Boost Your Confidence at Work With These Steps

Confidence is a companion of success — in and out of the workplace. Armed with confidence, you are more likely to gain workplace recognition and be a satisfied worker. Here are a few simple strategies for boosting your confidence in the workplace.

Tell people you will finish the task

Stating your intentions to yourself is one thing — verbally broadcasting them in the workplace is another. Let your co-workers know when you have reached an important milestone (without being boastful). Share the task that was completed, who partnered with you to make it happen, and how the task impacts the greater good of your organization. Doing this will boost confidence from within and boost credibility in the process.

Inhale confidence, exhale doubt

You are your own worst critic. It’s human nature to have negative thoughts, but the sign of a truly confident person is someone who can let the negativity pass. This practice is called emotional agility —  a mindful act of managing your thoughts and feelings.

Emotional agility a critical step to career success. In fact, a University of London professor Frank Bond said emotional agility can help alleviate stress, reduce errors, allow us to be more innovative and effective in the workplace.

What’s the first step to do this? When you come across a negative thought in the workplace — instead of dwelling on it, change your thought process. If the thought is not constructive, let it pass. When the brain cycles negative banter, it wastes energy and reduces confidence.

Be open to others’ opinions

“Confidence never comes from having all the answers — it comes from being open to all of the questions” – Anonymous.

You do not need to be omniscient to be a confident member of the workforce, but you should be open to ways of doing things. The most confident workers welcome feedback from others and do not see it as a threat. If the opinions are in the form of criticism, assess the situation and critic, then act accordingly.

Surround yourself with a tribe of positivity

You are who you hang out with. Surround yourself with positive coworkers. We all have experienced conversations with the “office nag.” Think about how you feel coming out of a conversation with that person. You feel drained and depleted of energy.

On the flip side, think of the feeling you get after a conversation with a co-worker with uplifting positivity. We feel supported, happy, and energized to work. GovLoop contributor Meiko Patton advises: “Choose your associates wisely. A good rule to go on is this: Are your workmates anchors or engines? An anchor pulls you down while an engine rejuvenates and revitalizes you. Which type do you want to be around?”

Hanging out with the right crowd can truly affect your overall happiness and confidence in the workplace.

Gain new soft and hard skills

The modern-day workforce is competitive — and demands constant growth. Developing new skills not only has an effect on your ability to get noticed and promoted in your organization, but also benefits your overall confidence. Here are some quick-fix professional development opportunities:

• Watch a TED talk.
• Tune into a GovLoop webinar.
• Read a new book.
• Get a mentor or professional coach.
• Seek a higher degree.

There is always room for improvement, and learning new skills will not only enhance proficiency at your job, but will also boost confidence.

Take pride in your outer appearance.

A study conducted by Columbia University reveals the cognitive consequence of dressing for success: “Wearing more formal clothing was associated with higher action identification level and greater category inclusiveness” and “the clothing worn influences cognition broadly, impacting the processing style that changes how objects, people, and events are construed.”

Shower, dress up, look your best… It’s scientifically proven.