I've found over the years that sometimes something unexpected or small can be a real boost to make you feel more confident and/or comfortable with yourself. So what are the things (large and small) that do it for you guys? Listing some things might give others the inspiration to try something that might end up working for them.

For me lately it's been:

1) Exercise. I'm not doing some intense workout or anything. It's been a slow process over this past year (this month makes 1 solid year of continuous working out) but I've seen some results and they're not all physical. Some actually are mental in that I just feel better about myself.

2) My hair. I consider this a small thing but dying my hair black and getting the "rocker" cut totally did it for me. I've done a lot of experimenting on the hair front and if my hair isn't "right", I'm not right.

3) Layered clothing. Now that it's cold again I can wear layers and this just makes me more comfortable in general.

1) Cargo shorts. I don't know why, but I feel better about myself while wearing them.

2) Hoodies. I can't wear them in school because of the uniform policy, but they make me feel better because I can hide the chest tumors with them.

3) My wrist watch. I feel more masculine checking a watch, as opposed to pulling out a cellphone. I don't really know why.

Cutting my hair, shaving, putting on my cosmetic effects, sex with my wife, having a few beers with my father-in-law.

Quote from: insideontheoutside on November 15, 2011, 06:59:23 PM
1) Exercise. I'm not doing some intense workout or anything. It's been a slow process over this past year (this month makes 1 solid year of continuous working out) but I've seen some results and they're not all physical. Some actually are mental in that I just feel better about myself.

this this this

my dr martin boots, and a cigarette 

1. cooking, it makes me proud and happy that i made something that other people really like.

2. chilling in my boxers, it makes me feel manly and bad ass.

3. my hair, same as insideontheoutside.

Wearing my boxer-briefs, packing even while sleeping (it's improved my sleep too!), changing up my hair, and hearing that I am a handsome boy. ^_^

The new clothes I've bought which everyone agrees are much more masculine, not to mention, suit me well! It's been a big change on my self esteem.

Definitely going to the gym.
:]

3) Layered clothing. Now that it's cold again I can wear layers and this just makes me more comfortable in general.

This times a million. I felt horrible in the summer having to just wear a t-shirt because it's so hot.

Also, my binder, it's crazy but I'm a fair deal less shy than I used to be. I can easily talk to people when I'm wearing it, instead of worrying about how stupid I must look.

Band practice, because my voice is one of the few things I've always loved about myself.

Like insideontheoutside, both layering and my hair. Especially when I've got my trench on, its so comfortable I just don't give a damn.

Being with my boyfriend too, he switched over to always calling me he incredibly fast and never slips up anymore, so its great. he's also defused a few potentially awkward/bad situations with his humor and general good people skills (that I, unfortunately, seem to completely lack).

ditto on exercise

fixing stuff

working my way through what was a very long list of things to do regarding transition/name changes. It's a short list now.

hanging tough in difficult, awkward, uncomfortable situations

learning new stuff...especially stuff that provides opportunies to interact with other guys

When my girl tells me I'm sexy, new clothes
and........  sex

I'll be the 20th person to second layering.  And I just happen to love fall/winter clothes from an aesthetic perspective.  Definitely more of a sweater/pants person than a shorts/tshirt person.

My hair.  Although I loved having longer hair, I needed a change and recently went to the barber for the first time and got it cut short. Although I was pretty intimidated at first, I walked out of there feeling more confident than I had in a long time.

Also, when other guys (that I don't personally know) call me "bro/dude/etc." The first time it happened, it made my day.

I feel confident when I walk my dog and she behaves. When I wear an outfit that looks great...when I'm read as male/called "he" or "sir." Ummm...when I get compliments that aren't skeevy/misgendering/nonpliments...when I beat a car to the next light (not actually drag racing but a drag race in my head).

Can't think of anything else.

When I get called "he/sir". Binding my chest. I know it isn't perfect and I'm far from 100% flat, but it's better than the alternative.

Short  head hair
Armpit/leg hair
Boxers, and button up shirts
Going "like a man"
Being called skipper,  young man/fellow, and man by other men
Doing a job at work that is only done by males, and being told constantly I do it better than the others
When my friends call me Kyle, or ask what name I want them to call me
BINDER!!!!!
Boots

Oh yeahhhh 

Being able to walk to class in -40F and not whine about it like everyone else in town. Like a boss.

Doing something I'm good at. Feeling like I have skills.

Shadow Boxing like a UFC fighter

Beating Video Games

Making serious faces

Standing up for myself