Beating Doubt: Self-Confidence Exercises for Men
For a long time, I had zero self-esteem. Not low. Zero. Every time I did something decent, I felt like a fraud, like I didn’t deserve the win, didn’t “earn” it somehow, or worked hard enough. That feeling? It showed up sometimes, on occasion, and a lot for a while. But I’ve learned to spot it and navigate. And I’ve picked up a few self-confidence exercises for men to try and hopefully build up inner confidence, or at least, A step on the road to being more yourself.
Here’s what helps me still today.
..but first
I’m not a licensed therapist or medical professional, and this content isn’t medical advice.
You’re responsible for how you choose to use the information shared here.
Always talk to a qualified pro if you’re dealing with serious mental or physical health issues.
First Up: Know Your Style (Personality-Wise)
You can’t build confidence if you don’t even know what type of guy you are. I’m not talking zodiac signs. I mean personality. We tend to fall somewhere between these pillars:
Dominant, Inspiring, Cautious, and Supportive.
Here’s the breakdown:
Dominant:
You like taking the lead, and crushing goals. Try HIIT or competitive sports. Something that pushes your limits. Think Cross fit, Tough Mudder!
Inspiring
You’re social & energetic. Group classes like hiking or low key team sports are your zone. You thrive on connection.
Cautious
You like calm and structure. Running or yoga gives you space to think and move without chaos.
Supportive
You’re all about community. Partner workouts or small group hikes let you connect while staying active.
Check out the way to master the art of pan-cooking the best steak if you want to level up your confidence in more ways.
Workouts That Match Your Personality
Matching your workouts to your vibe makes a big difference. Here’s what’s worked for me (and might for you too):
If You’re a Go-Getter:
If your workout doesn’t match your mindset, it won’t stick. Here’s what worked for me—match what feels right:
- Weightlifting → Reps
- CrossFit → Timed circuits
- Tough Mudder – Full body, highly competitive, tons of fun!
If You Like Your Space:
Sometimes you just need quiet. I’ve been there. Running solo or doing yoga at home helped me reset. It was just me, my thoughts, and some deep breathing.
- Running → Trails, music off or on if you wanna zone out.
- Yoga → Home mat, no pressure
- For the more social or solo I may suggest Tai chi
If You’re Social:
You feed off other people’s energy. Group workouts like boot camps or pickup games give you that boost. The camaraderie keeps it fun and motivating.
- Boot camps → 10–20 people
- Team sports → Grab your crew
If You’re a Supporter:
You’re fueled by connection and purpose.
Spin classes – Sweat in sync.
Chill circuits – Accountability without pressure.
Indoor vs Outdoor: Where You Move Matters
The vibe of your workout space messes with your head more than you’d realize.
Indoors
Great for routine. You control the playlist, the temp, the vibe. But some people feel boxed in, and it can mess with self-image (NCBI study says so).
Outdoors
Sunshine. Trees. Air. It’s not just vibes—it boosts mood, fights stress and improves self-esteem (NCBI says that too).
Working out outdoors gives you a better mood boost, more stress relief, and a solid dose of vitamin D. You’re also less likely to feel judged out here than possibly a gym about your body.
Indoors, like at the gym, the vibe is more neutral—decent for stress and mood but with less sunlight and more pressure to look a certain way.
No right/wrong answer. Just pick what fits your brain that day.
Quick Tip: Workout bands like giant rubber bands are a no-joke workout and a legit pump. The best point is they have the versatility for indoor and outdoor use.
Let’s Talk Clothes for a Second
Now, I know this post is about mindset, but confidence wears clothes. Literally.
When I felt like a ghost, I dressed like one. Oversized tees, random sweats, nothing with intention. Once I started putting even a little thought into it, like a clean shirt, maybe a ring or a chain. I stood straighter. I got noticed. I started noticing myself.
Confidence isn’t about being flashy. It’s about showing the hell up like you give a damn.
Need a start? Here’s a guide on building your look.
Ever feel different when you wear something tailored vs. tossed-on? That’s not placebo. That’s enclothed cognition. In a study, people in “doctor’s coats” performed better on tests—because they believed the coat meant something.
It’s not about the fabric. It’s about the story you attach to it.
So yeah, put on that jacket. Lace those boots. Wear the mindset you want to walk in. Athletes do it. CEOs do it. Batman does it.
Want to get started? Check out the basics of crafting your look.
Ever notice how slipping into a clean, fitted outfit hits different than tossing on whatever’s crumpled at the end of your bed? That’s enclothed cognition at work. It’s a term coined by researchers to explain how the clothes you wear affect your mindset, behavior, and even performance. In a now-famous 2012 study, participants who wore lab coats performed better on attention tasks—but only when they believed the coat was a doctor’s coat, not just a painter’s smock. The key isn’t just the fabric. It’s the meaning you attach to it. (For more on Enclothed cognition, check out some info at the National Library of Medicine)
It’s about dressing in a way that triggers the mindset you want. Athletes do it. CEOs do it. Hell, even Batman does it!
The right fit = the right frame of mind. Want to take it further? Here’s a good read on how enclothed cognition plays into identity and social psychology: Harvard Business Review – Dress for Success.
Beating Imposter Syndrome
I once landed a graphic design gig at a multi-million-dollar firm in a major city, following just three interviews. One phone call, two sit-downs, and bam: hired.
Suddenly, I had more money, more pressure, and way more responsibility.
Then that voice crept in:
Am I missing something obvious? Or do I just not know what I don’t know?
That’s Imposter Syndrome.
It kicks in when success feels too easy or when you score something you don’t think you’ve “earned.”
like you haven’t suffered enough to deserve the win.
Around 70% of people feel it at some point.
You’re not broken. You’re not alone.
It’s just bad brain static. Don’t let it steer.
When it hits, I remind myself:
If they hired me by accident, then some even dumber bastard signed off on it—maybe I should have his job.
Stay sharp. You’re not the impostor. You’re the upgrade.
Here’s what’s helped me:
- Notice it – Catch that voice that says you’re a fraud.
- Talk it out – Seriously, vent to a friend. BUT! Not enough to reinforce the mindset. No rumination.. if ya can.
- Flip the script – Replace “I suck” with “I’m learning.”
- Keep receipts – Write down wins, even small ones.
- Get outside input – A mentor, coach, or therapist gives a clearer view.
Set goals that are real. Not “run a marathon by next week,” really just doable. Accomplishing something small builds the muscle to try something bigger. No Zero sum Days.
Goal Type | Example |
Short-term | Finish a workout challenge |
Medium-term | Wrap up that project early |
Long-term | Go for that promotion |
For a better deep dive into handleing imposter sydrome nothing beats therepy – but this is an amazing scorce of info from the McClean Hospital.
Movement = Mental Clarity
When I move regularly, everything works better. Less anxiety. More focus. Better mood.
And yeah, better body doesn’t hurt ..ok it does but its a good hurt —but it’s for the mental clarity that really matters. Florida Atlantic University backs it up.
Working out boosts your mood thanks to endorphins kicking in. It sharpens your focus by getting your blood pumping, which feeds your brain. And it helps dial down stress by lowering cortisol and adrenaline.
Start small. 10-minute walks. Push-ups before bed. Something. Consistency builds belief.
Enjoy It or Ditch It
Don’t force workouts you hate. That’s how routines die. Try new stuff. Switch it up. Dance, box, lift, run. Out of all the self-confidence exercises for men I can provide THIS is my favorite! Because as guys we tend to look at dabbling as wasting time – allow yourself time to learn.
Doesn’t matter what it is—just move yourself and enjoy it.
And if you need a break from all that sweating, learn to cook a killer pan steak. They count too.
Final Word: Style, Mindset, Movement
Your brain and body are more connected than we’re told. When I started dressing like I cared, I felt more confident. When I moved my body, my brain stopped attacking itself so much. When I spoke up gave myself some kindness, and then slowly believed in myself enough to overcome impostor syndrome feelings. They just lost power.
Your clothes, your workouts, your wins, they don’t have to be flashy. They just have to be yours.
Utilize the self-confidence exercises for men to build that look. Move your body. Start small. Remember You’re not faking anything, you’re just finally showing up.
Trying to take life at a stride and believe in yourself while breaking down seems like stagnation, but I promise you from my own experiences that you sometimes need to fall apart to fall into place.
here’s a fun read when you’re ready to wear the armor.
