When you think about showing confidence at work, do you imagine the employees ready with an idea, open to tackling new projects, and who get recognized for their work? Their confidence is evident in how they present themselves, as well as in how others respond to them. You may think confidence is a trait, something you either have or don’t. I’ll let you in on a secret: confidence is a skill.  Research is uncovering how confidence, like leadership and communication, develops. 

If you’re experiencing a lack of confidence at work, you’re not alone. According to NBC News, a surprising 85% of professionals report a lack of confidence in their performance at work. So how can you be a part of that other 15%? With many factors at play, the 4 most common problem areas to focus on are feeling less experienced than other professionals, allowing your weaknesses to get you down, lack of measurements for success, and negative self-talk. Here is how you can tackle these areas to boost your confidence in the workplace. 

1. Invest in Professional Development Training.

Continuous learning is necessary for success in any field, especially if you doubt your expertise. With a large number of remote learning opportunities available, classes happen whenever you have time. Some places to start include self-help books, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Adobe, Skillshare, etc. You can pick the level of learning you need, from intermediate to expert, and develop the skills best suited to increase your professional performance.   

2. Focus on Strengths. 

While it’s easy to focus on all the areas where you could use improvement, try doubling down on your areas of strength. If you need to, write down the areas in which you excel. Think “what type of projects and interactions keep me motivated?” Then, find ways to use your strengths in your workday. If your strength is organization, look for ways you can prioritize activities, manage time, and achieve benchmarks at work. While it may be out of your comfort zone to take on new projects, doing so allows you to showcase your expertise. In turn, the boost of confidence from sharing your strengths can motivate you to engage in more challenging projects and achieve new goals. 

3. Set Quarterly Goals. 

Rather than waiting until the end of the year to pat yourself on the back for a job well, quarterly goals allow you to make celebrating a more frequent occurrence. When you acknowledge more consistent achievements, there is less doubt about whether you’re succeeding. You feel more assured in your abilities and feelings of inadequacies lessen. Plus, accomplishing a goal you didn’t think was possible is a great way to boost your confidence. 

4. Eliminate Negative Self-Talk. 

It’s time to stop saying things like “I don’t have any real skills,” “I’m never going to find a job I like,” and “I’m not an expert.” Studies show negative self-talk leads to higher levels of stress and limited thinking. And if that sounds easier said than done, take small steps. First, acknowledge the negative thoughts. Then, redirect the phrases which lessen your value and confidence. Instead of responding to praise with, “I’m just doing my job,” say “I appreciate it.”  And “I don’t have any real skills” should be replaced with, “I took on a project where I demonstrated my organization, communication, and negotiation skills and received direct feedback upon completion.” Because a healthy level of confidence is not just nice, it’s necessary. 

Next Steps

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