You won’t get that promotion.
You don’t have any real skills to bring to the table.
You’ll never get that top job.
Do any of these statements sound familiar? Negative self-talk is the most detrimental thing to your career. If you want to achieve those career goals, get that promotion and grab that top job, then you need to build your confidence!
Self-confident people believe that they have the skills, knowledge and ability to get the job and career they want.
Unfortunately, not all of us carry that unshakeable self-confidence. In fact, in most cases, confidence is something you can only build with practice.
Don’t let a lack of confidence hold you back in your career. Here are some ways to grow your confidence at work and enjoy the career you rightly deserve!
No matter where you are in your career, building self-confidence will help you to become your best professional self.
Employers admire self-confident people because they benefit from them. Confident employees are more positive contributors, they are great team players, they are more productive, are highly motivated and are great role models.
Increasing your confidence at work may sound challenging – especially if you suffer from self-doubt – but it’s something that can easily be learnt.
What value do you bring to your current workplace?
This might be hard to answer, but it’s a necessary question to ask. Knowing your value and how you are contributing to your work can help you to understand your career purpose.
Knowing what unique value you bring to your work will make it easier to find meaning in your career, which will boost your confidence and sense of self-pride.
Maybe it’s working for a company that has a strong mission of doing good in the world, maybe it’s mentoring others, maybe it’s simply being able to provide financial support to your family.
Lack of self-confidence can leave us feeling like we have nothing to offer in our jobs. Quick confidence boosting tip is to list your strengths and become familiar with your abilities and achievements.
Make it a daily habit to review this list and come to the realization that you have a lot to offer in your career!
Try to build on your strengths every day. If you notice an opportunity at work that asks you to utilize your strengths, then go for it! Use and grow your strengths every chance you can get so that you have the confidence to go for positions or projects that you may have otherwise turned down.
If you find yourself lacking in confidence at work, then perhaps you need to evaluate whether you’re in the right career.
It’s one thing to lack confidence due to negative self-talk, but it’s another when your lack of confidence stems from being in a job that doesn’t match your capabilities.
Confidence in your career comes with being confident in your capabilities. If you’re not feeling comfortable with what you’re doing or aren’t at ease in your current working environment, then maybe it’s time to consider a career change.
If you aren’t feeling confident at work because you’re lacking in certain skill sets or qualities, then it’s a good time to consider upskilling!
No matter what career you’re in, sustained learning is vital for your personal and professional progression – not to mention your self-confidence.
There is an abundance of online courses, books, training videos and resources available to help you learn new skills that can boost your confidence and abilities. With your newfound skills, you are in a far better place to gain more responsibilities, promotions and advancements in your career.
One thing to remember is that your job/career doesn’t define you. While it may play a significant role in your life, tying your self worth to your work performance can be detrimental to your confidence.
No one will ever be perfect at what they do. Not even that high-flying CEO you aspire to become. So don’t beat yourself up if you’re not quite where you want to be.
Instead, your focus should be on progress and finding things outside of your career that makes you feel confident. Whether that’s your strong family values, doing a hobby you love, tending to your physical health or your ability to laugh in all situations.
If you look at yourself as a whole person, you’ll realize you have plenty to offer to your career and your confidence will naturally grow.
Essentially, confidence is knowing your worth and understanding the value you bring. In a career setting, having confidence can help you to achieve your goals and gain greater job satisfaction. Not everyone is naturally confident, even those who are good at what they do. That’s why building confidence in your career should be approached the same way as building a new skill. In time, practice will make perfect.
Our ICI Courses will help you start your career with confidence, providing you with all the skills you need to succeed in your chosen field. Contact us for more information on a specific course or how to enrol today.
Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.
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