We know a confident woman when we see her. It’s not just the way she carries herself but how her essence, her very being, inspires and uplifts those around her. We may not feel self-assured all the time, but embracing the traits below can help us build confidence as we continue to grow and evolve. Ladies, keep in mind that this is not a definitive list, but a confident woman is bound to have a few of these habits in her arsenal.

1. She is not afraid to take up space.

If you’ve become comfortable with playing small, Sis, consider this your invitation to come out of the shadows! A confident woman understands that when she shares her gifts with others, she gives someone the courage to do the same.

People gravitate to those who aren’t afraid to shine their light. Not only is it infectious, but it makes others around them feel good. God didn’t put you here to keep quiet; He placed divine purpose in you. Don’t hesitate to show up and be great. You never know who needs what you have.

Scripture she stands on: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV).

2. She is aware of her strengths and weaknesses.

A confident woman is self-aware! She knows her strengths and where she struggles, and you’ll most likely find her using both to her advantage. She plays up her strengths where it matters most while making time to grow in the areas where she lacks. She doesn’t look at her weakness as her downfall but as an opportunity to get better.

Scripture she lives by: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14, NIV).

3. She is not afraid to try something new.

Is there anything you’ve been wanting to tackle but continue to put off? It’s never too late to just go for it! Nothing ever grows in comfort zones, and one of the best ways to build your confidence is to take a leap of faith into the unknown. In the process, you learn how courageous you are and that there’s nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it. When you habitually step out of your norm, you become less afraid to try other things you’ve never done before.

Scripture she holds close: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV).

4. She has no problem saying no when she needs to.

Long gone are her days of people-pleasing. Or saying “yes” to all requests for the sake of being liked. She knows that sometimes saying “yes” comes at the expense of saying “no” to herself and what she wants. A confident woman knows that saying “no” is a form of self-care and she saves her “yes” for the moments she really means it.

Scripture she stands on: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2, NLT).

5. She takes pride in looking her best.

There’s a popular saying that, “When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you do good.” Caring about how you look isn’t just about vanity or impressing others; it’s a physical representation of how you feel about yourself. Looking your best doesn’t warrant that you buy a new wardrobe. It also includes making sure your clothes are neat, your hair groomed, and your smile authentically on point. You never know who you may run into, and first impressions are everything.

Scripture she keeps in mind: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future” (Proverbs 31:25, NLT).

6. She prioritizes her health care.

When it comes to looking good, she knows the importance of feeling good from the inside out. She listens to her body and gets the help she needs when something feels off. She cares about the food she eats because she wants to take care of her body. And a confident woman doesn’t stop at her physical health. She makes room for self-care that goes beyond getting her hair and nails done. It could be as simple as taking a bath or lighting a candle, but if it refuels her soul, she’s all for it. She regularly checks in with her mental and emotional state because she knows those are key factors in her overall happiness and well-being.

Scripture she refers to: “Do you not know that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV).

7. She holds herself accountable while being kind to herself at the same time. A confident woman does her due diligence to keep track of her goals, but she knows not to beat herself up about it. She gives herself grace on the days she misses the mark and makes a point to always dust herself off and keep moving. When we become too hard on ourselves, it cripples our ability to move forward with our heads held high. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect; you just have to commit.

Scripture she looks to: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).

9. She focuses on the good.

Life isn’t perfect, but a confident woman chooses not to focus on that. She looks for the good in every situation, which cultivates gratefulness, no matter what her circumstances may be. By having a positive outlook, she enjoys the gift of being content and always trusts that something good is about to happen to her.

Scripture she meditates on: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).

10. She understands that she’s everything with God yet nothing without Him.

Last, but certainly not least, a confident woman believes in her abilities but knows that God is behind it all. We must believe in ourselves while knowing that God is The One empowering us. We couldn’t do it without Him and, more importantly, we don’t want to.

Scripture she lives by: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NLT).

Have you registered for the Woman, Thou Art Loosed Homecoming? Join us in Atlanta, GA, next year for the Grand Finale by registering at WTAL.org/Register