??5 Ways to Develop Confidence in the Workplace: The Key to a Successful Career

There is no dearth of talented people in this world, but only a fraction of them are able to convert their talent into success. True, goal setting is a great catalyst when it comes to reaching the pinnacle of success. Using the right steps to set productive and clear goals helps us understand how to put our abilities to proper use. But of what benefit is it to set goals, if you don’t even believe in yourself?

Think about this, how many times have you questioned your ability when a new opportunity knocked your door? How many times have you wondered whether you had what it takes to assume that position of responsibility? How did it make you feel when you doubted yourself so?

Today, if there is one aspect that most working professionals struggle with, it is confidence. So many talented working professionals are unable to make their presence known in their discipline, simply because they are hesitant to share their ideas and express their feelings. It is unfortunate that despite being enormously talented, most professionals let their ideas, innovations, and abilities go to waste, just because they think that they don’t have it in them.?

WHY CONFIDENCE CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOU

"I cannot do it. What if I fail?"

How familiar does this statement sound? Have you ever thought so yourself? Or have you ever heard someone say something along these lines and wondered, “How can such a talented person even think like that?”

Confidence starts from being self-aware. It is important to be aware of your abilities and strengths, but it is even more important for you to believe that you have all that it takes to build a better tomorrow for yourself. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there is no dearth of talented people on this planet, but only a few of them go on to become successful. Did these people become successful because they were born lucky, fortunate or prepared for success? Of course not!

Like every other person, people who make it to the top, face their own set of struggles and obstacles before they touch the pinnacle. The difference is that their belief in themselves is stronger than the odds they are faced with. And unlike what most people would think, this is not something that they were born with. It is something that they honed with time and persistence – something that you too, could hone!

How many times have you held yourself from stepping out of your comfort zone for the fear of something going wrong? If you were to embrace the challenges that life throws at you with open arms, who knows, you would have done wonders! Even if you were to encounter a setback, your self-confidence would spring you back to your feet and get you going in no time.

Research suggests that confidence is the key to improved performance. A study by the University of Melbourne found a direct correlation between high confidence levels in primary school kids and their career success as they moved forward in their professional life.

It is important to understand that confidence is not about feeling that you can do everything to perfection, it is about knowing that if you put your mind to it, no matter the obstacles, you will accomplish the task at hand! Confidence would transform you into someone, who be it in their personal or their professional life, knows what they’re capable of. Someone who never gives up during tough times and someone who is committed to keep striving until they achieve their set goals.

Your confidence is not only a catalyst in your attitude, perspective, mindset, and success, it also energizes the people around you. When you believe in every word you say, others believe in you that much more.?

HOW CAN YOU BUILD CONFIDENCE IN THE WORKPLACE?

There is a thin line between being confident and being over-confident. Over-confidence leads you to over-estimate your skills and often leads yourself and your team to failure because of improper planning. On the other hand, if you lack confidence and constantly doubt yourself, that leads to a mindset that focuses more on the problems instead of the solutions.

Therefore, it become necessary to find the right balance by:

• Changing your perspective

Instead of focusing on what you cannot do, focus on what you can do best. Channelize all your thoughts to your skills. You have spent great time and effort in developing your skills and there is no better time than NOW to put them to use. Gradually increase the difficulty of the tasks that you do, one step at a time to challenge your limits and step out of your comfort zone. This will help you realize that you have a lot of potential that you are yet to explore and will also give your confidence a boost.

• Developing new skills

Learning new skills helps you feel confident to take on challenging projects and assignments. Essential skills like presentation skills, public speaking, conflict management, organization, and planning puts you in a better position to conveniently tackle any unexpected situations. Skills like public speaking and presentation skills help you convey your ideas in a manner that helps you connect on a deeper level with the audience and even with those around you in a professional setting.?

• Working on your weaknesses

Often, it is our weaknesses that throws us off balance and gives our confidence a huge blow. If you feel like your weaknesses outweigh your strengths (which cannot be true; it only means that you have a lot of untapped potential within you), then choose one area that requires improvement and work on it. Working to overcome your weaknesses can be very empowering and a great way to instill perseverance in yourself.?

• Setting time-based goals for yourself

Start with smaller goals and then set to accomplish bigger ones. Don’t set goals that do not have a timeframe because, frankly a goal without a timeline is just a dream. If you really want to acquire the confidence, motivation and skills needed to move ahead in your professional life – you must set time-based goals and go on achieving them.

• Appreciating yourself

Every time that you achieve something, pat yourself on the back and appreciate yourself for doing it. You don’t have to become a star professional before you begin to appreciate yourself. Appreciate the efforts and results that your commitment has produced. Appreciate your courage to get back up despite the setbacks that you’ve faced. Appreciate your zeal and quest for personality development. More than wanting to be appreciated by those on the outside, develop a desire to look in the mirror and appreciate yourself first.

CONCLUSION

Confidence is an acquired skill, something that we learn through self-awareness and the right steps. It is among the top skills that employers look for in professionals and individuals seek to live a happy, content life. Confident people are not only a productive and efficient addition to the workplace and their community but also a source of positivity and motivation for others around them. Ultimately, among the many traits that leaders have – confidence is of paramount importance. Confidence is the first rung that will help you climb higher on the ladder of your career and eventual success.

What does confidence mean to you? Are you confident in your skills? Share with me in the comments below.