This guest article was written by Fearless Living member and community leader Hannah Walters.
Believing in yourself within your career is a mindset that can transform your life. Imagine walking into a meeting or a presentation with a strong sense of self-belief. How much more confident would you feel? How much better would your work be?
A whopping 79% of women and 59% of men grapple with confidence issues at work. Yes—you read that right! Four out of every five women and more than half of all men wrestle with self-doubt in their jobs.
If you’ve second-guessed yourself or struggled with confidence at work, this article is for you.
Self-doubt can sometimes feel as though we’re on the brink of defeat. But here’s the thing—we all have the tools within us to conquer these obstacles.
The following 8 strategies to help boost your self-confidence in the workplace.
1. Learn to Love Yourself and Accept Who You Are
Are you happy with the person looking back at you in the mirror, or do you doubt your abilities? Many people experience a lack of self-belief in their careers, and it can be crippling.
Accepting who you are is the main ingredient to achieving greater self-belief. Scientific research shows that feeling comfortable in your own skin increases job satisfaction.
Imposter syndrome is extremely common when striving for success in your career. When those voices in your head start to tell you that you can’t do something, pause, and take a deep breath. Consider your accomplishments and qualifications. Focus on facts over feelings.
Trusting in yourself and your capabilities will help you overcome feelings of self-doubt.
Remember: Accepting yourself isn’t a sign of arrogance. Being comfortable with who you are shows strength and courage.
2. Set SMART Tasks
Whether you’re taking on a small or large project doesn't matter. Accomplishing something you’ve set your mind to will boost your confidence. Set your goals using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound).
By using this to set your objectives, you’ll be able to gauge your progress and adjust as needed. For example, let’s say you want a promotion. Break that big goal up into several smaller ones. What small, specific action can you accomplish right now to push that goal forward?
3. Dress to Impress Yourself
The saying “look good, feel good” holds true in so many aspects of our lives, particularly in the workplace. When you put effort into your appearance, it will make you feel good on the inside. It will make you feel confident, and when you feel confident, you’ll radiate that feeling to everyone you encounter.
Have a look at your work wardrobe. Now might be a good time to invest in some new attire! Make sure your new additions are a balance of professionalism and comfort. Feeling confined, itchy, or overheated can take away from the impression you want to give off.
Once you’ve settled on some confidence-boosting, professional, and above all, comfortable outfits, plan out what you’ll wear each day at the beginning of your week to save time.
4. Create a Network of Morale Boosters
A strong support system at work will create an environment where productivity thrives. Stress will take a back seat when you’re surrounded by positive energy.
So, how can you cultivate this support system at work?
- Open communication is the foundation of a supportive workplace. Encourage your colleagues to share their thoughts and ideas, and make sure to actively listen to them. Let them know you’re paying attention by making eye contact, nodding your head, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions.
- Consider setting up a buddy system to help each other navigate challenges. Having someone to turn to when you’re uncertain can make a huge difference in your work.
- Listen carefully to your colleagues and assist them when they’re in need of your support. This shows you care and you’re willing to lend a hand.
- Support other teams when you’ve completed your tasks for the day.
5. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
It’s so easy to get stuck in a routine; after all, we’re creatures of habit. But your routine could be causing you to miss out on new opportunities.
The smallest of actions can make a huge difference in pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. A great place to start is by diving into public speaking—a task that the vast majority of us find daunting. That doesn’t need to mean huge audiences. Start with something small, like a meeting with your colleagues or planning a small work event.
Many people who seem like they have natural confidence only found that confidence from exposing themselves to new situations and making an effort to learn and try new things.
By taking on a challenge that scares you and pushes you out of your comfort zone, you’ll see your self-belief and self-confidence soar. There’s nothing better than pleasantly surprising yourself. You can stand back and say, “I did that. Me.” Plus, you’ll also gain valuable skills and experience.
6. Be Intentional With Your Body Language
Our facial expressions and posture have a massive impact on how others perceive us. You don’t need to utter a single word to communicate a sense of confidence.
Try standing tall in front of a mirror. Raise your arms into the air, roll your shoulders back, and gently allow your arms to fall to either side. Your chest may feel unnaturally puffed out, but this is actually your correct posture. Not only will standing this way on a regular basis ease back pain, but you will also appear more confident.
In a professional setting, you’ll appear more positive, engaged, and reliable. You might even notice an immediate shift in your mood and self-assuredness. Next time you’re prepping for an important meeting, take a moment to look in the mirror and think about how you present yourself. Are you standing up straight? Are your shoulders back? Are you ready to make eye contact? Are you keeping your hands out of your pockets?
Remember that most of our communication is non-verbal. Before entering a space with your colleagues, take time to not only get in the right headspace, but in the right body space as well.
7. Put an End to Negative Self-Talk
Being mindful can help us to reduce our negative self-talk. How often do you put yourself down? How often do you tell yourself you can’t do something? Like Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
You are your greatest champion, so the next time those mean, melancholy monkeys start invading your mind and eroding your self-confidence, take a deep breath, and breathe out that negativity. This will help you break away from a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety.
8. Keep Learning
Consider how you can expand your skills and knowledge within your current job role. Whether it’s a new software program or a professional or personal development initiative, it’ll give you a chance to grow.
Learning and development opportunities are more than a perk to many employees. Studies have shown that 94% of staff members would be more likely to stay with their company if they had access to these professional development opportunities.
But if this isn’t something your employer offers, don’t wait for the opportunity to come to you. Take initiative, have a chat with your manager, and bring up the subject. Intentionally enhancing your knowledge and skills is the most sure-fire way to boost your confidence.
Boost Your Confidence and Put an End to Fear
Studies have proven that strong confidence and self-belief can enhance your professional performance. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone.
There’s an entire community at Fearless Living that understands exactly what you’re going through. We’ve been there, and want to help you break free from this fear.
If you’d like to find out more about what we do or how you can gain even more confidence and self-belief, check out the Fearless Living Training Program or sign up for Fearless You, where you’ll get access to a long list of premium courses that will help you live the life your soul intended™.
This guest article was written by Fearless Living member and community leader Hannah Walters.
Believing in yourself within your career is a mindset that can transform your life. Imagine walking into a meeting or a presentation with a strong sense of self-belief. How much more confident would you feel? How much better would your work be?
A whopping 79% of women and 59% of men grapple with confidence issues at work. Yes—you read that right! Four out of every five women and more than half of all men wrestle with self-doubt in their jobs.
If you’ve second-guessed yourself or struggled with confidence at work, this article is for you.
Self-doubt can sometimes feel as though we’re on the brink of defeat. But here’s the thing—we all have the tools within us to conquer these obstacles.
The following 8 strategies to help boost your self-confidence in the workplace.
1. Learn to Love Yourself and Accept Who You Are
Are you happy with the person looking back at you in the mirror, or do you doubt your abilities? Many people experience a lack of self-belief in their careers, and it can be crippling.
Accepting who you are is the main ingredient to achieving greater self-belief. Scientific research shows that feeling comfortable in your own skin increases job satisfaction.
Imposter syndrome is extremely common when striving for success in your career. When those voices in your head start to tell you that you can’t do something, pause, and take a deep breath. Consider your accomplishments and qualifications. Focus on facts over feelings.
Trusting in yourself and your capabilities will help you overcome feelings of self-doubt.
Remember: Accepting yourself isn’t a sign of arrogance. Being comfortable with who you are shows strength and courage.
2. Set SMART Tasks
Whether you’re taking on a small or large project doesn't matter. Accomplishing something you’ve set your mind to will boost your confidence. Set your goals using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound).
By using this to set your objectives, you’ll be able to gauge your progress and adjust as needed. For example, let’s say you want a promotion. Break that big goal up into several smaller ones. What small, specific action can you accomplish right now to push that goal forward?
3. Dress to Impress Yourself
The saying “look good, feel good” holds true in so many aspects of our lives, particularly in the workplace. When you put effort into your appearance, it will make you feel good on the inside. It will make you feel confident, and when you feel confident, you’ll radiate that feeling to everyone you encounter.
Have a look at your work wardrobe. Now might be a good time to invest in some new attire! Make sure your new additions are a balance of professionalism and comfort. Feeling confined, itchy, or overheated can take away from the impression you want to give off.
Once you’ve settled on some confidence-boosting, professional, and above all, comfortable outfits, plan out what you’ll wear each day at the beginning of your week to save time.
4. Create a Network of Morale Boosters
A strong support system at work will create an environment where productivity thrives. Stress will take a back seat when you’re surrounded by positive energy.
So, how can you cultivate this support system at work?
- Open communication is the foundation of a supportive workplace. Encourage your colleagues to share their thoughts and ideas, and make sure to actively listen to them. Let them know you’re paying attention by making eye contact, nodding your head, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions.
- Consider setting up a buddy system to help each other navigate challenges. Having someone to turn to when you’re uncertain can make a huge difference in your work.
- Listen carefully to your colleagues and assist them when they’re in need of your support. This shows you care and you’re willing to lend a hand.
- Support other teams when you’ve completed your tasks for the day.
5. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
It’s so easy to get stuck in a routine; after all, we’re creatures of habit. But your routine could be causing you to miss out on new opportunities.
The smallest of actions can make a huge difference in pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. A great place to start is by diving into public speaking—a task that the vast majority of us find daunting. That doesn’t need to mean huge audiences. Start with something small, like a meeting with your colleagues or planning a small work event.
Many people who seem like they have natural confidence only found that confidence from exposing themselves to new situations and making an effort to learn and try new things.
By taking on a challenge that scares you and pushes you out of your comfort zone, you’ll see your self-belief and self-confidence soar. There’s nothing better than pleasantly surprising yourself. You can stand back and say, “I did that. Me.” Plus, you’ll also gain valuable skills and experience.
6. Be Intentional With Your Body Language
Our facial expressions and posture have a massive impact on how others perceive us. You don’t need to utter a single word to communicate a sense of confidence.
Try standing tall in front of a mirror. Raise your arms into the air, roll your shoulders back, and gently allow your arms to fall to either side. Your chest may feel unnaturally puffed out, but this is actually your correct posture. Not only will standing this way on a regular basis ease back pain, but you will also appear more confident.
In a professional setting, you’ll appear more positive, engaged, and reliable. You might even notice an immediate shift in your mood and self-assuredness. Next time you’re prepping for an important meeting, take a moment to look in the mirror and think about how you present yourself. Are you standing up straight? Are your shoulders back? Are you ready to make eye contact? Are you keeping your hands out of your pockets?
Remember that most of our communication is non-verbal. Before entering a space with your colleagues, take time to not only get in the right headspace, but in the right body space as well.
7. Put an End to Negative Self-Talk
Being mindful can help us to reduce our negative self-talk. How often do you put yourself down? How often do you tell yourself you can’t do something? Like Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
You are your greatest champion, so the next time those mean, melancholy monkeys start invading your mind and eroding your self-confidence, take a deep breath, and breathe out that negativity. This will help you break away from a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety.
8. Keep Learning
Consider how you can expand your skills and knowledge within your current job role. Whether it’s a new software program or a professional or personal development initiative, it’ll give you a chance to grow.
Learning and development opportunities are more than a perk to many employees. Studies have shown that 94% of staff members would be more likely to stay with their company if they had access to these professional development opportunities.
But if this isn’t something your employer offers, don’t wait for the opportunity to come to you. Take initiative, have a chat with your manager, and bring up the subject. Intentionally enhancing your knowledge and skills is the most sure-fire way to boost your confidence.
Boost Your Confidence and Put an End to Fear
Studies have proven that strong confidence and self-belief can enhance your professional performance. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone.
There’s an entire community at Fearless Living that understands exactly what you’re going through. We’ve been there, and want to help you break free from this fear.
If you’d like to find out more about what we do or how you can gain even more confidence and self-belief, check out the Fearless Living Training Program or sign up for Fearless You, where you’ll get access to a long list of premium courses that will help you live the life your soul intended™.
