A lack of confidence can be a real obstacle to enjoying a full life, but by taking a more hands-on approach you'll discover there are many ways to help you break through the mental barriers.

Books
Working on and developing confidence is within everybody's grasp. Initially, think about which area of your life you'd like to improve - such as confidence at work, with people, in relationships, self-image, etc. Once you've thought about the area you'd like to improve start doing some research.

Go into any major bookstore to the self-help section and you'll find stacks of titles on how to improve self-confidence. It's worth taking time to look through a few before parting with your cash.

Here are a few suggestions

1)Would Like to Meet - The Ultimate Dating Makeover
2)Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - Richard Carlson
3)The Portable Coach - Thomas Leonard
4)Coach Yourself to Confidence - Wendy Bristow
5) How to Improve Your Confidence - Dr Kenneth Hambly
6) 60 tips for Self Esteem - Lynda Field
The internet
The internet is another wonderful source of information. Simply type 'confidence coaching' into a major search engine and you'll tap into a rich seam of expert advice! Sites range from books and residential courses to personal e-mail/telephone coaching.

Incidentally, if personal one-to-one coaching is what you want, go on a personal recommendation (if you can), check out the experience and credentials of the person offering the coaching and ask for a 'taster' session.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
The idea behind NLP is to help you do whatever you already do reasonably well even better. Through a series of exercises NLP can help you acquire skills and communicate more effectively with others, think more clearly, manage your thoughts/moods and behaviour more effectively. It may not suit all tastes but it's worth finding out about because it could be for you. It's important to say that courses can be quite expensive and require time commitment. You'll find lots of information about NLP on the internet.

Self help confidence booster
If you're feeling more pro-active you could join a club or take a few classes. You may not necessarily want to be a dancer or an actress or a kick-boxing champ - but your confidence will soar as a result.

To find out what activities are going on in your area check out your local newspaper, the library, town hall and the further education college. Think laterally and open your mind to new opportunities and possibilities. Good luck!