they don’t exist.
Get out there and take that leap of faith.
Even if you fall flat on your face, you’ll have gained something invaluable: the knowledge that you had the courage to try.
7. Always Being “The Nice Guy”
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being nice. Kindness is a virtue, one that we could all use a little more of in this world.
But always being “the nice guy” can actually hurt your confidence.
After all, being the nice guy often means putting everyone else’s needs before your own, never setting boundaries, and avoiding conflict at all costs.
In essence, you become a people-pleaser, desperate not to rock the boat or upset anyone.
Sure, on the surface, you may look like the most agreeable person in the room, but inside, you’re slowly eroding your own self-respect—and by extension, your confidence.
Truly confident men understand the importance of kindness, but they also recognize the value of standing their ground.
They know how to set boundaries, how to say “no” when needed, and how to assert themselves without being aggressive.
It’s not about being selfish; it’s about respecting yourself enough to make your own needs a priority, too.
So the next time you find yourself automatically agreeing to something you don’t actually want to do or holding back your opinions to keep the peace, stop and reconsider.
Being nice shouldn’t come at the expense of your own self-worth.
Remember, true confidence doesn’t mean you’re always the nice guy; it means you’re genuinely a good person, but one who knows his own worth and isn’t afraid to show it.
