Claim Your Seat at the Table: Building Confidence for Career Advancement

Ever felt like you're sitting on the sidelines, watching others move forward in their careers, while you're left wondering, "Why not me?" Maybe you've got the skills, the knowledge, and the drive, but something's holding you back.

In many cases, that “something” may be your confidence – an area that many of us don’t admit is an area of our personal and professional make up that needs to be addressed.

Confidence isn't just about believing in yourself; it's also about convincing others to believe in you. How you show up every day directly influences the perception that others have about your ability to get things done.? It's the quiet assurance that your voice matters, your ideas are valuable, and your place is at the table.

So, how do you build that confidence?

1.?????? Own your achievements: Stop playing down your successes. Every victory, big or small, is worthy of celebration and recognition. Find ways to ensure others also know about your accomplishments but be very mindful to also recognize those who were instrumental in your success and that of the full team, as well.

2.?????? Learn to love your quirks: Everyone's got unique strengths and weaknesses. Embrace yours. They make you………….”you.” Remember, your individuality can be one of your greatest assets since you bring unique insights, perspectives and experiences into every situation you’re involved in.

3.?????? Step outside your comfort zone: Challenge yourself to try new things. The more you do to expand the edges of those things that you had previously thought you NEVER could or would do, the more you'll realize you can actually do it – and do it well. Whether it's taking a public speaking class, learning a new skill, or volunteering for a collateral duty in an unfamiliar area, stepping outside your comfort zone can boost your confidence.

4.?????? Network like a pro: Build relationships, seek mentors, and offer your expertise to others. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and leverage social media to connect with professionals who can be helpful in your career growth. You actually might be surprised that your next champion could actually be the person you met at the gas station who had the license plate cover from your alma mater. Amazingly, it does happen…

5.?????? Practice self-care: A healthy mind, body and spirit are essential for confidence. Make time for what you love, whether it's exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones, but also ensure to be mindful of not overcommitting to one side of your ‘work/life balance.’

6.?????? Visualize success: Imagine yourself confidently presenting your ideas, leading a team, or achieving your career goals. This can help rewire your brain to think positively and believe in your abilities.

7.?????? Practice positive self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Instead of quietly thinking, "I can't do this," say out loud, "I can achieve this!” Let your brain hear your voice say this definitively and fire yourself up about your decision to successfully achieve the outcome you desire.

8.?????? Seek feedback: Ask for constructive feedback from mentors, colleagues, or supervisors to identify areas for improvement. Feedback is truly a gift – even if you don’t feel it’s positive. You want and need to be in a posture of continuous improvement, so feedback can be a mechanism that can help you get out of your own way and build your confidence.

9.?????? Embrace failure: Everyone fails at some point, both personally and professionally. It’s how you accept, understand, embrace and learn from your failures that helps build your confidence to be successful in that endeavor the next time.

Remember, confidence isn't something you're born with; it's something you cultivate. It's about believing in yourself, knowing your worth, and daring to step into the spotlight.

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to claim your seat at the table. With the right mindset and strategies, you can build the confidence you need to succeed in your career.

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