I naturally jumped at the opportunity when was offered to spend a day in a filming set to be part of an ad. Even though I wasn't sure what to expect… My company asked around the office if we were interested to take part. The theme was going to be Victorian East London street market.

It was a fun day! I was given this awesome Victorian outfit for a working-class woman that walks through the market. My makeup was done to look scruffy. I looked like someone hadn't had a bath for a while…

The script was very simple, we had to walk down the street… I honestly think we repeated the process at least 50 times.

I wanted to share this story with you because like everyone else I sometimes suffer low self-confidence in various areas of my life

To understand what can cause it, I listed a few reasons - I call them

The Confidence Crashers

• Being bullied as a child

• Too strict upbringing

• Criticism from others in adult life

• Feeling different/standing out

• Feeling left out

• Failure

• Being let down by loved ones

• Fears

• Traumas

• 'Wrong' Mindset

Positive thinking

I aim to look for the silver lining in every situation, always worked for me.

Let's say I apply for a job but I don't get it; I tell myself I did not get it because there was something better for me. By doing that I turn my feelings of failure into a positive one.

Practice uncomfortable situations

As an example: public speaking is nerve wrecking, no matter how you test yourself in front of a mirror or with a friend. The feeling of uncomfortableness will only fade away if you put yourself out there and do it as many times as you can.

I was only 18 when I took on a summer job in our local cinema to be a cashier for a couple of months - I can't tell you how embarrassed I was for days and days, my cheeks were burning like sunburn… but eventually I got used to being in a fishbowl in front of customers and I got more relaxed.

Learning

Learn something new, how to play the piano, start a photography course, learn a new language - even just to be able to order drinks during your next holiday.

By learning we naturally build a confidence in ourselves especially if we put our newly learnt skills into practice.

When we got our puppy, I started reading books about how to take care of Luna, our German Shepherd. How to housetrain, how to teach boundaries, what are the needs of a working dog.

From not knowing much about dogs I built up this knowledge where I feel more confident even advising other puppy owners in our local park during walks and I will do in my future blogs.

Surrounding yourself with positive people

Nothing is more soul crashing than when you get negativity and criticism from others which often a result of their own low self-esteem or unhappy thoughts.

I only have a few close friends, but they are all friendly, encouraging and supporting me when I need it.

Everybody has a work colleague that uses the classic: 'You look tired.' line. Cut them out, we don't need negative, mean critics in our lives. We need kind souls that ask us if we want a cup of coffee when they see we are not being ourselves.

Quick tips to start making changes

• Try a new look / experiment with your make-up, hair

• Book yourself a makeover photoshoot - I did it twice!

• Practice public speaking

• Walk in front of a crowd/audience

• Enroll to a course, learn something new

• Join groups of likeminded people

• Join to school PTA

• Volunteer for a cause you care about

Don’t miss out! Begin your adventure to building your confidence towards a happier life.

Download your free copy of my Ebook ‘ How To Boost Your Confidence’