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How to be Confident at Work
Psychology asserts that a lot of us suffer from low self-esteem at work, and yet, many of us remain unaware about the same. If you feel you are suffering from workplace blues, the Buzzle article below will tell you how to be confident at work.
You'll be surprised to know that workplace blues hit even the most confident people. While some recover pretty fast, others require time and encouragement to do so. One of quick tips you may want to know is to maintain a positive attitude towards work. An optimistic approach is the first step towards feeling confident; believe it or not, your colleagues and superiors will be surprised by this change of attitude and begin noticing you, which would increase your confidence level manifold. If your lack of self-confidence makes you feel low and keeps you from achieving greater heights at work, you can read the paragraphs below that enlist helpful pointers in this regard.
Find direction
- If you travel without a map or proper directions, you can easily get lost. Similarly, embarking on a career path without a proper direction can make you lose confidence.
- To begin with, create a career map by listing the areas you feel you lack confidence in. This could include your fear of making presentations or your inability to make a quick recovery after you have made a mistake.
- This list will provide you with a better picture of what is dampening your confidence level, and it guides you when you make improvements.
- Also, start adopting a positive attitude. Replace the "can nots" with more "cans".
- Keep in mind that you have the power to choose and make decisions that can have a positive impact at work. You are not powerless to change things.
- Do not become too pressured to effect change immediately. If you are relaxed and focused, you will accomplish more. Remember, you should only compete with yourself.
- Assume that you have just joined the company, or have just been posted to a new department.
- You may naturally be shy to start making new friends. But remember that shyness results because you focus too much on yourself, your fears, and your insecurities.
- Therefore, start focusing on others instead. Find a common ground. Show genuine interest in what your colleagues tell you; do not just nod mindlessly.
- Use the other person's name when you speak. This not only makes the conversation more personal, but it also helps you remember names more quickly.
- Finally, do not underestimate the power of a smile. A smile speaks volumes and makes you more approachable.
- Once your peers accept you, you will feel better about yourself.
- It may sound ironic, but taking risks actually boosts your self-confidence.
- You just have to adopt the right attitude at the beginning.
- Assume responsibility for the risk and have clear ideas about where you are heading.
- Having a positive attitude towards risk-taking is a good way to make great strides forward.
- Do not be caught up in the emotions brought on by criticism. Your confidence should not be hurt by inflated words like "always" or "never".
- Do not go into immediate denial or counter-attack mode. Instead, consider the source and decide if the person really has the expertise or knowledge to make his or her comments.
- If you decide that the words are not just empty accusations, look at it as an opportunity to improve yourself.
- Forget trying to control what others think of you. Instead, control what you can - your own thoughts and feelings.
- If you are doubtful about the colors to choose for your clothes, start safe and go with neutral and discreet tones.
- Wear colors that you feel might suit you. Being comfortable with how you look often translates to being comfortable with who you are.
- And, as you become more certain of yourself, you can spice up the look with a little color.
- Women can enhance their look with colorful scarves and accessories, and men can get away with colorful ties.