If you’ve seen our January issue, featuring Kim Kardashian (if not, what are you waiting for?) then you know that this month, ELLE is talking confidence. For that extra boost, there’s nothing like a few short inspirational videos from the people that know their subject areas best. Exploring every aspect from body language to pushing boundaries, here are ELLE’s top 5 confidence-boosting TED talks.

Amy Cuddy – Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

Sit up straight. Seriously. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy talks about behavioural body language and how it can have a direct effect on how people perceive us. Via humorous examples of public figures, she delves into ‘power posing’, and how standing confidently (particularly when we don’t feel confident) can affect stress levels in the brain and even impact our chances for success. Well, you heard her.

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Mel Robbins – F--- You – How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over

Mel Robbins is an Ivy League-educated criminal lawyer, mother-of-three, and one of the top career and relationship experts in America. Starting off by calculating the miniscule chance of your existence – a mouth-dropping one in four hundred trillion - Robbins emphasises that we are all capable of incredible ideas and actions, and puts the responsibility of changing our lives in our own hands. Her talk importantly instills the need to have the confidence to force yourself out of your comfort zone.

Dr. Ivan Joseph – The Skill of Self Confidence

‘When you lose belief in yourself, you’re done for.’ Former football coach Joseph explores how confidence is not only the most important skill in athletics, but also in our lives. He references J.K. Rowling and her determination to be published, despite all the incessant early rejections: ‘Do not accept failure.’ And the best part? Joseph believes confidence is a ‘skill’ that can be honed. Pencil and paper and the ready.

Sheryl Sandberg – Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders

After a promotion? This is for you. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg starts by discussing how men and women differ in the workplace, explaining that women underestimate their own abilities, which means that only a small percentage will reach the tops of their professions. Sandberg urges us to ‘sit at the table’ and have belief in our abilities, as this conviction is what can propel you to the next step.

Matt Cutts – Try Something New for 30 Days

Cutts encourages us to try something new for a month, explaining how it can make life more memorable. He states that 30 days is enough time to pick up a bad habit, but also enough time to try something new and adventurous. He delves into how seemingly trivial but sustainable things like opting to bike to work and taking a picture a day made his self-confidence and creativity grow. ‘Here’s my question to you: what are you waiting for?’