Surprising Things That Can Boost Your Self-Esteem

Enter a few small competitions that you're likely to win—a debate in your area of expertise, a race against your sluggish partner, a Boggle battle, anything. Tiny victories build confidence on a biological level, says neuropsychologist Ian Robertson in his book The Winner Effect. Each feat sprouts androgen receptors in the brain's reward-and-motivation areas. The more receptors you have, the more testosterone influences you—and the bolder you'll be in your next challenge (especially in a familiar context). Anecdotally, the edge you get from consecutive victories can last for months, Robertson says. (Note: This brain boost was observed in mice, but early evidence suggests it applies to humans too.)