I’ve come to realize that self-confidence is one of the components of positivity. To be optimistic about the future, you have to believe that you’ll be able to handle it.

So I wasn’t surprised to find rules for increasing self-confidence in Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking. Here are six of the secular ones:

1. Imagine what success would look like. Your brain will automatically work to make it a reality.
2. When you think a negative thought, counter it with a positive one. (It’s raining, but at least I get to use my new umbrella!)
3. Don’t ignore your troubles, but don’t inflate them into huge obstacles, either.
4. Be yourself: don’t try to imitate other people.
5. If you feel inferior to others, figure out why. (Knowing thyself is so important.)
6. Do an honest assessment of your abilities, then add 10 percent.

Photo by Flickr user glsims99