You may view confidence as this far off, elusive trait that seems beyond your grasp, difficult to maintain on a day-to-day basis, or something you’re always trying to build because it’s not quite strong enough.  But you may be surprised to learn that you’re more confident than you think you are and already do things that proves it.

There’s far too much focus nowadays on what you can’t do, don’t do, or lack.  It’s time to turn the focus around and share more about what you do and are learning how to do to recognize and celebrate yourself.

You know that confidence and self-confidence are developed through your thoughts that create feelings and drive your actions.  But instead of looking at what you’re thinking to determine how confident you are, try looking at your actions, things you do on a regular basis, as clues instead.

Here are some actions that may be clues to just how confident you already are:

1. You’re Comfortable Spending Time Alone

Every woman has a different level of the need for social interaction.  Some women draw their energy from being around other people, some like time with a small circle of friends, others prefer to recharge in solitude, and so many other variations. But there’s a difference between not liking time alone and being afraid to be alone.

Being able to spend time alone is a sign of confidence.  You like yourself enough that you enjoy your own company and, even though you enjoy having others around you, you don’t need others to make you feel good.

2. You Don’t Depend on Others to Make You Happy

Being 100% responsible for your own happiness is an indication of a confident women.  Depending on other people and things to make you happy is just setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration.  It’s up to you to be accountable for how you feel, regardless of other peoples’ behavior.  This is an empowering way to live and creates better results in your life.

3. You Manage Your Finances

As a confident woman, you are in control of your money.  You know where your finances stand and you’re not dependent on someone else to manage things for you.  Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a household financial contributor, or the bread-winner for your family, you know your financial picture well and have a say in all earning, saving, and spending decisions.

4. You Manage Your Emotions

Feelings and emotions are part of the human experience and as a confident woman you understand that life consists of both positive and negative ones.  Even though you strive to feel happy or joyful, you know you don’t have to feel that all the time.  You understand the value of experiencing the range of emotion (including the negative) based on what’s happening in your life.  Afterall, you don’t want to be happy when something sad happens!  You manage your emotions by allowing them into your experience but not dwelling on them.  Indulging in emotion keeps you from taking action.  By managing your emotions, your power and ability to change your life increases tenfold—and so does your confidence!

5. You Set Goals and Take Action to Achieve Them

Most people have goals of some sort and at some level.  But confident women make a plan and take action to achieve them.  You do the work to overcome the doubt and embrace the discomfort that inevitably comes when you’re working towards your goals but you don’t use them as excuses to give up.

Did any of these actions ring true for you?  Even if you do just one of them on a regular basis, it’s a sign that you are confident and, on your way, to becoming even more confident. Of course, being a confident woman isn’t about what you do or how others see you, it’s about how you see yourself.  And the items above are indications of what I call 4 Pillars of Self-Confidence (self-worth and belief, self-trust, emotional courage and resilience, and self-perception), proving that you’re confident.  Maybe even more confident than you thought you were!

To learn more, I invite you to follow me on my Facebook Page, where I share inspiration, tips, and teachings to create more confidence and empowerment.