Seven Ways To Boost Confidence At Work
Being a woman in the workplace can often be overwhelming. Trying to succeed in a competitive environment can be tricky, and the environment of rivalry can lead to self-doubt. But having more confidence at work can help mitigate these feelings and make you happier and more successful. It’s a win-win! And here’s how to do it.
Look Outside Your Comfort Zone
One super easy way to boost self-confidence is to actually acquire new skills. If you’re doing something objectively impressive, you’re far more likely to be impressed with yourself. It’ll also help you prove (to yourself and others) that you’re capable, hardworking and keen to improve. Look to volunteer for extra projects at work, go to networking events or even take classes in order to boost your skillset. If you stay within the confines of what you already know you can do, you’ll never learn or develop!
Work Towards A Goal
Setting a target is the best way to develop, and achieving goals (however big or small) is a huge boon to confidence. If you don’t know your eventual aim, it’s impossible to actually achieve it. And if you’re not making traceable movement in the direction you want, it’s easy to start doubting your ability.
Know Your Best Qualities
There are undoubtedly things you are particularly skilled in at work. Figure them out and play to them. Although developing new skills is hugely important, it’s important to start from a base level of knowing what you can already do well.
Surround Yourself With Good People
This may be easier said than done, but trying to find colleagues or friends who make you feel better about yourself is an ideal way to boost your confidence. In a similar vein, try to move away from people who put you down or make you feel of less worth. Knowing someone is fighting your corner will encourage you to work harder.
Fake It Until You Make It
Acting confident is one of the key factors in developing confidence. If you pretend to be confident, people will treat you as such – with respect and admiration. If you’re feeling shaky, put your best face forward rather than hiding away.
Help Others
In order to create an atmosphere of confidence at work, you need to be the change you wish to see. So help out others, congratulate them on jobs well done, and work collaboratively to achieve goals. What you put out will be matched by what you get back – and helping others never harms you.
Don’t Fear Failure
It’s super important to remember that failure is a hug part of success. The key is in recovery – if something doesn’t go according to plan, figure out why and try again, rather than wallowing and allowing it to define your ability. Remember, if you focus too much on avoiding failure, you’ll never try anything new.
Annie Walton Doyle writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in finding candidates their perfect internship. To browse our graduate jobs London listings, visit our website.