7 Ways to Boost Your Self-Confidence in the Office

Everybody talks about its importance, everybody wants more, but self-confidence is not easy to achieve. Looking at self-confident people can inspire us and, at the same time, make us a little envious. It seems that those with self-confidence are better able to achieve their goals and get what they want from life.

In this article, you’ll what self-confidence is and how it can help you to achieve the success you desire.

What Is Self-Confidence?

According to the University of South Florida, self-confidence is an attitude about your skills and abilities. Self-confidence is the ability to look at yourself and see yourself positively, your self-worth, and appreciate what you realistically can and can't do.

Why Is Self-Confidence Vital?

Those with self-confidence can follow what they believe in without fear of what other people think. They can take calculated risks based on the belief that they will succeed. You can accept a compliment and admit your mistakes. All of which will help you achieve what you want in life.

On the other hand, a lack of self-confidence can be like a lead weight dragging down your career chances.

Why Self-Confidence Matters

Self-confidence is crucial in enabling us to achieve our goals. Just a small spark of confidence can allow you to accomplish something important—giving you more self-confidence to keep going. Without it, it's almost impossible to get the ball rolling.

7 Ways to Be More Confident in the Office

1. Remember that you are equal

If you are looking at your superiors and feel that you are not equal, you need to change your mentality. Though they may have seniority in the workplace, it doesn't mean that they are better humans than you are. Seeing yourself as less than others will prevent you from reaching your potential as you won't feel like you are worthy of the same that your managers have. You—the same as everyone—have individual qualities that you bring to the table.

2. Aim to be a good person

Doing the wrong thing leads to negative feelings about yourself. Logically, doing to right thing promotes positive feelings about yourself. This will lift your self-esteem and, therefore, your confidence. Develop positive habits, be the kind person, help those who need it, and look for the good in others.

3. Be confident on the outside

There are so many great quotes about this: "fake it till you make it" and "appearance rules the world". Making an effort to look your best and dressing a little smarter than you need will boost your spirits. To others, you will come across as more confident, and when people start to treat you with confidence, it will be easier to start feeling it.

4. Celebrate all of your accomplishments

When we achieve our long-term goals, we celebrate. But these long-term goals, by definition, may take years. You need to break your goals down into smaller ones and celebrate each one, regardless of how big or small it is. It is also a good idea to celebrate the times where you have felt more confident. Rewarding yourself for all the steps along the way will fill you with motivation and make you feel more optimistic about the next steps.

5. Prepare for the worst

This is not the same as assuming the worst or thinking negatively. When you are prepared for the worst, you have mentally planned for all possible outcomes and will likely have a positive experience.

6. Feed your confidence with knowledge

Read the paper or online news, and watch documentaries. If you are unsure of something, Google the answer. The more you can learn, the better you will handle complex situations and defend your beliefs. There is no need to go overboard and become the “know-it-all”. And, bear in mind that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But if you can increase your general knowledge—when the time comes—you’ll have more confidence to act and speak your mind. You’ll also get more respect at work.

7. Learn how to handle negatives

It happens to the best of us, and at some point, we will receive negative feedback or even personal attacks. Treat negative feedback as constructive criticism—a tool that you can learn from and improve. You can’t let personal attacks get you down. Bounce the attack off your mind like a tennis ball off a racquet and concentrate on your positive qualities. Don’t permit the negatives in and allow them to lower your confidence.